1955 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
The quintessential 1950s D-28 — Brazilian rosewood, spruce top, and the refined post-war construction. The go-to acoustic for folk and country players of the era.
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 1955 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.
Recent Sales
Showing 3 verified sales for 1955 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony (transitioning to rosewood) |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony or rosewood belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Nut Width | 1.69" |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 1,800 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1955
Peak 1950s D-28 production. Brazilian rosewood in excellent supply. Non-scalloped bracing fully established. These were becoming the standard reference guitar for folk, country, and bluegrass musicians.
Collector's Notes
Brazilian rosewood should show deep color and figure. Common maintenance issues: neck reset (expected), fret wear, and bridge replacement. A well-maintained 1950s D-28 with original bridge is a sound investment.
How to Authenticate a 1955 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 1955, 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.