1968 C.F. Martin & Co. D-35
A late 1960s D-35 — the model was hitting its stride. Johnny Cash was becoming associated with the D-35, giving it cultural cachet. The three-piece rosewood back delivers a complex, full tone.
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), Indian Rosewood (back and sides — three-piece back) |
| 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 | 1,500 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1968
The D-35 was becoming firmly established. Production growing. The three-piece back design was embraced by players including Johnny Cash, who would make the D-35 his signature guitar.
Notable Examples
Johnny Cash became closely associated with the D-35, playing it throughout his career.
Collector's Notes
The Johnny Cash association gives late 1960s D-35s cultural significance. These represent excellent value — often 20-30% less than equivalent-year D-28s despite comparable tone quality.
How to Authenticate a 1968 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 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. 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.