1965 C.F. Martin & Co. D-35
The original 1965 D-35 — Martin's response to rosewood shortages. The three-piece back is a design innovation that produces a uniquely complex, full sound. First-year examples are relatively rare.
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 — three-piece back design) |
| 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 | 450 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1965
First year of the D-35 — Martin's creative solution to declining wide-plank rosewood availability. The three-piece back using narrower rosewood strips created a unique tonal character. Brazilian rosewood was used in the first years (1965-1966 examples have been documented with Brazilian). First year examples are rare.
Collector's Notes
First-year D-35s (1965-1966) are the most collected. The three-piece back is a genuine construction feature — not a cost-cutting measure. Some early examples may have Brazilian rosewood — verify carefully as this significantly affects value.
How to Authenticate a 1965 C.F. Martin & Co. D-35
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. Three-piece back is the D-35's distinctive feature — verify this construction detail. Brazilian rosewood three-piece back is most valuable. 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.