❌SOLD❌ C. F. Martin D-28 Authentic 1937, 2014

The C. F. Martin D-28 Authentic 1937 is a re-creation of an iconic instrument, the pre-WW2 Martin D-28. Production of these guitars was disrupted by the onset of war, and changes in supply chains rippled through post war production.

This example, serial 1805691, was built during 2014 in Nazareth, Pennsylvania pairing an Adirondack Spruce top with Madagascar Rosewood for the back, sides and headplate, Mahogany for the neck, and Ebony for the bridge and unbound fingerboard. The tuners are Waverly open back models with metal butter-bean buttons. This guitar is in excellent condition with only the slightest of slight wear, and the original hard shell case is included.

The body tonewood pairing illustrates two changes imposed by war demands and overharvesting. Adirondack Spruce was commonly used prewar for its strength and ability to stay clean when played hard. However it was requisitioned for aircraft construction, to the degree that stocks of trees large enough to provide guitar tops were not available for decades. The sides and back are Madagascar Rosewood; originally these would have all been Brazilian.

Here’s a quote from Martin on these spectacular guitars:

“Perhaps the most revered vintage D-28s are the ones created in 1937 with forward shifted hand-scalloped X-bracing, Adirondack red spruce soundboard and a 1 3/4” neck width. This addition to the Authentic series is a recreation of the original 1937 model offered with Madagascar rosewood back and sides. Martin’s new Vintage Tone System (VTS) is employed for the top and braces.

The new Martin Vintage Tone System (VTS) uses a unique recipe that is based on the historic torrefaction system. The VTS acts much like a time machine in which Martin can target certain time periods and age the top/braces to that era. This focused method allows Martin’s craftsmen and women to recreate not only the pleasing visual aesthetics of a vintage guitar, but also reproduce the special tones previously reserved for vintage instruments.”

If you’re in the very common situation of not being able to obtain or afford a pre-war D-28, this guitar and the others in the series are as close as you will come. Play it a lot, and it will only improve.