When Martin refined the dreadnought design in the '30s and '40s, the Style-28 rosewood dreadnought had bold Herringbone purfling around the top edge. Since then, that Herringbone trim has been known as a sign of robust Martin dreadnought tone. So much so that an old D-28 is generally known as a "Herringbone."
The D-28 was featuredHerringbone through 1946, and this 1946 D-28 (serial #97321) is 1 of 425 made that year. In 1946, Sitka Spruce became the standard top wood on Martin guitars, and that year Style-28 guitars were still made with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. This '46 D-28 has the same X-bracing pattern that was in use since 1939. Although Martins were made with non-scalloped braces from 1944 onward, someone carefully and delicately scalloped the braces and tone bars of this D-28 to bring out the full potential of its sound.
This 1946 D-28 shows signs of some restoration, and it was recently refretted and set up by expert luthier Micah Lundy (Denver, Colorado). It is 100% structurally stable, and the playability is optimized, almost like a brand new Martin fresh from Nazareth. Except this D-28 has the rich, nuanced tone you can only get from an authentic Herringbone!
From what we can tell, there is small patch in the top behind the bridge, and the bridge itself is an oversized replacement. The body has been over sprayed with clear coat lacquer, so cosmetically it looks very clean, and there is still a lot of original finish that fluoresces under a blacklight. There are two repaired top cracks underneath the fingerboard extension, and this '46 D-28 does have a tongue brace (aka popsicle brace). The X-braces have been reglued, and the bridge plate has been replaced with a proper prewar-appropriate Maple bridge plate, dated 07-13-95. There is one repaired back crack, running along the centerstrip from the end block on the bass side of the back.
In its present condition, the playability on this 1946 D-28 is exceptional. The neck angle is in a great spot, so the neck has been reset relatively recently. In April 2025, Micah Lundy re-planed and refretted the fingerboard, and he also fit a new nut, new saddle, and new bridge pins. It is properly intonated, and there is a strap button on the heel. Soundwise, this '46 produces a powerful, bold dreadnought sound that sparkles with clarity across the register. Unlike earlier D-28s with Adirondack tops, there is a smoothness to the treble content, thanks to the Sitka top. The neck is substantial and full-feeling, but the 1-11/16" nut width is manageable for modern players.
This 1946 Martin D-28 would be a superlative bluegrass guitar, but it has ton of range beyond that. In keeping with the Herringbone reputation, this D-28 seems to do everything well. The scalloped braces a big factor in that. It includes an old—but not original—hardshell case that has some cool stickers.