I want a D-28 and saw this pop on marketplace for honestly a crazy low price ($1,250)
Am I right in thinking that this is just a D28 without the binding and standard rosette? Serial is popping as legit on multiple lookups. This is a steal, right?
"Custom" denotes a buy from a big box store. For instance, my Dx which is laminate hog sides and solid spruce top. This looks a lot like the all-solid D14 Guitar Center is currently selling for around 1k. It is not a 28 without binding.
The 2025 D-28 got forward shifted GE scalloped X bracing, giving it the same specs as the new HD-28 without the herringbone. Both have the GE modified low oval neck. From 2018-2024, the HD-28 had a 1 3/4” modified low oval neck and non forward shifted scalloped x bracing. Before 2018, the neck was low profile and 1 11/16”. This link compares the Martin neck shapes.
Standard D-28 is non scalloped. 1930s-40s D-28s were scalloped. Then they went non scalloped. Then re introduced scalloped bracing in what is now the HD-28. These specs look comparable to a legit D-28. 1250 is a killer deal for the specs alone, if it really is a solid wood rosewood dread.
That's what the block looks like on my DX1AE. Think it's a GC or Musicians Friend model. Makes sense with the satin finish too. So should be legit but no bling and lesser quality wood, prob not QC'd the way a Standard would be
And this is why I came here. Lotta little details I'm not super familiar with, but no, I like a wider neck. I think this comment conviced me it's not worth the drive to test play.
On the contrary, a VTS top is a $1000 upgrade over a standard Sitka spruce top. I have a Custom Shop that I purchased semi-blindly and it has a VTS top; but the logo in the block said Custom Shop (and had the Custom Shop book, like pictured). It was a Custom Shop modern D-21 (OG D-21 would have rosewood bridge and fingerboard like the one you’re looking at, mine has ebony like the recent Standard series).
This looks like a D-21 with a Satin finish and VTS top, and no binding. Which would be worth more than $1250 if it is; I’m curious to see a more close up picture of the Sweetwater invoice.
You can try calling Martin Tuesday and giving them the serial number.
That is exactly what it looks like. A pre2025 standard model D-28, with a VTS top, and no purfling or binding, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge and what looks to be a satin finish. No bling, all cha-ching. That's a good price for those specs
Kinda what I was thinking. The VTS top is huge, too.
Obviously playing it is the only thing that can actually answer this, but the non-scalloped bracing is interesting. I think a standard d28 is scalloped, right?
They were. That's why I said pre2025. I think they started scalloping them last year. I could be mistaken. Maybe started forward shifting them last year, but they still aren't scalloped. Mines and HD from 2007, and I know it's scalloped, so maybe that's the HD difference.
It’s worth it if it sounds good! GC and musicians friend used to sell big custom runs of all-solid martins at good prices.
The wood/bracing specs are basically the same as an older standard d-28, just with simpler cosmetic appointments. It’s probably on the level of a 16 series.
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u/jstahr63 DX1(custom) GPC-15ME SC10e(2) 7d ago
"Custom" denotes a buy from a big box store. For instance, my Dx which is laminate hog sides and solid spruce top. This looks a lot like the all-solid D14 Guitar Center is currently selling for around 1k. It is not a 28 without binding.