1940 C. F. Martin D-28 Natural

SN: 75742. Made in Nazareth, PA midyear 1940. Not many around with a bigger, richer sound, greater volume or a classier look. This magnificent beast is one of 134 D-28s produced in 1940 (fewer than in ’37).. It’s also the first full year for Martin’s fully realized dreadnought design; faster, modified V neck carved to 1-11/16” at the nut and the X-braced moved slightly toward the center of the guitar. The tone woods are the finest Adi and Brazilian in the yard, herringbone trim, ebony fretboard and bridge and metal T-bar in the neck. Braces are still aggressively scalloped and a popsicle brace is added to prevent dipping in the upper bout. The fingerboard shows the long snowflake pattern. Additionally, classiest tuners of all time have been added – Grover G-111s – replacing the time honored G-98s. This is Martin’s highest and best iteration of the world’s most modern guitar design. The rest is history.
The condition is superb for a well-played guitar. There are some pick strikes east of the sound hole and light pick wear on and around the guard. The top grain is the really fine even stuff I like to see with a cool racing stripe down the middle. The finish is original and has only the light checking of a guitar that’s been kept well. The back and sides are quite clean with the amazing straight grain Brazilian Martin loved. There are two tiny areas of strap burn and one four inch crack that was repaired by Dennis Berck without using any extra finish. Speaking of Dennis, we decided to have the guitar completely dialed in with a full refret and neck reset. The bridge plate is original. After a session on Dennis’s bench, it plays perfectly and has tremendous roar and bite.
The original case is still with the guitar – double diamond, purple-lined Harptone. All three hinges still work, the three latches and one buckle work fine. The tolex is in G-VG condition. The handle is a replacement. Overall, just an outstanding instrument. Impossible to put down.
SPECS:
Top: Adirondack spruce
Band & Sides: Brazilian rosewood
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments: Herringbone, diamond/ snowflake inlays, top/back strip
Nut width: 1-11/16”
String spacing: 2-1/8”
Body width: 15-5/8”
Depth: 4-3/4”
Scale length: 25.4”
Case: OHSC