Since the 14-fret iteration was unveiled in 1934, the Martin D-28 has set the standard by which all acoustic guitars are judged. With massive bass response and articulate high end detail, it's easy to understand why the D-28 has been the choice of guitarists across a wide array of genres and generations of players. The D-28 is the quintessential workhorse. From Hank Sr. and Johnny Cash to Neil Young, The Beatles, and Jimmy Page, every guitarist sounds right on a D-28.
By the late '70s, the Martin company had grown substantially, but the D-28 hadn't changed much. At that point, Brazilian Rosewood was no longer available, so the D-28 was built with East Indian Rosewood back and sides. This D-28 (#400960) dates to 1978, and although it left the Martin factory as a standard D-28, it finds us with tasteful customizations and character like no other.
In the '80s, the original owner brought this D-28 to famed New Jersey luthier Phil Petillo. While it was in his shop, Phil refretted the neck and gave it the famous "Petillo Frets" treatment. But he didn't stop there—the original owner had Phil add an elaborate marquetry pickguard and custom bridge with matching marquetry inlays. The customizations are elegant and elaborate without being ostentatious, and the workmanship is neat and impressive.
This 1978 D-28 is in nice cosmetic condition. There are minor bumps and bruises all around and some wear to the middle of the back (see photos), but fortunately nothing too severe. It has a repaired partial neck break underneath the fingerboard behind the 1st and 2nd fret. It is 100% stable, but it does show a witness line. The original rosewood bridge plate has been reinforced with a thin strip of Maple, and it has had a few pickups installed over the years but no pickup at this time. The old end pin jack is still in place, and there is a second jack mounted on the treble side. There is also a strap button added to the bass side, right next to the neck heel.
In the luthier/guitar tech world, Phil Petillo is a legend. His client list is a who's who of famous musicians: Bruce Springsteen (and members of his band such as Nils Lofgren and Garry Tallent), Tom Petty, Keith Richards, Steve Miller, Jim Croce, Johnny Cash, James Taylor, Paul McCartney, Tal Farlow, Paul Stanley, and the list goes on and on. When it was in his shop, Phil gave this D-28 unique vibe and charm. It doesn't look like other D-28s, and in your hands, it feels like a true individual.
This 1978 D-28 plays nicely with light-gauge strings and medium-high action. 1978 was before Martin introduced adjustable truss rods, and there's not much room remaining on the saddle for future adjustment. With that in mind, it may require a neck reset to get the action super low in the future. But at this time, it plays smooth and easy where it is. It includes its original molded plastic hardshell case.