1963 C.F. Martin & Co. 000-28

A peak folk revival 000-28 with Brazilian rosewood — the fingerstyle guitarist's instrument of choice. The compact auditorium body delivers clarity and balance that recording engineers and singer-songwriters prized.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$11,000$22,000
Very Good
$7,000$11,000
Good
$4,200$7,000
Fair
$2,100$4,200

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

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Specifications

Body WoodSpruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardRosewood
Scale Length24.900"
Frets20
Pickup ConfigNone (acoustic)
BridgeRosewood belly bridge
TunersGrover Sta-Tite
Finish OptionsNatural
Est. Production470

Pickups & Electronics

Pure acoustic.

What Changed in 1963

Peak folk revival 000-28 — the auditorium body was the fingerstyle player's choice. Brazilian rosewood, 14-fret neck, compact body. The folk boom was driving demand for these intimate, balanced instruments.

Collector's Notes

Early 1960s 000-28s are excellent instruments at accessible prices. The folk revival association and Brazilian rosewood make these solid collectibles with strong player appeal.

How to Authenticate a 1963 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 1963, 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.