1935 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
A 1935 herringbone D-28 — early golden era. The D-28 design was maturing into the definitive acoustic flat-top. Scalloped bracing, Adirondack spruce, and Brazilian rosewood at their finest.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Thinking About Selling Your 1935 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28?
We buy directly from owners — no auction fees, no waiting. Get a fair offer based on current market data.
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 | 64 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic flat-top — herringbone purfling, Adirondack spruce, scalloped bracing.
What Changed in 1935
Early golden-era herringbone D-28. The 14-fret neck design was settling into its mature form. Adirondack spruce top, scalloped X-bracing at its refined configuration. The D-28 was becoming the professional standard.
Collector's Notes
Mid-1930s D-28s are beginning to appear more frequently than early 1930s examples but are still extremely rare. Fully golden-era specs throughout. Verify all original components.
How to Authenticate a 1935 C.F. Martin & Co. D-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 1935, 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. Scalloped bracing should be visible through the soundhole (use mirror or inspection camera) — this is critical for pre-1944 models. Herringbone purfling is a defining feature of pre-1947 D-28s — verify it's original. Check bridge for original belly-style construction. Martin stamps the model number inside — verify with a mirror. 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.