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Product Details
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Martin 1939 D-28 "Herringbone," a prewar D-28 from a pivotal transitional year and a true masterpiece of acoustic guitar history.

[Staff comment: Inoue]
The top is tightly grained Adirondack spruce, in a class of its own from the grain alone. The sides and back are superb, deeply figured Brazilian rosewood, showing the overwhelming quality of prewar materials. The traditional ivoroid binding and herringbone trim carry an elegance unique to this era. The headstock has rare original Grover G111 sealed-back tuners, and the original tortoise-pattern pickguard, beautifully settled into the body with age, remains in place.

The key point of this 1939 example is its transitional spec. The neck retains the wide 45mm nut of the prewar period, just before the change to about 43mm during 1939, giving a substantial grip and a focused, powerful voice. Inside, it uses the rear-shifted scalloped X-bracing adopted only at the end of the previous year. Compared with the forward-shifted period, this increases strength around the bridge and also changes how the top responds: where forward-shifted bracing concentrates power around the soundhole, rear-shifted bracing spreads vibration evenly across the whole top, while keeping strength, thickness, and warmth. A superb guitar with a truly seasoned tone.

Strumming it surrounds you with overwhelming sound pressure. The deep, ground-hugging lows of Adirondack and Brazilian rosewood merge with the thick, straight voice of the rear-shifted bracing, responding directly to your touch. Rich in overtones, yet each note is surprisingly well defined, and a single chord can change the air in the room. This is a D-28 that embodies the history of the acoustic guitar itself, with a quality of sound that modern guitars cannot imitate.

[SPEC]
TOP: Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Rosewood
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Ebony
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 45mm
SCALE: 642mm
CASE: Non-Original Hard Shell Case (1950s Martin Original (GEIB))

[Repairs / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition]
Repaired cracks at the volute on the back of the neck and on the body top and back. For further condition details, please contact staff member Inoue.

Consignment item.

Warranty: As a consignment item, this guitar is not covered by a shop warranty. Paid adjustments and repairs are available on request after purchase. Not eligible for the mail-order trial service (no returns).
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Please note that all items are for sale in our Tokyo store.
There is a chance they might be sold out. All items are shipped tracked and insured. All import duties or customs fees are the buyers responsibility - please be aware of the requirements for your country. If you have any questions please ask.