2021 Martin D-28 Authentic 1937 Aged Steel String Acoustic Guitar-Used

1937 has long been considered a high point for Martin Dreadnoughts, because the changes to the top bracing and neck width that followed in ’38 and ’39 hadn’t happened yet. It’s not surprising that Martin initially focused on 1937 for its Authentic models, and spent a lot of time analyzing surviving examples to get it right. This one from 2021, made with Madagascar rosewood back and sides, was also given an “aged” or “relic” treatment in the final stages of construction which added some lacquer checking and playing wear to the surface. Although the lack of fret wear suggests it hasn’t seen that many hours of actual use, at some point the guitar was bounced (perhaps while in the case) resulting in a barely visible hairline crack in the neck heel, which Gryphon repaired (and is now almost impossible to detect even when you know where it was). This example has a beautiful Adirondack top, and all the warmth and bass that has made these Dreadnoughts famous. If the legendary pre-war D-28 sound is what you’re after here’s a solid contender.