Up for sale, a 1971 Martin D-35 in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original molded hardshell case and fitted with a K&K Pure Mini pickup system. This Martin has received all the maintenance due its vintage via the team at Portland Fretworks, including a full refret with vintage spec fretwire, replacement pickguard, and reglued bracing. Tonewoods include East Indian rosewood back and sides, an X-braced Sitka spruce top, mahogany neck, and ebony fingerboard and bridge.
Unique to the D-35 among Martin's dreadnought body guitars, the instrument features lighter 1/4" bracing, as opposed to the 5/16" bracing seen on its counterpart, the D-28. This feature, combined with the D-35's unique three-piece rosewood back, delivers a sound that is lively and articulate. The instrument offers tons of projection, with Martin's signature piano-like clarity and a high volume ceiling. This D-35 is also notably punchy and immediate, with a very dynamic feel and crisp, plucky treble response, and the K&K Pure Mini 3-transducer pickup faithfully captures the natural tone of the instrument. Weighing 4lbs 15oz, this D-35 has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and easy-playing action.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Medium depth soft V, measuring .850” 1st fret, .980” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, dot inlay
-Frets: Slender, refret, flawless
-Scale Length: 25.4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”, bone (upgraded)
-Tuners: Grover Rotomatics, “Pat. Pend”
Body Specs:
-Wood: Sitka spruce, Indian rosewood
-Bridge: Ebony, bone saddle, rosewood bridge plate
-Plastics: Black pickguard (replacement)
-Serialization: Stamp on heel block dates to ‘71
-Pickup: K&K Pure Mini 3-transducer
There are two tiny, professionally stabilized splits beneath the replacement pickguard, and the gloss nitro lacquer finish exhibits subtle checking across the body. This Martin has never necessitated a neck reset, and while the saddle is relatively low, action is well within spec and very comfortable in all registers. Portland Fretworks also ensured all original bracing is properly secured. Cosmetic wear includes minor buckle rash central to the back, some pick wear across the soundhole, and just a few minor nicks on the body as a whole, largely along the lower bout rim. The neck profile retains its smooth finish, free of palm wear.
The original blue molded hardshell case is included.