1946 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
The last herringbone D-28 — 1946 is the final year with herringbone purfling, making it a significant transitional instrument. Non-scalloped bracing is standard but the herringbone trim links it to the pre-war era.
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, 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 | 480 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1946
Last year of herringbone purfling on the D-28. Non-scalloped bracing is now standard. Post-war production is ramping up. This is the final transitional year before the fully post-war D-28 emerged in 1947.
Collector's Notes
1946 D-28s with herringbone are highly sought — the last year of the trim. These bridge the pre-war and post-war eras. Non-scalloped bracing but herringbone trim creates a unique combination.
How to Authenticate a 1946 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 1946, 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. Non-scalloped X-bracing pattern for this era — verify through the soundhole. 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.