1952 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28

An early 1950s D-28 — the Hank Williams era. Brazilian rosewood, ebony fingerboard, and the fully refined post-war construction. The sound of country music in its golden age.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$13,000$26,000
Very Good
$8,500$13,000
Good
$5,200$8,500
Fair
$2,600$5,200

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

Specifications

Body WoodSpruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardEbony
Scale Length25.400"
Frets20
Pickup ConfigNone (acoustic)
BridgeEbony belly bridge
TunersGrover Sta-Tite
Finish OptionsNatural
Est. Production1,400

Pickups & Electronics

Pure acoustic.

What Changed in 1952

Early 1950s D-28 — the Hank Williams era. The D-28 was the sound of country music. Ebony fingerboard and bridge still standard. Post-war construction fully mature. Brazilian rosewood of excellent quality.

Notable Examples

Hank Williams was closely associated with Martin dreadnoughts during this era.

Collector's Notes

Early 1950s D-28s with ebony fingerboards and bridges command a premium over later rosewood-fingerboard examples. Check for original ebony components.