Rambler

ps Macca also used his D28 to play Words of Love in The REAL Buddy Holly Story." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRAv-7P0YKo. Don't forget to smile for the Camera...

According to the Fab guitars of the Beatles its a "C.F. Martin D-28 acquired by Macca 1968 (its serial number, 223757, identifies it as a 1967 model"). That would make it a non-herringbone, braz. rw model, which would make it a plain old D28 (like, a plain old Mercedes). Further, "this sweet-sounding dreadnaught surfaced during the "White Album" sessions (it's the one used on "Blackbird"), and can be seen in the "Two of Us" scene in the "Let It Be" film." Link to http://www.thecanteen.com/mccartney7.html main site:http://www.thecanteen.com/fabguitars.html ps martins didnt do labels until they started their artists series in the 90s. The stamp on the center brace was standard.

E/A brings up a good point about Dreads (Martin & clones). Large box =more top to move=more string. You might loose a little nuance that way but it brings the sound out. Same rule of thumb apples to J200s. Meds can be used selectively on smaller boxes. For ex, some Martin guys use a bigger string on 000s (24.5) for extra tension/response, so they are more like an OM (25.4)--no dog in that fight, just saying. And I tended to like the AJ and BK I had better with meds=again, more sound (the BK turned into the mouse that roared). Oth J45s I prefer lights.

Some of the Bozeman SJs Ive played had a flatter neck profile, more like a J185, but I imagine there is some variance there. But under under the hood? Pretty much the same.

Here's a link to one in action:

Great fingerpicking. Saw him way back when on a double bill with Kottke. The Leo and Leon show.

Old-time blues guys (fingerpickers) swear by ladder bracing. The sound is very direct and in your face. Minimal sustain for max clarity. Bold tone for bottlenecking. Mr Newhaven-- maybe you chime in on this? Ditto the caution re BKs. The hogs are 25.5; the bubinga 24.75s arent going to be as sweet). Built Ford tough (read: heavy). Anyway, a nice find Mr. N--from the first pick, it looks like the top had some nice silking...?