1965 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
A 1965 D-28 in the final years of Brazilian rosewood — the folk revival era. Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and countless folk musicians played D-28s. Excellent instruments at prices well below pre-war examples.
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 — final years of Brazilian use) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Rosewood belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 3,800 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1965
Brazilian rosewood was still in use but supplies were declining. 1969 would be the last year of Brazilian rosewood — 1965 represents the mature Brazilian-era D-28 at peak folk music popularity. The folk revival made these guitars enormously popular.
Collector's Notes
Brazilian rosewood (pre-1970) vs Indian rosewood (1970+) is a significant value distinction. The CITES restrictions on Brazilian rosewood affect international sales — verify country of destination before purchasing.
How to Authenticate a 1965 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 1965, 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.