1942 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
A 1942 herringbone D-28 — the last full year of scalloped bracing before wartime changes. Still fully pre-war in specification. The golden era was drawing to a close as WWII consumed American industry.
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 |
| Nut Width | 1.69" |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 130 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1942
Final full year of scalloped-bracing herringbone D-28s. The US entered WWII in December 1941 and wartime restrictions were tightening. Production declining. The golden era was ending.
Collector's Notes
1942 D-28s should have scalloped bracing and herringbone — verify both. The transition to non-scalloped bracing began in 1944. These are the last of the golden era proper.
How to Authenticate a 1942 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 1942, 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.