fake 1970 Martin d-28?

[Lanceross]

I believe I ve been scammed on a 1970 Martin D28 i recently purchased a few days ago. I had a luthier look at it and he thought it was not authentic, Im sick about it. I called the seller back and he says it is authentic, and has absolutely no intention of doing anything about it. I heard that the Martin company will prosecute people that misrepresent their products, i dont know if they do. I have pictures of the areas where my Luthier says he doesnt believe its a real Martin guitar. Any help would be extremely appreciated.The headstock is not square as it should be, I do not know how to post pics, but if anyone is an expert in Martin guitars, i would love to send some pics to them and they can let me know what they think, Thanks, Lance

[LAPennell]

One thing I know about Martin is that their quality control would never have let that one out. Look at all the glue sloppily applied. I've bought tops, backs, and sides that didn't make it through Martin's quality inspection yet I could find nothing wrong with.

I'd be REAL skeptical about this one. I'd also consider contacting Martin about this (and possibly a lawyer if this guy doesn't want to refund you).

[Lanceross]

Thanks for the input, like I said, im sick about this, i dont know if a lawyer might cost more than i paid ($1000)

[Jigowatt]

I hope you didn't buy it at Waffle House.
Fake Martin D-28 (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/msg/1256545353.html) :facepalm:

[LAPennell]

Thanks for the input, like I said, im sick about this, i dont know if a lawyer might cost more than i paid ($1000)

You could probably get a lawyer to send a letter for pretty cheap. Basically insisting on a full refund. I'd also seriously consider contacting Martin and having them pursue actually nailing this guy's balls to the wall.

Sometimes you have to take a small hit in order to do the right thing. Unless you feel like this guitar is worth a grand, I'd be at that guy's house with the cops.

[irishstu]

Rounded headstocks are not out of the question.

From the book "Martin Guitars" by Richard Johnston, Dick Boak, Mike Longworth:

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/1995/headstock.png

( linked from http://books.google.com/books?id=tm_T54LtUnIC&pg=PA25&lpg=PA25&dq= )

The glue inside looks like it used to hold a label, rather than being sloppily applied.

I'm not saying it's definitely genuine, just a couple of things to consider.

It would be a good idea to contact Martin ASAP and see what they can tell you.

[Lanceross]

Thanks for all the information, glad to see different headstocks, I was told that was a dead giveaway, i guess you cant believe everything you hear. The top of this guitar has been refinished , I know thats not especially a good thing, (it may have even been replaced, I dont know). I really dont care as long as the guitar is authentic. I sent pictures to Martin last night , maybe they will know. thanks again

[mc5nrg]

How about a shot of the back of the headstock and tuners? If that hole in the brace is for a truss rod adjustment, its definitely not a 1970 Martin which did not have an adjustable rod. You also want to find out when they went to Herringbone binding again. How did you date that? Search out the vintage guitar site on provide.net or org -I forget. Maybe the BS part is the date. A real 1970 Martin would most likely have had the pickguard replaced- which are under the finish and mosr likely show some top cracking due to the old pickguard shrinking. What does the case look like? One tipoff is a Herringbone D28 for a grand? Why doesn't the guitar show any wear?

[kujozilla]

also you could check the martin guitar forum site it is pretty much nothing but experts on there also have you checked if the braces are scalloped? if they aren't then it isn't a martin and could be a sigma the guy just put a new headstock on

[mc5nrg]

Not all Martin braces are scalloped.

[kujozilla]

generally 1970's are

[Lanceross]

Martin sent me an e mail saying thatthe serial number is good, i believe someone retopped this guitar. everything about it except the top seems right. I guess I will just have to keep it and enjoy it, thanks for the replies

[TL4558P]

Looks legit to me. It's also a 1969.

[Reignman]

Don't take this the wrong way but "who cares"... If it sounds amazing, it's worth it. If not, why did you buy it? because it says martin...? Don't know why people go crazy over vintage parts/guitars etc... it baffles me..

Glad it turned out best for you.

[Lanceross]

Reignman, you are absolutely right, brand name does not make a guitar. This guitar does sound amazing, and after talking with Martin people, and having it looked over by a very experienced musician (extremely experienced with Martin guitars) Ive come to the conclusion that this is in fact a Martin that has had a new top put on it, and when the top was repaced, some modifications were made, so this guitar is not origional , but it sure does sound good. Thanks for all your help and input.

[kujozilla]

hey man i play a nagoya n18 and if it had martin on the headstock you'd swear it was a d18 so smile and be happy

[boxorox]

Martin discontinued scalloped bracing in the '40's, and didn't start it again until the late '70's. Ditto Herringbone. The adjustible truss rod visible through the sound hole was not adopted until 1985. And while Martin headstocks of the period were not truly "squared" this one looks way too gumby.
Now if Martin seems to think it's OK, I'm with them. All these things could be explained by repair/restoration. As a fact, it may be a better guitar for it, as early '70 era Martins were... inconsistant. Some were pretty bad.
As for accusations of cork sniffing, it does matter if it's a Martin, not because of the name on it, but because that's what it was represented as. Like it or not, part of the value of a Martin is, not the decal, but the history and reputation the company has earned over the last 200 years for manufacturing a superior product. Don't charge me for Krystal and serve me Boone's Farm.
Another issue is that if the date is correct, 1970, there are inconsistancies. Seller should disclose the nature of repairs and modifications, and who did the work. This is a question of ethics and fair business practice.
As said, your guitar may actually be superior to a stock '70 model. If you like it, keep it and enjoy it.