1966 C.F. Martin & Co. D-35
A second-year D-35 — the three-piece back design was proving itself as a legitimate tonal innovation. Indian rosewood, spruce top, and growing acceptance among professional players.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Thinking About Selling Your 1966 C.F. Martin & Co. D-35?
We buy directly from owners — no auction fees, no waiting. Get a fair offer based on current market data.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Indian 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 | 750 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1966
Second year of the D-35 — production increasing as the model gained acceptance. Indian rosewood standard. The three-piece back design was proving popular with players who appreciated its tonal nuances.
Collector's Notes
Early D-35s (1965-1968) are the most sought-after in the model's history. The three-piece back was initially viewed skeptically but has been vindicated by decades of excellent performance.
How to Authenticate a 1966 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 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. 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.