The Martin D-28

A Brief History of the Martin D-28

The Martin D-28 is more than just a guitar — it’s a benchmark. Revered for its booming voice, crystal-clear projection, and rich harmonic complexity, the D-28 has shaped the sound of American acoustic music for nearly a century.

Beloved by bluegrass flatpickers, folk icons, singer-songwriters, and rock legends alike, the D-28 has become the gold standard for dreadnought-style guitars — and one of the most sought-after models in the vintage market.

1938 Martin D-28

The Origins of a Legend

The story of the Martin D-28 begins in 1931, when C.F. Martin & Co. introduced the dreadnought body shape to its own brand (having previously built them under the Ditson name). Larger and louder than traditional guitars of the era, the D-28 was designed to project in ensemble settings and hold its own in any mix.

Early D-28s featured Brazilian rosewood back and sides, an Adirondack spruce top, and minimal yet tasteful appointments — offering tonal depth and refined elegance. By the late 1930s, the D-28 had adopted the now-iconic herringbone purfling, a feature that would later become a hallmark of "pre-war" desirability.

Despite its simple appearance, the D-28 was — and remains — a powerhouse of tone, craftsmanship, and legacy.

Signature Features of the Martin D-28

From its earliest builds to its post-war refinements, the Martin D-28 has consistently featured materials and design elements that contribute to its iconic status:

  • Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides (Pre-1969): Known for its lush low end, sparkling highs, and visual beauty, Brazilian rosewood adds tremendous value to early D-28s.

  • Adirondack or Sitka Spruce Tops: Pre-war models typically used Adirondack spruce for a bold, dynamic response; later models transitioned to Sitka, offering a slightly warmer, more forgiving tone.

  • Scalloped X-Bracing (pre-1945): This lighter internal bracing allowed the top to vibrate more freely, producing volume and complexity highly prized by collectors.

  • Ebony Fingerboards and Bridges: Standard on most D-28s until later cost-saving changes, ebony components provided durability and a sleek, refined look.

  • Herringbone Trim (Pre-1947): The classic pre-war aesthetic detail, discontinued post-war but later revived in reissues.

Later changes — like the shift to Indian rosewood in 1969, changes to bracing, and neck profile adjustments — marked new eras in D-28 production, each with their own collector interest and tonal characteristics.

1951 Martin D-28

The D-28 in Music History

The D-28 has been the go-to acoustic for generations of influential musicians. Hank Williams, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Tony Rice, and Jimmy Page all famously wielded D-28s, drawn to the guitar’s balance of volume, clarity, and richness.

Its sound is equally suited for fingerpicking and heavy strumming, making it one of the most versatile acoustics ever built — and a foundational instrument in country, folk, bluegrass, and rock traditions.

Current Market Value of Vintage Martin D-28 Guitars

Vintage D-28s continue to command strong prices on the collector and player markets — especially those made before key production changes.

  • Pre-War D-28s (1931–1944) are the most valuable, particularly those with herringbone trim, Adirondack tops, and forward-shifted scalloped bracing. These guitars often sell for five to six figures, depending on condition, originality, and provenance.

  • Post-War Brazilian Rosewood D-28s (1945–1969) remain highly collectible. The shift from herringbone to straight purfling in 1947 marks a dividing line, but Brazilian rosewood alone keeps these models in high demand.

  • 1960s D-28s — particularly from 1960 to 1967 — are now reaching peak vintage status, prized for their aging tonewoods and playability.

  • Player-grade D-28s, even those with wear, repaired cracks, or replaced parts, continue to sell well due to the guitar’s reputation and tone.

As Brazilian rosewood becomes rarer and vintage guitars continue to age gracefully, the D-28’s value shows no sign of slowing down.

Why Sell Your Martin D-28 to Garrett Park Guitars?

If you’re considering selling your vintage Martin D-28, you want to work with a team that understands not just what you have — but why it matters.

At Garrett Park Guitars, we’ve specialized in vintage acoustics for over three decades. We know how to evaluate, appraise, and market D-28s to the right buyers — whether it’s a museum-grade pre-war or a seasoned road warrior from the ’60s.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Free, expert evaluations: We assess your guitar based on serial number, tonewood origin, bracing, finish, originality, and condition.

  • Fair, transparent offers: Our offers reflect real-world collector demand, not inflated or automated estimates.

  • A trustworthy selling experience: We’re musicians and collectors ourselves, and we treat every instrument with the respect it deserves.

Your D-28’s Next Chapter

The Martin D-28 is a pillar of acoustic guitar history. Whether you’re curious about its current value or ready to pass it on to a new generation, Garrett Park Guitars is here to help.

Contact us today for a no-pressure consultation. We’ll give you the information — and the respect — you need to make the right decision for your Martin D-28.

Contact form