1969 Martin D-35

$5,900

(With Free Shipping)

 

This 1969 Martin D-35 has TONS of mojo, but it is 100.0% crack free and needs no repairs.  

 

Moreover, this example has never had a neck reset and doesn't need one.  The action is very comfortable at .090" (5.5/64") on the bass side and .065" (4/64") on the treble side.  It's hard to know for sure, but I suspect that the bridge was most likely shaved down at some point.  If so, the work was done beautifully - so much so that I can't say for certain whether it has been shaved - and the saddle slot still has plenty of depth.   

 

This D-35 has beautifully figured Brazilian rosewood back and sides which have been mated to an exceptionally responsive Sitka spruce top. 

 

The figuring on the back and sides is stunning.  I've read and heard comments about the highly figured Brazilian from the late 60's being inferior "stump wood."  After owning and playing this D-35, I'm not buying the "stump wood" narrative anymore.  This one has all of the depth and brilliance of the straightest-grained Brazilian guitars I've ever owned (or ever played, for that matter). 

 

One attribute that some folks would consider to be a negative is that this guitar has the large rosewood bridgeplate.  Does the rosewood plate result in a different tonal signature?  Yes, I would say it does.  Is the tone inferior to a D-35 with the smaller maple bridgeplate?  Not in my opinion.  I just think it sounds different - not better or worse.  I would describe it as a warmer and more mellow tone, and less "chimey" than the smaller maple bridgeplate.    

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This guitar responds well to a light touch.  Indeed, if you like the 1 11/16" nut and the string spacing, then this D-35 is a fingerpicker's dream dreadnought. 

 

Having played dozens of D-35s from the era, I would rate this one as the sweetest and easiest playing example I've ever picked up.  It isn't the loudest example I've ever played, but it is the sweetest and most balanced.  It has just the right amount of bass, unlike some examples I've played that just had too much "whomp" on the bottom end.    

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Two small, but noteworthy repairs are where an old strap button was patched and where an old pickup jack was patched near the end pin.  You'll see both of those in the photos.  The repairs were nicely done and look even better in person.  

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There are also two spots on the back of the guitar (clearly visible in the photos) where someone apparently buffed all the way through the lacquer.  This exposed the Brazilian rosewood to the open air, which resulted in the natural oils in the wood seeping to the top and making those spots slightly "redder" in color than the rest of the surrounding wood, which is still lacquered over.

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Finally, I'll point out that the decal on the headstock is unusually dark and faded.  I'm not sure what would have caused this.  The headstock has not been oversprayed and there is no damage to the headstock whatsoever.  It's purely a cosmetic issue, but I wanted to make sure I called it to your attention.

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The neck is a very nice and comfortable "C" profile.  The finish has been worn off the back of the neck from years of play, leaving a very slick texture and the raw wood has darkened nicely over the years.  If you like a fast neck on your acoustics, you'll LOVE this one.

 

The binding is in much better shape than you typically see on these 60's D-35 guitars.  There are no cracks or separations, and the binding is all original.

 

As mentioned above, the action on this guitar is very comfortable, measuring .090" on the low E and .065" on the high E.  The saddle is low and probably can't go any lower, but I don't think you would want to go lower or you would probably get fret buzz.  And there is sufficient break angle over the saddle, so I believe this guitar won't need its first neck reset for many more years.  (The only factor that might change that last statement is if you intend to use medium (.013) strings on it, which I imagine would make the action somewhat higher.)

 

No cracks, bellying, or other irregularities in the top.  The top is just checked and worn from honest play over the last 55 years, but all of the wear and tear is strictly cosmetic and the top is in fantastic condition.  

 

The original black pickguard has been replaced with a beautiful tortoise-colored pickguard that was custom fitted and thinned to minimize any dampening effect on the top.     

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Comes in the original case which, like the guitar, shows its age.  However, the case is still in very good condition.  (photos of case will be added soon)

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No electronics on this guitar.

 

Specifications:

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• 100% crack free guitar

• Gorgeous figured Brazilian rosewood 3-piece back and sides

• Crack free Sitka spruce top

• Original bracing is 1/4" (000 size) for more responsiveness

• Original rosewood bridgeplate

• 1 11/16" bone nut (can't tell if it is original or a replacement)

• 2 3/8" spacing at the saddle

• Replacement Martin plastic bridge pins

• Original frets in excellent condition, having been leveled, crowned and polished

• Original Grover Rotomatic tuners in excellent working condition

• Strung with .012 -.053 gauge Martin Retro (monel) strings

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All TERMS OF SALE apply.

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