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Featured Inventory Archives 1999-2012

Gruhn Guitars Gibson Al Dexter D-28

Al Dexter's Martin D-28


Al Dexter's song "Pistol Packin' Mama" was a hit not only for Dexter himself -- selling three million copies in 1942 -- but also for Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. The Texas native was also a bar owner at one time, and he introduced the term "honky tonk" to country audiences with his hit "Honky Tonk Blues."

Dexter's guitar of choice was this 1935 Martin D-28. Some time in the 1950s he sent it back to the factory for refretting and refinishing.

This instrument (inv. #AA6336) is in excellent condition and comes with a letter from Dexter's son, a letter from a Navy officer whose ship was nicknamed "Pistol Packin' Mama," and two promotional photos of Dexter with this guitar. With a 1950s hard case, it is priced at $35,000

This instrument is SOLD

For full appreciation...

Close of body

Herringbone trim

Soundhole and bridge area

Fingerboard

Headstock

Back of headstock

Back of neck

Full back view

Back of body

Neck heel area

Photo of Dexter

Photo of Dexter

Letter from son

Letter from ship