1950 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
An early 1950s D-28 — Brazilian rosewood, spruce top, and refined post-war construction. The guitar of choice for the burgeoning country and bluegrass scenes.
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 | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 1,100 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1950
Early 1950s D-28 with Brazilian rosewood and established post-war construction. Production increasing as post-war demand grew. These are the workhorse guitars of the emerging country and bluegrass scenes.
Collector's Notes
Early 1950s D-28s still have ebony fingerboards and bridges. Excellent tone, good availability. Check for neck reset and bridge condition — standard maintenance on guitars of this age.
How to Authenticate a 1950 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 1950, 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.