1939 Martin D28 profile

[pakhan]

For your viewing pleasure, I have just published a profile on a 1939 Martin D28 as part of our guitar database.

We would appreciate any improvements, corrections and additional information/ your own experiences - we'll update the profile citing you and linking back to you! This is by no means complete a profile, so feel free to add to what we already have.

I can't link pics directly to here so do pop by to:
http://www.guitarbench.com/2010/02/24/1939-martin-d-28-sn-72672-guitar-database/
for the full presentation. As always, I present the text portion of the profile for your consideration- although I do highly recommend popping by to see the pics!

Warmest regards,
Terence
www.guitarbench.com


Martin | D-28 | 1939 | SN:72672

All pictures – Click to enlarge!- Highly recommended
Please email with any corrections/ additional info
We aim to keep each entry as complete as possible & your help is appreciated!
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Luthier Facts :
Name: Martin
Location: Nazereth, PA
Wait list: Sockists Worldwide
Taking Orders?: Yes, standard & customs
RIYL: Martin have set the benchmark for a lot of builders and manufacturers.
Note: (RIYL) Recommended If You Like

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   * Model: D-28
   * Serial no: 72672
   * Year: 1939
   * Top:  Adirondack Spruce
   * Back and sides: Brazilian Rosewood
   * Scalloped bracing
   * Neck: Mahogany
   * Purfling: Herringbone
   * Fingerboard: Ebony
   * Bridge: Ebony
   * Nut Width: 1 3/4″
   * String Spacing: 2 1/4″
   * Scale: 25.4″
   * Body Length: 19 7/8″
   * Lower Bout: 15 5/8″
   * Upper Bout: 11 3/8″
   * Body Depth: 3 3/4″, 4 3/4″
     spac

sapce

This is an early 1939 D-28 from Martin. The company has really built it's reputation on this model and some 70 years after this particular guitar was built, the D28 is still one of Martin's most popular models.

The dealer who was selling the guitar had this to say:".. is 100% original and repair free with the exception of  a closed but not cleated 4 ½" hairline  back crack that starts at the binding, 2 " to the right of the center seam marketry at the bottom bout of the guitar as seen in the photo.

There is also an untouched, fine hairline crack running lengthwise on the fingerboard under the D string running from the 14th fret to the end of the board. I couldn't get it to show up with the flash but you can barely make it out in the macro shot. There is also an untouched tiny hairline, almost invisible crack going from string hole to string hole on the bridge that is barely perceptible both in the photo and to the naked eye.

That being said, as you can see by the photos, the guitar is in wonderful original condition especially for a guitar that will be 80 years old next year. The playability is superlative and the action is "just right" for a flat picker. The guitar appears never to have had a neck set nor is it anywhere close to needing one having lots of height left on the saddle.
This instrument is loud and proud and will send banjos running for cover. The owner and I have had the chance to compare it to several other wonderful D28s including a one of a kind magical sounding 66 D-28, a really nice 58 D28 and a 44 D28.  It was evident why 39's are held in such high esteem. It crushed every one of them including the 44 which hung its head in shame."

[JOYCEfromNS]

Always enjoyable!!!!!

[lw216316]

thank you for posting.
The tonewood descriptions on the site are nice too.
- Larry

[fongie]

Nice!!! Just threw away a fantastic deal on a perfect 70's D-28. I just love the sound of this D-28's, unfortunately, I find they are just a touch to big for me.