1953 Martin D-28 Mystery Top
Description
Spring Sale!
This guitar actually started out in 1949 and was more than likely retopped circa 1953 by Martin. The kerfing extending out from the xbrace is mismatched a bit. According to John Arnold this would more than likely point to a retop. He informed me that he has seen it a lot in that Martin would just piece the kerfing in those places after doing a retop instead of redoing it all.
After seeing and owning several 1953 Mystery Tops over the years it was my opinion that it looked like a 1953 top and that it was Martin work. John confirmed this for me recently. Although there is some debate whether the 53’s were Red Spruce or Engleman, John simply said, ‘’It’s definitely not Sitka!’
And it doesn’t sound like it either! It has had a recent refret and neck reset recently by Judge Wolfe. One outer edge small pickguard crack repaired. Awesome sounding guitar with non original case.
This guitar actually started out in 1949 and was more than likely retopped circa 1953 by Martin. The kerfing extending out from the xbrace is mismatched a bit. According to John Arnold this would more than likely point to a retop. He informed me that he has seen it a lot in that Martin would just piece the kerfing in those places after doing a retop instead of redoing it all.
After seeing and owning several 1953 Mystery Tops over the years it was my opinion that it looked like a 1953 top and that it was Martin work. John confirmed this for me recently. Although there is some debate whether the 53’s were Red Spruce or Engleman, John simply said, ‘’It’s definitely not Sitka!’
And it doesn’t sound like it either! It has had a recent refret and neck reset recently by Judge Wolfe. One outer edge small pickguard crack repaired. Awesome sounding guitar with non original case.