1939 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
A 1939 herringbone D-28 — the golden era in full bloom. Scalloped bracing, hide glue construction, and materials of the highest quality. These instruments remain the gold standard for acoustic guitar tone.
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 | 214 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1939
Pre-war herringbone D-28 at peak production. The 14-fret neck design was fully mature. Adirondack spruce tops and Brazilian rosewood of the highest quality. WWII is on the horizon but production has not yet been affected.
Collector's Notes
Late 1930s herringbone D-28s are slightly more available than earlier examples but still command extraordinary prices. Condition is paramount — check for cracks, repairs, and replaced components.
How to Authenticate a 1939 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 1939, 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.