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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

What makes the Martin D-28 Herringbone 14-Fret (1934-1947) unique compared to other acoustic guitars?

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.

How does the neck profile of the Martin D-28 Herringbone (1934-1947) affect playability?

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.

Is the Martin D-28 Herringbone 14-Fret (1934-1947) suitable for recording?

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.

What type of music genres is the Martin D-28 Herringbone (1934-1947) best suited for?

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.

Does the Martin D-28 Herringbone (1934-1947) have any built-in electronics?

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.

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

1939 Martin D-28 played by Steve Earle featuring "Goodby Michelangelo"

Video thumbnail for 1939 Martin D-28 played by Steve Earle featuring "Goodby Michelangelo" by Carter Vintage Guitars

1939 Martin D-28 played by Steve Earle featuring "Goodby Michelangelo"

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1939 Martin D-28 played by Billy Strings by Carter Vintage Guitars

1939 Martin D-28 played by Billy Strings

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for GUITAR TOWN WITH STEVE EARLE EP 8 1935 MARTIN D 28 by Steve Earle

GUITAR TOWN WITH STEVE EARLE EP 8 1935 MARTIN D 28

Steve Earle

Steve Earle

Video thumbnail for 1935 Martin D-28 played by Trey Hensley by Carter Vintage Guitars

1935 Martin D-28 played by Trey Hensley

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Story Behind Tony Rice's 1935 Martin D-28 Herringbone Guitar by All Guitar Network

The Story Behind Tony Rice's 1935 Martin D-28 Herringbone Guitar

All Guitar Network

All Guitar Network

Video thumbnail for 1935 Martin D-28 played by Jake Workman by Carter Vintage Guitars

1935 Martin D-28 played by Jake Workman

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Martin D28’s Golden Era | History & Comparison Ft. Bertolf by The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Martin D28’s Golden Era | History & Comparison Ft. Bertolf

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for 1939 Martin D-28 played by Shaun Richardson by Carter Vintage Guitars

1939 Martin D-28 played by Shaun Richardson

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1935 Martin D-28 - Folkway Music by Folkway Music

1935 Martin D-28 - Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Video thumbnail for Demo of 1935 Martin D-28 😋 by ShawnBrockMusic

Demo of 1935 Martin D-28 😋

ShawnBrockMusic

ShawnBrockMusic

Video thumbnail for 1939 Martin D-28 | TNAG Presents with Jordan Santiago by Carter Vintage Backstage

1939 Martin D-28 | TNAG Presents with Jordan Santiago

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Video thumbnail for 1935 Martin D-28 by AllenShadd

1935 Martin D-28

AllenShadd

AllenShadd

Video thumbnail for 1939 Martin D28! | New Arrivals #32 |  @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

1939 Martin D28! | New Arrivals #32 | @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Martin D-28 1939 - holy grail of vintage guitars - amazing sound! by Vintage Guitar World

Martin D-28 1939 - holy grail of vintage guitars - amazing sound!

Vintage Guitar World

Vintage Guitar World

Video thumbnail for 1939 Martin D28 played by Bertolf | Flatpicking by TFOA Demos

1939 Martin D28 played by Bertolf | Flatpicking

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for 1939 Martin D28 played by Bertolf | Improvisation by TFOA Demos

1939 Martin D28 played by Bertolf | Improvisation

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

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Artist usage

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See how Chris Stapleton uses Martin D-28 Herringbone 14-Fret (1934-1947)

Chris Stapleton

Guitarist, Singer

The Jompson Brothers

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Keith Urban uses Martin D-28 Herringbone 14-Fret (1934-1947)

Keith Urban

Guitarist, Bassist

Artists of Then, Now & Forever

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:20, Keith mentions owning a 1946 Martin D-28.

See how Zac Brown uses Martin D-28 Herringbone 14-Fret (1934-1947)

Zac Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Zac Brown Band

...
Verified via Chicago Music Exchange

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.

See how Tony Rice uses Martin D-28 Herringbone 14-Fret (1934-1947)

Tony Rice

Guitarist

The Bluegrass Album Band

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Chris Eldridge uses Martin D-28 Herringbone 14-Fret (1934-1947)

Chris Eldridge

Singer, Guitarist

Punch Brothers

...
Verified via Photo

"My D-28 is a wide neck. In ‘39 Martin, switched the spacing, from 1 ¾" to 1 11/16". My D-28 is still a wide neck…"

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