1938 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
A 1938 herringbone D-28 — deep in the golden era. These are the definitive acoustic flat-tops. Scalloped bracing, Adirondack spruce, Brazilian rosewood, and herringbone trim at their peak.
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 | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 188 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1938
Late 1930s herringbone D-28 in the heart of the golden era. Adirondack spruce, scalloped X-bracing at its fully refined configuration. Hide glue construction. These are the guitars against which all subsequent dreadnoughts are measured.
Collector's Notes
Late 1930s herringbone D-28s are the benchmark for acoustic guitar tone. Verify scalloped bracing, herringbone purfling, and Brazilian rosewood. Hide glue construction throughout.
How to Authenticate a 1938 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 1938, 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.