1968 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
A late 1960s Brazilian rosewood D-28 — the counterculture era. High production numbers mean good availability. The last accessible Brazilian rosewood Martins before the 1970 switch to Indian rosewood.
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 — penultimate year 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 | 5,600 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1968
Near the end of the Brazilian rosewood era. Production was at its highest level for Brazilian-era D-28s. The counterculture era brought new audiences to acoustic guitar. These are the last widely available Brazilian rosewood D-28s.
Collector's Notes
Late 1960s Brazilian D-28s offer the best value entry to Brazilian rosewood Martin ownership. High production means good supply. Verify Brazilian rosewood — the transition happened during 1969-1970.
How to Authenticate a 1968 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 1968, 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.