1931 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
The very first D-28 — Martin's inaugural dreadnought year. Only 22 produced. Scalloped X-bracing, Adirondack spruce, Brazilian rosewood, and herringbone purfling. These are among the rarest and most valuable Martins.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides — herringbone trim, scalloped bracing) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural (lacquer) |
| Est. Production | 22 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic flat-top — no pickup. First year of the D-28 dreadnought, combining the 14-fret neck with the large body.
What Changed in 1931
First year of the D-28 — the dreadnought that would define the acoustic guitar. Scalloped X-bracing, Adirondack spruce top, Brazilian rosewood, herringbone trim. Only 22 made in the inaugural year.
Collector's Notes
Extreme rarity — only 22 made. Every surviving example is documented. Authentication essential. These are museum-grade instruments that rarely appear on the market.