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Average Price: $20,382
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Description
The 1939 Martin D-28 stands as a timeless icon in the world of acoustic guitars, known for its rich sound and historical significance. This dreadnought guitar has helped shape the course of modern music since its introduction, with its exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled tonal quality. Crafted during a pivotal era in Martin's history, the 1939 model features a 14-fret neck and was built when the company made significant changes to the D-28's construction, including the introduction of scalloped bracing that enhanced resonance and projection.
The Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, paired with a Sitka Spruce top, create a warm, balanced tone that has been favored by legendary musicians like Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. Its 1-piece mahogany neck offers a smooth, comfortable playing experience that has set the standard for generations. Owning a 1939 Martin D-28 is not just about possessing a musical instrument; it's about holding a piece of music history in your hands, a guitar that has been a part of countless iconic performances and recordings.
Key Features:
- Dreadnought body style for robust sound projection
- Brazilian Rosewood back and sides
- Sitka Spruce top for balanced tonal quality
- 1-piece mahogany neck for smooth playability
- Scalloped bracing introduced in this era for enhanced resonance
- 14-fret neck design
- Favored by legendary musicians such as Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | D-28 Herringbone 14-Fret |
| Year | 1934 - 1947 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Rosewood |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Natural |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Martin D-28 |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Martin Pre-War Era |
| Sides Material | Rosewood |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What makes the Martin D-28 Herringbone 14-Fret (1934-1947) unique compared to other acoustic guitars?
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The Martin D-28 Herringbone from 1934-1947 is renowned for its pre-war craftsmanship, featuring a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and a distinct herringbone trim. Its dreadnought body shape delivers a powerful, balanced tone ideal for various music styles.
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How does the neck profile of the Martin D-28 Herringbone (1934-1947) affect playability?
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The Martin D-28 Herringbone features a mahogany neck with a comfortable profile that suits both fingerstyle and strumming techniques, offering excellent playability for intermediate and advanced guitarists.
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Is the Martin D-28 Herringbone 14-Fret (1934-1947) suitable for recording?
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Yes, the Martin D-28 Herringbone's rich, resonant tone and balanced projection make it an excellent choice for recording, providing a full-bodied sound that captures well in studio environments.
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What type of music genres is the Martin D-28 Herringbone (1934-1947) best suited for?
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The Martin D-28 Herringbone is highly versatile, excelling in genres like folk, bluegrass, country, and rock due to its powerful dreadnought sound and dynamic range.
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Does the Martin D-28 Herringbone (1934-1947) have any built-in electronics?
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No, the Martin D-28 Herringbone from 1934-1947 does not have built-in electronics, preserving its traditional acoustic sound. Players seeking amplification may consider using an external microphone or pickup system.
Videos
Carter Vintage Guitars
1939 Martin D-28 played by Steve Earle featuring "Goodby Michelangelo"
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Artist usage
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This is a Martin D-28 herringbone. It's probably not a 1939 since the nut width seems to be 1 11/16". Please update if you know what year it is.
This was a house instrument at Southern Ground Studio and has been used on recordings by Zac and many other great artists during its time in Nashville.
Q: Your main guitar is the D-28 owned by Clarence White.
TR: Yes [Serial No. 58957; Tony bought it from a guy named Joe Miller in Pasadena, CA in 1975 for $550]
Q: Did you change the fingerboard to Gretsch's?
TR: Clarence's father bought that guitar from McCabe's in Los Angeles for $35. That guitar did not have a fingerboard so his father asked McCabe to put one on and that was the Gretsch fingerboard. It had the fret slots already cut, so the scale is Gretsch's. It's a little bit shorter than the standard Martin's scale length but it does not make too much of a difference. The soundhole is larger. I hear so many opinions but I don't think it makes any difference as far as the sound is concerned.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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