1966 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28

A 1966 D-28 may be Brazilian or Indian rosewood — the transition was gradual. Both are excellent instruments; Brazilian commands a significant premium. These are solid vintage acoustic guitars at accessible prices.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$5,000$10,000
Very Good
$2,750$6,000
Good
$1,750$4,000
Fair
$750$2,000

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

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Recent Sales

Martin 1966 D-28
Very Good1 month agoreverb
Martin D-28 1966 - Amazing Sound!
Good1 month agoreverb

Showing 2 verified sales for 1966 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.

Specifications

Body WoodIndian Rosewood (back and sides — Brazilian phased out 1969), Sitka Spruce (top)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardEbony
Scale Length25.400"
Frets20
BridgeBelly bridge (ebony)
TunersGrover Sta-Tite
Finish OptionsNatural

What Changed in 1966

Martin began transitioning from Brazilian to Indian rosewood in the mid-to-late 1960s. 1966 examples may have Brazilian or Indian rosewood — check carefully. Indian rosewood is excellent but less valuable than Brazilian.

Collector's Notes

Confirm whether the rosewood is Brazilian or Indian — this is a crucial value difference. Brazilian rosewood has a distinctive appearance (tighter, darker grain) vs. Indian (more open, varied grain). Have an expert confirm.

How to Authenticate a 1966 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 1966, 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.