1940 C.F. Martin & Co. 000-28
A late pre-war 000-28 — the final years of full golden-era specifications. Scalloped bracing, herringbone trim, and Brazilian rosewood before wartime changes altered the model.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides — herringbone trim, scalloped bracing) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 24.900" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 68 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic fingerpicking guitar.
What Changed in 1940
Late pre-war 000-28 — the final years before wartime changes. Scalloped bracing, herringbone trim, Brazilian rosewood, Adirondack spruce. These are the last fully pre-war specification 000-28s.
Collector's Notes
Late pre-war 000-28s (1939-1942) are slightly more available than mid-1930s examples. Still fully pre-war specs. Check for wartime material compromises in 1942-era instruments.
How to Authenticate a 1940 C.F. Martin & Co. 000-28
Martin serial numbers are the most reliable in the industry — verify the number stamped on the neck block (visible through the soundhole) against Martin's published tables. For 1940, the number should fall within the documented range. The back and sides should be Brazilian rosewood — this is the single most important factor in valuation. Brazilian rosewood has distinctive grain variation (chocolate to violet-brown) and a sweet smell. Indian rosewood (post-1969) is more uniform and darker. Scalloped bracing should be visible through the soundhole (use mirror or inspection camera) — this is critical for pre-1944 models. Auditorium size with 24.9-inch scale length (shorter than OM). Verify correct body dimensions. Check for neck resets, top cracks (especially near soundhole and bridge), and bridge plate condition. Tuners should be Grover Sta-Tite. Finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer with age-appropriate wear. Original case adds value.