1955 C.F. Martin & Co. 000-28
A mid-1950s 000-28 with Brazilian rosewood — the auditorium body at its folk-era finest. Excellent fingerstyle instruments with genuine vintage character.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.900" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Rosewood belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 340 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1955
Mid-1950s 000-28 — the transition from ebony to rosewood fingerboards was underway. Brazilian rosewood back and sides. Growing folk music interest was increasing demand for these fingerstyle-friendly guitars.
Collector's Notes
Check fingerboard material — the transition from ebony to rosewood occurred in this era. Ebony examples command a slight premium. Brazilian rosewood is the key value driver.
How to Authenticate a 1955 C.F. Martin & Co. 000-28
Martin serial numbers are the most reliable in the industry — verify the number stamped on the neck block (visible through the soundhole) against Martin's published tables. For 1955, the number should fall within the documented range. The back and sides should be Brazilian rosewood — this is the single most important factor in valuation. Brazilian rosewood has distinctive grain variation (chocolate to violet-brown) and a sweet smell. Indian rosewood (post-1969) is more uniform and darker. Non-scalloped X-bracing pattern for this era — verify through the soundhole. Auditorium size with 24.9-inch scale length (shorter than OM). Verify correct body dimensions. Check for neck resets, top cracks (especially near soundhole and bridge), and bridge plate condition. Tuners should be Grover Sta-Tite. Finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer with age-appropriate wear. Original case adds value.