John Lennon acquired his first Martin D-28 acoustic guitar in 1967 around the time that the video for The Beatles’ new song “Hello Goodbye” was filmed. From that point on, the D-28 played an integral role in Lennon’s songwriting and performances. Commemorating John Lennon’s incredible legacy and lasting contribution to music, and celebrating the 75th anniversary of his birthday (he would have turned 75 on Friday, October 9th, 2015), Martin Guitar is honoured to introduce the D-28 John Lennon 75th Anniversary edition. Limited to 75 instruments, this special guitar is a 14-fret Dreadnought crafted with a Vintage Tone System (VTS) Adirondack spruce top. The sides and back are bookmatched from solid Madagascar rosewood for a strong and powerful bass resonance – the back being inlaid with HD-28 style “zig-zag” peace sign marquetry. Genuine black ebony is selected for the fingerboard and belly bridge. The Madagascar rosewood headplate is adorned with John Lennon’s famous self-portrait illustration that rests beneath the Martin script logo, both inlaid in colourful shell. The guitar’s remaining inlay theme is inspired by several of Lennon’s song lyrics: “the moon, the stars and the sun” (from Instant Karma), the number “9” (Revolution #9, #9 Dream, etc.), Lennon’s round eyeglasses, and his signature, inlaid in mother of pearl between the 19th and 20th frets. The pickguard bears a large sun inlay (“Sun King,” “Here Comes the Sun,” etc.) in mother of pearl with rays that emanate toward the rosette that is circumscribed with nearly two dozen mother of pearl peace signs against a black background.

This incredibly rare signature model was released in 2016 and limited to 75 instruments, and isn't to be confused with the simpler John Lennon D-28 released a year later. These guitars are rarely seen for sale on the used market and are one of the most collectible Martin Guitars of their era. This particular guitar was acquired by a collector, and never removed from it's case until now! It's immaculate, with no playwear whatsoever and all the original paperwork, receipts, hang tags etc, still in the original case. The action is a perfect medium, and the tone is simply gorgeous - warm, inviting and full of character, with a natural reverb that makes simple chords sound enormous. A very rare, and very cool, signature Martin guitar! Includes original hardshell case.

Specs

Body Size: D-14 Fret
Finish Top: Gloss
Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
Back and Side Finish: Gloss
Bracing Pattern: Rearward-Shifted X-Brace
Scale Length: 25.4"
Brace Shape: Non-Scalloped
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4''
Top Material: Adirondack Spruce with VTS
Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
Back Material: Madagascar Rosewood
Neck Taper: High-Performance Taper
Side Material: Madagascar Rosewood