Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

GALLERY: Gear of the Month 2012

See all 12 unique instruments featured as Gear of the Month in 2012.

April: Elvis Presley's 1975 Martin D-28
"Shown here is Elvis Presleyуs 1975 Martin D-28, serial number 369735. The guitar was used by Presley during his last three years of performing, including the Kingуs final concert at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 26th, 1977. Presley passed away at his Graceland home just two months after that final show, but this D-28 didnуt surface until 1982 when it was discovered in an upstairs closet. In early 2011, the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, acquired the D-28 from Elvis Presley Enterprises as part of the Elvis Presley exhibit that opened in August of last year. But there was a catch. The instrument was damaged in several spots, and EPE asked the MIM to restore the D-28 to its former glory. рItуs Elvis Presleyуs guitar,с says Irene Peters, Head Conservationist at the MIM. рI removed myself from that just a little bit so I could actually focus on the work [laughs].с Peters didnуt just put new strings on the instrument and dust off the fretboardяshe gave it a thorough going over. "