Martin - D-28 Authentic 1937 Vintage Tone System
Martin - D-28 Authentic 1937 Vintage Tone System
Perhaps the most revered vintage D-28s are the ones created in 1937 with forward-shifted hand-scalloped X-bracing, an Adirondack spruce top, and a 1 3/4" neck width. This model is an updated version made with Guatemalan rosewood back and sides, and it includes some subtle spec refinements to make it even more faithful to the original. One of the major updates is a more accurate body profile based on dreadnoughts from the 1930s and 40s. Martin’s VINTAGE TONE SYSTEM® (VTS) is employed to age the top and braces, which captures the tone from the 1930s era. Martin’s craftspeople can recreate the pleasing visual aesthetics of a vintage guitar and reproduce the particular tones previously reserved for vintage instruments.
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The Nantel Verdict
The Nantel Verdict
Nearly 200 years of acoustic guitar building expertise in every instrument. The signature Martin tonal balance that sits perfectly in any musical context. Construction methods proven and perfected across generations of professionals. Solid wood tops that mature and improve in tone over years of playing.
Light gauge strings (.012s or lighter) let Martin's legendary scalloped bracing do exactly what it was designed for. Play this guitar every day and the top opens up beautifully - a Martin at one year genuinely sounds better than the day you bought it.
Martin has defined acoustic guitar since 1833 - nearly 200 years of wisdom in every joint. The signature voice is immediately recognizable on Nashville recordings, folk stages, and living room couches worldwide. Built for generations, these guitars genuinely sound better with age as solid wood matures. Owning a Martin isn't buying a guitar; it's beginning a musical relationship that deepens year after year.
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| Overview | |
| Recommended Strings | Authentic Acoustic Lifespan® 2.0 Guitar Strings Phosphor Bronze - Medium |
| Body Size | Authentic D-14 Fret |
| Finish Top | Vintage Gloss |
| Construction | Dovetail Neck Joint - Hide Glue Construction |
| Back and Side Finish | Vintage Gloss |
| Bracing Pattern | Forward Shifted X Brace |
| Scale Length | 25.4" |
| Brace Shape | Scalloped |
| Fingerboard Width at Nut | 1 3/4'' |
| Top Material | Adirondack Spruce with VTS |
| Neck Shape | Authentic 1937 |
| Back Material | Guatemalan Rosewood |
| Neck Taper | Standard Taper |
| Side Material | Guatemalan Rosewood |
| Electronics | No |
| Top | |
| Top Color | Clear |
| Bridge Style | Authentic Belly - Glue in Long Saddle |
| Binding | Grained Ivoroid |
| Bridge String Spacing | 2 5/16'' |
| Top Inlay Material | Bold Herringbone |
| Bridge Material | Ebony |
| Top Detail | None |
| Bridge Pin Material | Faux Ivory |
| Pickguard | Tortoise Pattern |
| Bridge Pin Dots | Black Plastic |
| Pickguard Inlay | None |
| Saddle | Bone |
| Rosette | Multi-Stripe |
| Saddle Radius | 16" |
| Body | |
| Brace Material | Adirondack Spruce with VTS |
| Back and Sides Color | None |
| Brace Size | 5/16" |
| Back Detail | None |
| Back Purfling/Strip | Zig-Zag Authentic |
| Back Inlay Material | Multi-Stripe |
| Heelcap | Grained Ivoroid |
| Side Detail | None |
| Endpiece | Grained Ivoroid |
| Side Inlay Material | None |
| Endpiece Inlay | Multi-Stripe |
| Neck | |
| Neck Material | Genuine Mahogany |
| Fingerboard Material | Ebony |
| Finish Neck | Vintage Gloss |
| Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret | 2 1/4'' |
| Neck Color | Dark Mahogany |
| Fingerboard Inlay Style | 1937 Diamonds and Squares Long Pattern |
| Number of Frets Total | 20 |
| Fingerboard Inlay Material | Abalone |
| Neck Joins Body At | 14th Fret |
| Fingerboard Binding Material | None |
| Side Dots | Grained Ivoroid |
| Headstock | |
| Headstock Shape | Solid with 1937 Taper and Diamond |
| Tuning Machines | Waverly Nickel Open Back |
| Headplate Material | Guatemalan Rosewood |
| Knob | Butterbean |
| Headplate Logo Style | Script Golden Era Overlay |
| Nut Material | Bone |
| Headplate Binding Material | None |
| Headplate Detail | None |
| Misc | |
| Case | Hardshell |
| Left Handed Availability | true |
| Label | None |
Martin
AUTHORIZED DEALERAvailable in store & online — Nantel Musique
Martin is one of the most recognized names in musical instruments worldwide. Known for exceptional build quality, innovative design, and reliable performance across every price range, Martin instruments are trusted by beginners and touring professionals alike.
at nantel musique, we carry a curated selection of martin acoustic guitars — each one inspected, set up, and backed by our expert team. every purchase includes our satisfaction guarantee and dedicated after-sales support.
