1942 Martin D-28 Herringbone - No Cracks, Original Case

Up for sale is this heavenly 1942 Martin D-28 with herringbone trim. With fewer than 100 made in 1942, this prewar Martin is among the rarest and most desirable in existence.

It’s also the most beautiful sounding guitar I have ever played. It’s full without being muddy, crisp and clear without being shrill. Everything you would imagine a pre-war Martin to be!

The D-28 features a spruce top with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. The neck is a very comfortable soft-V shape which fits excellently in the hand.

Overall, the guitar is in very fine vintage condition. There are some light scratches on the back, a few finish nicks and scratches on the top. But overall it is exceptionally clean.

The top, back, sides, etc. are all crack free. The tuners, pick guard, bridge, and bridge pins are all original.

The guitar has received the typical routine servicing for a vintage flat top. The neck was professionally re-set, and a replacement nut and saddle installed (originals are in the case). Some string string slot wear on the bridge was filled/repaired on bridge near bridge pins, and it was reglued. Some frets edges were lifting slightly, so these were reset.

The servicing was done through Mike and Mike's Guitar Bar in Seattle, WA.  They used Jeff Hoppe of Tacoma, WA as a subcontractor (he has a shop called "South Sound Guitar Repair") who also does work for other Seattle area shops.  As per their lutheir's assessment, all the braces and other joints are all solid, and the finish is original.  Photos of the interior of the instrument are provided here.  One bridge pin is slightly whiter in shade than the others.  It was on the guitar when I acquired it, and seems to be as old as the instrument itself.  

The serial number is 800XX, and I can provide photos and for the confirmation to any interested buyer.

The guitar will also come with an original 1940s Lifton case which is era-correct for this instrument. Structurally the case is fully intact and the latches work as they should. It does have some wear and tear to the cosmetics, and some old tape over a couple areas.   

Please see the video attached to this listing for a high definition close up evaluation of the instrument.  

This Martin appears to have rear-shifted bracing. This tames some of the “boominess” of their forward-shifted cousins. It provides for a more balanced tone between the top end, mid-range, and bass. It also allows the guitars sound to truly blossom out of the body. It really is an experience to play, hold, and feel the lovely sounds this instrument produces.

Local pick up and in hand delivery/sale is available. This is definitely a guitar that might be worth a jaunt to the Seattle area to pick up in person. Most airlines will allow you to bring guitars into the cabin with you. They can be placed in the seat next to you in some instances, or in the overhead cabin, or even in the storage closet towards the front. It is the safest and really most cost-effective way to transport an instrument like this. After you add up the price of insurance and shipping, a plane ticket is way more affordable!

Feel free to take a look at my other listings, as well as my feedback. I have a number of vintage and high end pieces in my shop, and have sold many as well.

A couple points for you all to remember:

This is a 1942 which is a very rare year. The war broke out early in the year and the US Government issued across-the-board cease production orders for most manufacturers. That’s why it has a higher value. While not in mint condition, it is also exceptionally clean, and one of the nicest examples in existence. It’s certainly the nicest one currently available on the market that’s totally crack free.