1969 C.F. Martin & Co. OM-28
A rare late-1960s OM-28 built as a special order — Brazilian rosewood in the final year of its use. These pre-reissue examples bridge the gap between the 1933 discontinuation and the 1990 formal reintroduction.
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) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 45 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic fingerstyle guitar.
What Changed in 1969
Special-order OM-28s appeared sporadically in the late 1960s before the formal reintroduction. Brazilian rosewood in the final year of its use. These are transitional instruments — not part of the original run but predating the 1990 reissue.
Collector's Notes
Late 1960s OM-28 special orders are rare and not well documented. Brazilian rosewood adds significant value. Verify provenance carefully — these fall outside the standard production runs.
How to Authenticate a 1969 C.F. Martin & Co. OM-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. Orchestra Model — verify 25.4-inch scale length (longer than the similar-looking 000-28). 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.