Vintage Martin D-28 - USA 1943

Here is a 1943 Martin D-28, a truly historic pre-war era dreadnought that represents one of the most important periods in acoustic guitar design. Built during the wartime years, this D-28 features an Adirondack spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, and scalloped bracing, all contributing to the powerful and responsive dreadnought voice that defined the modern acoustic guitar.

This example reflects Martin’s Golden Era construction, where lightweight build, premium tonewoods, and hand-crafted detailing combined to produce instruments with exceptional projection and tonal complexity. The scalloped X-bracing allows the top to move more freely, delivering enhanced resonance, strong midrange presence, and the wide dynamic response that early Martin dreadnoughts are renowned for.

The guitar shows the typical refinements and service history expected of a well-preserved instrument of this age, including a replacement bridge crafted by respected Martin specialist Jeff Mallia, and a later set of Grover tuners supplied alongside the original units retained in the case. A neck reset has been performed in the past, and light cosmetic wear is consistent with careful long-term use, but structurally the instrument remains solid and stable.

Sonically, this D-28 delivers a highly expressive and focused voice, with more pronounced midrange complexity than many modern dreadnoughts, alongside clear bass response and articulate trebles. The lightweight construction and decades of natural aging give it a highly responsive feel under the fingers, rewarding even a light touch with strong tonal output and sustain.

Condition is very good for its age, with minor repaired cracks and light play wear, but no major structural issues. It presents as a genuine vintage example that has been maintained and preserved with care over many decades. Comes in a non-original hard shell case.

Specifications: 

Year: 1943
Country: USA
Model: Dreadnought-style Brazilian rosewood acoustic
Body: Brazilian rosewood back and sides with Adirondack spruce top
Neck: Brazilian rosewood neck with ebony fingerboard
Fingerboard: Ebony with mother-of-pearl diamond and square inlays (14" radius)
Scale: 25.5"
Bridge: Ebony bridge with bone saddle
Tuners: Replacement nickel-plated Grover tuners (originals included)
Case: Non-original hard shell case