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
* 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, transitioning to non-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 | 95 |
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.
How to Authenticate a 1944 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 1944, 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.