1937 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
Late 1930s herringbone D-28 — the iconic pre-war Martin at its peak. These guitars set the standard that every flat-top acoustic has been measured against ever since.
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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Recent Sales
Showing 10 verified sales for 1937 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides — herringbone trim) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Nut Width | 1.69" |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 163 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1937
Peak pre-war herringbone D-28 production. The scalloped X-bracing is at its optimal configuration. Brazilian rosewood of exceptional quality. These are the guitars that defined the acoustic guitar ideal for all subsequent makers.
Collector's Notes
Pre-war Martins are among the most copied and faked acoustic guitars. Authentication is critical. Check the internal bracing (scalloped vs non-scalloped), the herringbone purfling (not applied — it should be inlaid), and the Brazilian rosewood quality.
How to Authenticate a 1937 C.F. Martin & Co. D-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 1937, 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. Herringbone purfling is a defining feature of pre-1947 D-28s — verify it's original. Check bridge for original belly-style construction. Martin stamps the model number inside — verify with a mirror. 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.