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Natural, Serial # 66725. Over seventy years after its first appearance, the Dreadnought size guitar remains the most popular among acoustic guitar players. The Dreadnaught (named after the HMS Dreadnought, a British ship launched in 1906) was originally designed by C.F. Martin & Company in 1916 for the Oliver Ditson Company of Boston. These guitars were sold under the Ditson brand until the late 1920’s when the Ditson Company went out of business. At the time Martin believed that such a large guitar produced too much bass and spoiled the delicate balance of the Martin sound. This philosophy changed during the hard times of the Great Depression starting in 1929. The slowdown in business motivated Martin to try new ideas to keep musicians interested. One of these ideas was to release Dreadnought size guitars in 1931 under its own brand name.   This 1937 Martin Dreadnought D-28 has the classic features that make it among the most celebrated     guitars of the Golden Era. These include: Spruce top with Brazilian rosewood back and sides, scalloped “X” bracing (until 1944), “belly” bridge (introduced on Martins in 1929), 14 frets clear of the body (1934) mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, diamond shaped fingerboard inlays (until 1944), and Herringbone top trim (until 1946).

Natural, Seial # 194257

Natural, Serial # 155392

Sunburst, Serial # 66879.

The 1930’s are known in most history books as the Great Depression. It was a time of great economic hardship and poverty. This same period is also known as the “Golden Era” of Martin guitars. The innovations introduced to Martins at this time make them among the most desirable flattop guitars ever made.

 

 The two 1937 Martins share the beautiful sunburst finish seen only during Martin’s Golden Era. In 1937 the 00-18 listed for $45, while the 000-18 was $55.

 

Dave’s Comments: Both of these guitars came to my attention within 30 days of each other a few years ago. The funny thing was that they both came from different people in the same small Wisconsin town. Obviously a store in this area sold both of these Martins new back in 1937!

Sunburst, Serial # 68372.

The 1930’s are known in most history books as the Great Depression. It was a time of great economic hardship and poverty. This same period is also known as the “Golden Era” of Martin guitars. The innovations introduced to Martins at this time make them among the most desirable flattop guitars ever made.

 

 The two 1937 Martins share the beautiful sunburst finish seen only during Martin’s Golden Era. In 1937 the 00-18 listed for $45, while the 000-18 was $55.

 

Dave’s Comments: Both of these guitars came to my attention within 30 days of each other a few years ago. The funny thing was that they both came from different people in the same small Wisconsin town. Obviously a store in this area sold both of these Martins new back in 1937!