When Martin rolled out the D-35 in 1965, it brought a different sound and vibe to the world of rosewood dreadnoughts. The distinctive three-piece back and bound Ebony fingerboard set the D-35 apart visually from other Martin models. But the expressive, quarter-inch bracing under the hood are what deliver the refined, cutting tone that inspired generations of players, from Johnny Cash to Seth Avett. The D-35 is a versatile guitar you won't want to put down.
This D-35 (serial #281303) left Nazareth, Pennsylvania in 1971. It features a gorgeous three-piece back with two outer pieces that show nice book match, and the darker color of the center piece provides beautiful contrast. Over the years, the neck has been reset, the saddle has been replaced, and the Ebony fingerboard has been refretted. There is a repaired top crack on the lower bout that runs from the end pin to the edge of the binding, and there is a repaired pickguard crack. At some point along the way, a pickup was installed, so there's an end pin jack, which is currently disengaged. There is also a strap button added to the neck heel.
While this 1971 D-35 has certainly been played and enjoyed over the years, the setup is excellent, and it's in nice cosmetic condition for its age. The neck heel has some wear from a strap up against it, and there are some minor scuffs and play wear around the body, as well as some worming on the back from zippers and buttons (see photos). Fortunately no deep gouges, damages to the binding/trim, or really any signs of mishandling. All in all, this is a hard-working used Martin dreadnought with a lot to offer. The refret isn't the cleanest job—most of the frets are sit a little high in the fret slot, but nevertheless the playability is really nice and there are no dead spots, buzzing or issues. Pretty low action for a vintage Martin!
This 1971 Martin D-35 produces the robust, powerful tone that makes this model famous. It has a nice woody character that packs plenty of punch and no shortage of midrange. When you dig in, this guitar explodes across the room, but it is not lacking in nuance when you approach it with a lighter touch. The D-35 is a great all-around Martin dreadnought, and a nice step away from the more common D-18 and D-28 sounds. The original Grover Rotomatic tuners hold tune nicely, and the neck profile feels just right—plenty to grab onto without dipping into the "baseball bat" territory. The nut width measures 1-11/16" and includes its original hardshell case.