Martin D-28 Employee (1966)

Martin / 1966 D-28 Employee

[Demo Video]

"A highly rare model, with only one in the world"

"Employee" refers to a model crafted by a Martin employee for their own personal use.

Since the Employee model reflects the builder’s personal preferences, it features unique specifications not found in standard models.
We also believe that the builder likely selected the wood specifically for this instrument.

The "D-28" engraved on the neck block suggests that this instrument was crafted with the D-28 as a model.
Although there is no serial number engraved, the wood used suggests it is a 1960s model.

Also, when looking through the soundhole at the center back bracing, one can see a brand mark reading “C.F. Martin & Co. NAZAREETH PA, MADE IN USA.” Since this instrument lacks such a mark, I imagined that perhaps this step was omitted, and instead, the builder devoted the time and effort saved to the assembly process to create this instrument.

—Brazilian rosewood with a beautiful straight grain

Brazilian rosewood, with its eye-catching fine-grained stripes, is used for the sides and back.
The fact that the sides also feature Brazilian rosewood with a beautiful, fine-grained striped pattern suggests that high-quality wood was carefully selected.
The binding is wrapped in 3P celluloid.

—Center Strip

The center strip adorning the center of the Brazilian rosewood back features a pattern commonly known as the "checkerboard" pattern.
This pattern was introduced in 1947, replacing the previous zigzag pattern.

— Spruce with an Amber Hue

The top is made of spruce, the binding is 6-ply celluloid, and the rosette surrounding the soundhole features the traditional 3-ring design found on the D-28 Recruit.
Additionally, the binding material was changed from ivoroid to Voltalon in 1966, and since this instrument also features Voltalon binding, we estimate it was manufactured in 1966.

—Tortoiseshell-patterned pickguard preserved in its original state

Tortoiseshell-patterned pickguards have been standard equipment since 1934, when the 14-fret D-28 was introduced, but their shape and color have changed over the years.
Until around the 1940s, the bottom edge of the pickguard curved gently, but by the 1950s, it had changed to a shape that was slightly flatter.
A dark tortoiseshell pattern like the one on this instrument began to appear on models from the 1960s.

—Jet-Black Ebony and Dot Inlays

The fingerboard is made of ebony and features mother-of-pearl dot position markers, but the 7th fret marker is particularly noteworthy.
While it is standard for the D-28 to have two dots, the size is what stands out.
While small dot position marks were used until 1945, the size was changed to a larger one starting in 1946, and this specification continued as the standard for later D-28 models.

—The bridge as a clue to determining the era

The bridge, made of ebony like the fingerboard, is fitted with a short saddle.
Saddles up to 1964 used long saddles, and based solely on the information about the 6-ply binding and the checkered back center strip, it is impossible to determine the exact year because long saddles were still in use at that time.
Since the short saddle fitted to this instrument began being used in 1965, we can infer that it dates from 1965 or later.

—Thick Neck Shape

I compared the grip of this mahogany neck to that of D-28s from the early and late 1960s. While those models feature a relatively thin V-shape (with some individual variation), this instrument features a thick, soft V-shape.
This is likely a reflection of the luthier’s personal preference for a thicker shape.

—Wide Headstock with Rounded Corners

The headstock, made of Brazilian rosewood veneer, does not feature a C.F. Martin decal.
This is a unique specification—whether it was the maker’s intention or not.

- Tuning machines with "PAT" engraving

Starting in 1958, the specification changed from Kluson shield-back tuners to Grover Rotomatic pegs.
A characteristic feature of models from the late 1960s, such as this one, is that the washers are a size larger.

[Specs/Included Case]
TOP: Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Brazilian Rosewood
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Ebony
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 43mm
SCALE: 646mm
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, dents, and scuffs typical of its age.
- The top has been over-lacquered.
- There is a crack repair (patch reinforcement) on the lower right of the SH.
- There is peeling celluloid on the left side of the body’s waist.
- There is a crack repair on the back of the headstock, extending from the right volute to the top of the 6th string peg.
-The back of the headstock has been refinished as part of the crack repair.
- The upper part of the center strip on the back of the body has been refinished.
- The back of the neck shows paint sagging due to lacquer softening.
- There are signs that the neck has been reset.
- The nut and bridge pins have been replaced with ivory.

[Playing Condition]
-String action at the 12th fret: 2.4mm on the 6th string side, 2.1mm on the 1st string side
- Saddle projection: approx. 1.0mm
- Although there is little saddle material remaining, the instrument plays comfortably.

*consignment
[Warranty Information]
Since this is a consignment item, our store warranty does not apply.
Of course, after purchase, we are happy to discuss adjustments, repairs, etc. (for a fee) upon request.
Please note that this item is not eligible for our mail-order trial service. (No returns accepted.)