1969 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
The last Brazilian rosewood D-28 — the final year before the transition to Indian rosewood. High production means these are the most available Brazilian rosewood D-28s and represent the best value entry point.
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 year of Brazilian rosewood) |
| 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 | 6,100 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1969
The final year of Brazilian rosewood on the D-28. CITES restrictions on Brazilian rosewood exports were imminent. Indian rosewood would replace it from 1970. These are the last standard-production Brazilian rosewood D-28s.
Collector's Notes
1969 is the most significant year boundary in Martin D-28 collecting — Brazilian vs Indian rosewood. Verify the wood species carefully. Some transitional instruments may have one or the other. The price differential is substantial.
How to Authenticate a 1969 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 1969, 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.