The Martin D-28 Authentic 1937 VTS Aged Acoustic Guitar showcases Martin's foray into the world of aging their guitars. What more appropriate model than one replicating the revered 1937 D-28! The Authentic Series is steeped in reproducing Vintage models and this guitar is expertly aged to look as though it were made in 1937, played a lot but loved and cherished even more. Read on to learn more about this new series from Martin!
Perhaps the most revered vintage D-28s are the ones created in 1937 with forward-shifted hand-scalloped X-bracing, Adirondack red spruce soundboard, and a 1 3/4" neck width. This addition to the Authentic series is a recreation of the original 1937 model offered with Madagascar rosewood back and sides. Martin’s new Vintage Tone System (VTS) is employed for the top and braces.
An Adirondack Spruce top starts the conversation. This species of spruce is stiffer than the average piece of sika spruce which results in the ability to be louder and crisper, especially when flat-picked. Martin takes it to the next level by giving it the VTS treatment which stands for Vintage Tone System. This system uses a unique recipe that is based on the historic torrefaction process. VTS acts much like a time machine in which Martin can target certain time periods and age the top/braces to that era. This focused method allows Martin’s craftsmen and craftswomen to recreate not only the pleasing visual aesthetics of a vintage guitar, but also reproduce the special tones previously reserved for vintage instruments.
The body is made from solid Madagascar Rosewood. The wood selected for this very guitar appears very similar to many examples of older Brazilian Rosewood that we have seen on vintage Martins. It is not nearly as crazy or colorful as some of the stuff you'll see but it certainly is true to what you'd find on a late 30's Dread! The guitar sounds rich, warm, dense, and is jam packed with happy harmonics! Seriously, this thing sounds amazing!
The neck is made from Genuine Mahogany and topped with an Ebony Fingerboard. The fingerboard carries a 16" radius for a uniformly flat feel. The nut measures in a 1 and 3/4" which certainly provides a wide fretting surface. The neck is shaped to a modified V profile, great for the chordal player, and finger picker. The fingerboard inlay pattern is the 1937 Diamonds and Squares made from Abalone. This is an understated design element that is both simple and tasteful. The body and neck are glued together using Hide Glue, an adhesive that needs to be heated up and worked with quickly in order for it to work. This glue takes a true expert, no company does it better than Martin!
