1942 Martin D-28 Herringbone (Scalloped Braces)
Of all the acoustic guitars ever built, the prewar Martin dreadnought occupies a singular position at the top of the collector and player hierarchy. The 1942 Martin D-28, in particular, represents the peak of a design that had been refined over a decade and would shortly be altered in ways that changed the character of the instrument forever. If you are looking at a guitar that checks every box for vintage Martin collectors, a 1942 D-28 with herringbone trim and scalloped braces is it.
Why 1942 Is Special
The D-28 was introduced in 1931, but the prewar period from roughly 1934 through 1944 represents the era collectors most prize. Several features converged during these years that would define the "prewar" Herringbone as a distinct and highly sought class of instrument:
Brazilian rosewood back and sides. Brazilian rosewood was the standard tonewood for Martin's premium instruments through the late 1960s. The material is now legally restricted from international trade, which makes original Brazilian rosewood instruments irreplaceable. The density, figure, and tonal character of pre-war Brazilian rosewood is considered by most serious players and collectors to be superior to the Indian rosewood used after 1969.
Adirondack (Red) Spruce top. Prewar Martins used Adirondack spruce from the Appalachian mountains rather than the Sitka spruce that replaced it during wartime wood shortages. Adirondack spruce is stiffer and lighter, producing a top that responds dynamically to playing dynamics.
Scalloped X-bracing. The top braces on prewar Martins are scalloped, meaning material is carved away between the contact points to reduce weight and increase flexibility. This design makes the top more responsive to vibration, particularly at lower playing volumes. Martin discontinued scalloped bracing in 1944 due to wartime material restrictions.
Herringbone purfling. The decorative herringbone wood marquetry around the top edge of Style 28 instruments was discontinued by Martin in mid-1947. It is a purely cosmetic feature, but it has become a defining visual marker of the prewar era. Whether the herringbone affects tone is debated endlessly; its status as a collector identifier is not.
Forward-shifted X-brace. The prewar X-brace is positioned approximately 1.5 inches forward of center (toward the soundhole), a placement that allows the lower bout of the top to vibrate more freely. This feature is considered by many players to be responsible for the characteristic bass response of prewar Martins.
The 1942 Specifically
By 1942, Martin was producing D-28s during wartime conditions. Serial numbers from 1942 fall roughly in the 76000-80000 range. The guitars from this period retain all the desirable prewar features but with a slightly narrower nut width than earlier examples, a change that some players find more comfortable for modern playing styles.
The scalloped bracing in 1942 instruments is particularly well-developed, representing Martin's most refined application of this design before wartime changes necessitated modifications. The combination of Adirondack spruce top with scalloped forward-shifted bracing produces what many players describe as unparalleled dynamic range and responsiveness.
Condition and Collector Grading
Vintage guitar condition is assessed differently than coin or card grading, but the principles are similar. For a 1942 D-28, key condition factors include:
Originality. The most important consideration. Has the instrument been refinished? A refin significantly affects value, often by 50% or more. Has the neck been reset? A proper neck reset is considered acceptable maintenance; a bad neck reset is a serious problem. Have cracks been repaired? Repaired cracks are common on 80-year-old instruments; poor repairs reduce value more than professional ones.
Top condition. Check for top cracks (extremely common on acoustic guitars this old), bellying behind the bridge (indicating structural stress), and the condition of the bridge plate inside.
Tuner machines. Original Grover Sta-Tite tuners are correct for this period. Replacement tuners reduce originality but are repairable to original specification.
Case. Original black hardshell cases from this era are increasingly rare. An original case adds to the collectible appeal.
Value by Condition
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (major cracks, heavy wear) | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Fair (refinished or structural issues) | $15,000-$30,000 |
| Good (original, some cracks, repaired) | $30,000-$55,000 |
| Very Good (original finish, minor issues) | $55,000-$90,000 |
| Excellent (all original, clean) | $90,000-$150,000 |
| Near Mint (exceptional example) | $150,000+ |
These ranges reflect private sale and dealer pricing. Exceptional examples from notable collections or with celebrity provenance have sold well above these figures.
Notable Players and Cultural Impact
Prewar D-28s in the herringbone configuration were the defining acoustic guitar for country, bluegrass, and folk music in the postwar decades. Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, and generations of country musicians built careers around this instrument. The Martin dreadnought sound essentially defined American acoustic music from the 1930s through the 1950s.
Modern players including Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Elvis Presley have all played Martin dreadnoughts. The 1942 vintage specifically represents the design at its pre-change peak.
What to Know Before Buying
Prewar Martins attract serious attention from both players and collectors. When buying, always have any candidate instrument examined by a qualified vintage guitar specialist. The combination of age, material value, and collector demand means that condition issues are significant, and proper documentation of originality is essential for any significant purchase.
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