Serial number 59395 was stamped on March 19, 1935 and cleared final inspection on August 15 that year.
Being an early D-28 it has advanced X-bracing and an 1-3/4" wide neck (string specing at the bridge is 2-5/16").
Like all pre-war D-28 guitars, it has herringbone purfling around the top of the guitar and the zig-zag backstripe. The tuners are Grover G-98 clipped plate tuners.
The guitar was once owned by Ford Rush Jr., son of Opry member and radio star Ford Rush. The Rush family stated that Rush played for Roy Acuff at some point but I have not been able to confirm this.
Rush originally played guitar on radio in Chicago where the instrument was purchased. The attached photos show the young Ford Rush with the D-28 shortly after it was purchased.
Photos courtesy of Folkway Music.
4 thoughts on “1935 Martin D-28, Serial Number 59395”
I own this guitar. What a killer old Martin. I own and handful of Pre War Martins and this 1935 D28 is my favorite. Although, I bought Ry Cooders 1937 D18 a few year back from Fred in Philly and it would be the best sounding Mahogany box iv’e ever heard. Hard to beat those old Martins.
Nice guitar. Interesting, I also have a 1935 D28 with SN 59394. Right next to this one.
Congratulations Tom!
I had the pleasure of playing that guitar at Mark’s shop back in 2016?
Everything one would expect and then some.
Mike, nice surprise seeing you here!
Sure enjoyed picking with you at Wintergrass.
Apropos to your guy’s comments I owned your 59393 for a while but traded it for a 37 which I was able to trade for my first 35 6171#(last batch of the year)
Enjoy!
Maybe Greg will post pictures of our guitars?
Perry
Absolutely, I will post photos of your guitar(s)! Looking forward to seeing the photos.
Greig Hutton