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.
This DC-28E was made in 2006, and it features a cutaway for expanded access into the upper register. It's a classic Martin dreadnought with a Sitka Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides. Now discontinued, the DC-28E model was offered with a factory-installed a Fishman VT Ellipse pickup. In 2006, this pickup system was cutting edge because it allows you to blend in a microphone image and capture a more natural tone plugged in.
The nut on this 2006 DC-28E measures 1-11/16," and the string spacing is 2-3/16" at the saddle. While many Style-28 Martins have Ebony parts, this DC-28E has a Rosewood fingerboard and matching Rosewood bridge. In 2006, the Standard Series had a more modern-feeling neck profile, whereas these days they're going for a bigger, vintage-inspired carve.
This 2006 Martin DC-28E has been properly cared for over the years, so it finds us in excellent cosmetic condition. It originally had a Tusq plastic saddle, so we fit a proper bone saddle for it. That led to a noticeable improvement in sound, but the new bone saddle will be more durable over time, and it allows us to dial in a low, inviting setup. This DC-28E is a great player with the tone to match. It includes a Martin 300-Series hardshell case.