Martin D-35 1979

The Martin D-35 is one of the most revered dreadnought guitars in acoustic history. Introduced in 1965 as an alternative to the D-28, the D-35 features a distinctive three-piece back, which was initially designed as a workaround for Martin’s diminishing supply of wide, high-quality Brazilian rosewood. By 1979, Martin had transitioned to East Indian rosewood, but the D-35 retained its rich tone thanks to its lighter 1/4″ top bracing (compared to the D-28’s 5/16″ bracing), giving it a slightly more responsive and bass-heavy sound.

This particular example been refretted so it pleays great, and has a really beautiful rosewood fingerboard. It’s got standard playwear for its age but is structurally sound with no breaks or cracks. The tone is massive—deep, rich lows, clear highs, and a well-balanced midrange that works well for both fingerpickers and strummers.

The included original grey/blue ABS case is period-correct, one hinge has come apart. This is an outstanding and appreciating semi-vintage dreadnought that delivers the full-bodied Martin sound with exceptional playability.

SPECIFICATIONS

Body Shape: Dreadnought
Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides Wood: East Indian Rosewood (three-piece back)
Bracing: Scalloped 1/4″ X-Bracing
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Neck Profile: Low Profile (Standard for late ‘70s Martins)
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale Length: 25.4″ (645mm)
Nut Width: 1 11/16″ (42.9mm)
Bridge: Rosewood with Drop-In Saddle
Saddle Material: Bone
Nut Material: Bone
Binding: White
Tuners: Chrome Grover Rotomatics
Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Weight: ~2000g