I am offering a Martin D12-28 Natural from 1973, the legendary manufactured in Nazareth, Pennsylvania (USA), all solid timber Vintage 12-string dreadnought luxury acoustic guitar model with fine Sitka spruce top over a X-bracing, back and sides made of dark Indian rosewood, set-in mahogany neck with soft V-neck profile and 47.6mm bone nut, fine ebony fingerboard with classic mother-of-pearl dot inlays, ebony bridge with bone saddle and Grover 6-on-a-plate tuners in an authentically aged natural high-gloss nitrocellulose finish with multi-ply Boltaron bindings in excellent original condition, including black Martin Deluxe hardshell case and professional luthier setup with 10-gauge Elixir strings.

This traditional D-14 Fret Dreadnought acoustic guitar in a 12-string version is made from the finest materials and comes with an exceptionally tasteful, timeless look. The 12-string dreadnoughts of the 28 series—guitars with solid Sitka spruce tops, backs, and sides made from solid Indian rosewood bodies—have been an integral part of Martin for five decades, and since their introduction in 1970, the D12-28 has not changed much. It is still considered THE iconic 12-string dreadnought and has been played by countless of the most famous guitarists, from Eric Clapton to David Gilmour to Johnny Marr. This D12-28 from 1973 comes from the sought-after early years of production and impresses with its special vintage charm.

When selecting the top wood, it is clear that expertise and experience were already directly incorporated into Martin's guitar construction in the 1970s. A finely resonant Sitka spruce top provides a bright and powerful sound experience, especially in the mid and high frequencies, with numerous overtones that linger for a long time. Due to its strong vibration behavior, the top, in combination with the proven X-bracing, builds up an incomparable dynamic that impressively highlights both classic strumming and picking.

The back and sides made of Indian rosewood also provide clear, cleanly defined bass tones for three-dimensional tonal depth. This allows the guitar to produce its characteristic voluminous, orchestral tone, which nevertheless conveys a warm note.

A sound sample of the model (only from 1972) can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

The combination of a short 633mm scale length, a wide 47.6mm bone nut, a soft V neck profile, and low string action ensures a comfortable and smooth playing feel.

Visually, the guitar impresses at first glance with its subtly darkened natural high-gloss nitro finish combined with classic details such as the mother-of-pearl dot inlays in the black ebony fingerboard and the white Boltaron body bindings with multi-ply purfling.

Technical specifications:

• Origin: Nazareth, PA, USA
• Year of manufacture: 1973
• Body shape: 14-fret dreadnought
• Top: Sitka spruce (solid)
• Back/sides: Indian rosewood (solid)
• Bracing: X-bracing
• Neck: Mahogany, set-in
• Neck profile: Soft V
• Fingerboard: Ebony with mother-of-pearl dot inlays
• Frets: 22
• Nut: 47.6mm, bone
• Bridge: Ebony with bone saddle
• Tuners: Grover 6-on-a-plate
• Body bindings: White, multi-ply
• Rosette: Concentric rings, multi-ply
• Pickguard: Black
• Finish: Natural high gloss, nitrocellulose
• Scale length: 633mm
• String action (at 12th fret): 2.0mm (e1) / 2.5mm (E6)
• Serial no.: 319433
• Includes black Martin deluxe hardshell case

These early Martin D12-28s are now extremely rare in such good condition. Among others David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) used a 1971 Martin D12-28 to write and record "Wish you were here"!

This Martin D12-28 is in excellent condition, extremely well maintained, and technically flawless. Visually, the guitar has taken on a beautiful vintage patina and shows only little occasional superficial wear (see pictures). The frets are still in top condition.

The instrument has been professionally set up by a luthier with 10-47 Elixir 80/20 strings, and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it fully insured with DHL for €49.99 within Germany or €99.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping is possible—individual shipping costs available upon request.

All pictures shown are of the actual instrument for sale.