1944 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28

A transitional wartime D-28 — the year scalloped bracing was phased out. Examples with scalloped bracing are significantly more valuable. Herringbone purfling is still present. Very low wartime production.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$60,000$120,000
Very Good
$38,000$60,000
Good
$22,000$38,000
Fair
$11,000$22,000

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodSpruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides — herringbone trim, transitioning to non-scalloped bracing)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardEbony
Scale Length25.400"
Frets20
Pickup ConfigNone (acoustic)
BridgeEbony belly bridge
TunersGrover Sta-Tite
Finish OptionsNatural
Est. Production95

Pickups & Electronics

Pure acoustic.

What Changed in 1944

Wartime D-28 — the year Martin transitioned from scalloped to non-scalloped bracing. Some 1944 models have scalloped bracing, others non-scalloped. Herringbone trim still present. Wartime production was severely limited.

Collector's Notes

The scalloped vs non-scalloped bracing transition makes 1944 especially interesting to collectors. Scalloped examples command a significant premium. Use a mirror inside to verify. Herringbone is still present on all 1944 examples.