Martin Guitars - 1945 D-28 Herringbone - Vintage
$46,500.00
In Stock
Payment via Wire Transfer preferred. Buyers pays shipping
This 1945 D-28 marks the end of an era in rosewood dreadnought production at C.F. Martin & Company. Being the last year of a classic top paired with the iconic Herringbone trim, a hallmark of Martin's 28 series guitars for decades, it also straddles the line between two eras of materials and build choices.
Upon careful inspection we feel this to be an Adirondack Red Spruce top, based both on visual examination and inference based on the Martin ledgers. This D-28 had an early 1945 neck block stamp date, with '45 being the last year of the '40s to feature Adirondack.
The stiffer top, combined with the introduction of tapered X-bracing has resulted in an an extremely balanced Brazilian dreadnought. Subtle, and dynamic there's a warmth and roundness to the attack of this guitar that feels great whether you're playing softly or really laying into the top. The Brazilian is a beautiful set, a relatively straight, book-matched look, with a hint of character to the grain.
Being the tail end of WWII, and with steel still in short supply, there are no tunner bushing installed on this guitar. It does have a steel T-Bar neck support, a pre-war feature, that made its return in '45. A pair of top cracks are present near the bridge, one of the bass side in front, and one on the treble side behind. These are most likely from the original bridge/bridge plate failing, and are stable now since the repairs and new bridge have been installed. The bridge plate is a proper sized maple replacement.
There's a sweet, high-end presence, an airy response, with a full, round low-end that is tight, and focused. This is a wonderful sounding D-28 and an opportunity to get into an Adirondack/Brazilian Herringbone at a fraction of the pre-war prices.
- 14-Fret Dreadnought body
- Rear-Shifted Tapered X-Bracing
- Adirondack spruce top
- Brazilian Rosewood Back and sides
- Mahogany Neck
- Original tuners with replacement buttons
- Ebony fingerboard with dot inlays
- Replacement Ebony bridge
- Replacement Maple bridge plate
- Original pickguard
- 1 11/16" nut width
- Era-appropriate Hardshell case
- Serial # 90728
