1948 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
A late 1940s D-28 — post-war production was growing. Brazilian rosewood, ebony fingerboard, and the refined post-war construction. The country music boom made these guitars essential.
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 — non-scalloped bracing, simplified binding) |
| 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 |
| Est. Production | 960 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1948
Post-war D-28 production ramping up. The established post-war configuration: non-scalloped bracing, simplified binding, Brazilian rosewood, ebony fingerboard. The country music boom was driving demand.
Collector's Notes
Late 1940s D-28s bridge the gap between the wartime scarcity and 1950s abundance. Ebony fingerboard and bridge still standard. Check for early post-war construction quality — generally excellent.
How to Authenticate a 1948 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 1948, 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. 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.