Elvis' 1970s Martin D28

Elvis in concert Montgomery, AL February 16, 1977
Photo© courtesy Ms. Bay

The last guitar Elvis ever performed on stage with was a Martin D28, the same model he used during his climb to fame in the 1950's before switching to Gibsons.   This one was a mid to late '70s model and unlike his 55 D28 that had a tortoise guard featured a solid black plastic pickguard.   He began using it in February of 1977 after dropping and then giving away his Martin D35 on February 14th.  According to Graceland Archives, there is a crack in it that happened at some point on one of the concerts.  He used it through his final concert performance ever on June 26, 1977 in Indianapolis, IN and it was packed and ready to go on the road with him when he passed away on August 16 of that year.  

1974 Martin D28 (similar to Elvis')

The Martin D-28 has a 40 1/2" total length, a 20" body length, 15 5/8" body width  and a 4 7/8" body depth.  It features a solid Mahogany neck, 20 fret Ebony fingerboard with a 25.4" scale length, solid Spruce top, Rosewood back and sides, Ebony bridge, White Boltaron® endpiece and binding, White/Black top and back inlay.

Elvis in concert Green Bay, WI April 28, 1977

Elvis in concert Macon, GA June 1, 1977
Photo© courtesy Eter Silvester

The guitar remains part of his collection on display at Graceland to this day.

specifications courtesy C.F. Martin Co.

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