Martin D-1 Authentic 1931

This is a remarkable example of Martin’s Authentic Series recreation of the very first dreadnought sold under the Martin name. In 1931, after the Ditson relationship ended, Martin applied its own brand to the large 12-fret body that would soon evolve into the D-18. The D-1 Authentic 1931 is a close, hide-glue recreation of that scarce original: 12-fret dreadnought body, slotted headstock, wide vintage neck dimensions, VTS Adirondack spruce, mahogany back and sides, and Brazilian rosewood for the fingerboard, bridge, headplate, and endpiece.

This particular guitar is in excellent condition with very few signs of use. It includes the original Martin ply hardshell case.

The combination of a lightly built 12-fret body, forward-positioned scalloped VTS bracing, and a long soundboard gives the D-1 a big, open voice with strong fundamental bass, clear singing trebles, and a warm, slightly scooped midrange. It responds quickly at low volume and opens up with power and complexity when driven. The Authentic 1931 V-profile neck is comfortable despite the 1-7/8” nut and 2-3/8” saddle spacing—plenty of room for fingerstyle or a flatpick once you settle in. Vintage Gloss finish, relic Golden Age brass tuners, and understated Style 18 appointments complete the pre-war look without looking worn.

Specs

    •    Body: D-12 fret dreadnought

    •    Top: Solid Adirondack spruce with Vintage Tone System (VTS)

    •    Back & sides: Solid genuine mahogany

    •    Bracing: Authentic 1931 scalloped X-brace, 5/16”, Adirondack spruce with VTS

    •    Construction: Hide glue throughout; hand-fit dovetail neck joint

    •    Finish: Vintage Gloss (top, back, sides, and neck)

    •    Neck: Genuine mahogany, Authentic 1931 V profile, standard taper

    •    Fingerboard: Brazilian rosewood, Authentic 1931 Style 18 abalone dots

    •    Bridge: Brazilian rosewood Authentic belly, glued-in long bone saddle

    •    Headstock: Slotted with 1931 taper; Brazilian rosewood headplate; logo stamped on back of headstock

    •    Endpiece: Brazilian rosewood

    •    Heelcap: Ebony

    •    Binding: Black

    •    Rosette / top inlay: Multi-stripe

    •    Pickguard: Faux tortoise

    •    Nut: Bone, 1-7/8”

    •    Width at 12th fret: 2-5/16”

    •    String spacing at saddle: 2-3/8”

    •    Scale length: 25.4”

    •    Frets: 19 total; neck joins body at 12th fret

    •    Tuners: Golden Age Relic brass side-mount with cream knobs

    •    Bridge pins: Black plastic

    •    Side dots: Grained ivoroid

    •    Case: Original Martin ply hardshell case

A rare 12-fret mahogany dreadnought with Brazilian rosewood appointments, built the old way. Excellent condition!