Martin entered the 12-string market in 1964, a time when the instrument had become an essential voice in the folk revival and was finding its way into rock, country, and contemporary acoustic music. Drawing from the company's proven dreadnought platform, the D12-28 delivers the expansive shimmer and harmonic richness players expected from a 12-string while maintaining the balance, projection, and build quality that had defined Martin guitars for generations. By 1974, the model had become one of Martin's flagship 12-string guitars and remains among the company's most enduring interpretations of the 12-string format.
This D12-28 (serial #345559) is one of 630 made in 1974. It features the classic Martin Style-28 dreadnought design and features, but with a 12-string neck for the expanded harmonic range. Because of the sturdy, perhaps over-built approach of the '70s Martins, this D12-28 is a hard-working 12-string. On other dreadnoughts, the '70s oversized rosewood bridge plate is seen as a disadvantage, but it adds stability and strength to prevent the top from warping with the higher tension of 12 strings. The non-scalloped braces are burly, too, and they help the D12-28 stay together. When you dig into the strings, the top can handle it, and the result fills the room with cascading 12-string sound.
This 1974 D12-28 is in nice shape all around. Sure, it shows some scuffs and signs of use, but this is a clean vintage guitar. It looks like the neck has been reset and the fingerboard has been refretted. It's possible the bridge was reglued at the time as well. It hasn't been spared from the pickguard crack that is common with old Martins, and the body is in great structural shape. On the inside, the original rosewood bridge plate shows some wear at the pin holes. The original sealed Grover tuners hold tuning nicely. We like it tuned down D to D, which relieves the tension on the neck and makes it easier to play. The D12-28 is a long-scale dreadnought, so it can be a bit of a bear to play sometimes. The lower tuning relieves the tension and subtly lowers the action. It also resonates and sustains in a really cool way that enhances the 12-string sound.
This 1974 Martin D12-28 is a charming 12-string guitar with vintage vibe and character that match its big, shimmering sound. It's a fun guitar to play, and within a few minutes of playing, its inspiring sound leads you in new directions musically. The nut width measures just shy of 1-7/8" (1.877" on the digital caliper), and the neck profile is a soft but substantial V shape. Great 12er! It includes its original molded plastic hardshell case.