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

Excellent
$8,500$17,000
Very Good
$5,500$8,500
Good
$3,300$5,500
Fair
$1,650$3,300

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

Specifications

Body WoodSpruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides — final year of Brazilian rosewood)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardRosewood
Scale Length25.400"
Frets20
Pickup ConfigNone (acoustic)
BridgeRosewood belly bridge
TunersGrover Sta-Tite
Finish OptionsNatural
Est. Production6,100

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.