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
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.