1946 C. F. Martin D-28 Herringbone
SN: 94998 – Exceptional D-28 Herringbone from the Tapered Brace Era.
Discover a remarkable D-28 Herringbone that offers exceptional value for its price. This well-played powerhouse is ideal for bluegrass, Appalachian, old-time, and even folk and rock genres. Its voice boasts impressive volume, drive, sustain, and rich overtones, with a robust bass and warm mids. Ready to play, it’s expertly set up for your next performance – stage or front porch.
Crafted in early 1946, this guitar is one of only 150 produced with a steel-reinforced T-bar in the neck. Features include elegant herringbone trim, a Sitka top, and stunning old-growth Brazilian back and sides with a zigzag center strip. The bridge and fretboard are ebony, position markers are large dots. Original Waverly 503B “Yoda head” tuners complete the package.
While showing character from years of play, the guitar remains in excellent structural condition. The top exhibits playwear and minor dings, with a small area of touch-up on the bass side of the lower bout and possibly near the bridge. An inside pickguard crack has been expertly stabilized, and there’s noticeable buckle rash on the back along with some finish wear on the neck. Joe Konkoly reset the neck about 10 years ago, and it has been recently refretted and set up by Mark Tossman. The geometry is dead solid perfect and the action is set to a ‘bluegrass medium’ at 6.5/64” on the bass side and +/- 4/64” on the treble, with room for adjustment on the saddle. The neck, with a 1-11/16” nut and 2-1/8” string spacing at the bridge, feels smooth and fast, measuring .90” at the first fret.
In a market where prewar models exceed $200K and wartime guitars command six-figures; this postwar herringbone stands out as one of the last great values in the vintage world.
Comes with a durable, newer tweed hardshell case, ensuring it is well-protected for years to come.
SPECS:
Top: Sitka spruce
Band & Sides: Brazilian rosewood
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments: herringbone trim, zigzag backstrip
Nut width: 1-11/16”
String spacing: 2-1/8”
Body width: 15-5/8”
Depth: 4-7/8”
Scale length: 25.4”
Case: HSC
Payment is by personal check or money order. Payment in full, including shipping and insurance, is required before shipment. Personal checks must clear your bank. Please specify preferred shipping method when you order the instrument and we will calculate the exact price for you.
We represent the instruments as accurately as we can. All instruments are shipped on 48-hour approval. If there is damage as a result of the shipping, please contact us immediately and we will deal with the insurance company. If the instrument is damaged in transit from you to me, then you are responsible for dealing with the damage and insurance. For refunds, all instruments must be returned in the same condition as we shipped them in.
All instruments are shipped on 48-hour approval. If there is damage as a result of the shipping, please contact us immediately and we will deal with the insurance company. If the instrument is damaged in transit from you to me, then you are responsible for dealing with the damage and insurance. For refunds, all instruments must be returned in the same condition as we shipped them in.