Martin / 1955 D-28
In addition to being a legendary instrument famous for being used by many artists—including Paul McCartney, Hank Williams, and Clarence White overseas, and Kazuhiko Kato, Konosuke Sakazaki, and Kosetsu Minami in Japan—isn’t this perhaps the most famous guitar that popularized the Dreadnought style worldwide?
It excels in many genres, including country, bluegrass, and folk music.
I feel it is used by artists across a wide range of genres because its broad dynamic range and unobtrusive sound make it a perfect fit for any musical setting.
—Specification Changes Unique to 1955
The D-28 has been constantly updated with numerous specification changes since its debut in 1931.
The specification change in 1955 involved the shape of the pickguard.
Prior to 1955, the pickguard had a rounded shape, but starting in 1955, the lower edge was changed to a squared-off shape.
Remarkably, this instrument has retained its original condition without any cracks caused by differences in shrinkage between the pickguard and the wood.


Top Wood and Bracing
Spruce is used for the top.
Starting in 1947, the design was changed from herringbone trim to white/black multi-stripes, and this became the standard specification that continued into later years.
The binding is made of plastic Recruit.
The bracing was changed to non-scalloped bracing starting in 1944.

—Sides/Back
Straight-grained Brazilian rosewood is used.
The striped grain creates a beautiful appearance.
The center strip features a checkerboard pattern.

—Fingerboard
The ebony fingerboard features larger dots on the 7th fret, a change implemented in 1947.



—Neck
The mahogany neck features a V-shaped profile with just the right thickness.
I’m sure many of you would agree that this is the quintessential neck of a vintage D-28.

ーBridge
The ebony Downberry bridge is fitted with white bridge pins and a long saddle.

ーHeadstock
The headstock, made of Brazilian rosewood veneer, has a slightly rounded yet slim shape and features a script logo.

—Tuning Machines
The tuners are KLUSON shield-back tuners (commonly known as "waffle-back") Recruit.

[Staff Comment: Hoshino]

I feel that the D-28 is a special model among acoustic guitars.
I imagine many people have fond memories of listening to records or watching artists play this model, thinking, “Someday I’ll own a D-28!”
When strummed, it produces a powerful and beautiful tone.
[Specs/Included Case]
TOP: Sitka Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Brazilian Rosewood
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Ebony
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 42.5mm
SCALE: 645mm
CASE: Non-Original Hard Shell Case
[Repair/Modification History / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition, etc.]
*Please note that this is a used/vintage item, and the information provided is based on our inspection.
Please be aware of this in advance.
- It shows scratches, scuffs, dents, and weather checking typical for its age.
- The nut and saddle have been replaced.
- There are signs that the neck has been reset, which ensures comfortable playability.
- The neck has been relacquered.
[Playing Condition]
-String action at the 12th fret: 2.4mm on the 6th string, 1.6mm on the 1st string
- Saddle height: approx. 1.0 mm
- Although the saddle is set low, the action is comfortable, and there is no muffling or buzzing, so the playing condition is excellent.
[6-Month Warranty]
[Online Shopping Assurance Service]
Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument before purchase, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives.
Please take your time to try the product at home, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
*You are responsible for round-trip shipping costs.