How to Date Your Vintage Martin D-28: Complete 1931-1969 Authentication Guide

Why Dating Your Vintage Martin D-28 Matters

Learning how to date a vintage Martin D-28 accurately is essential for authentication, proper valuation, insurance documentation, and understanding your instrument's place in acoustic guitar history. The Martin D-28 represents the pinnacle of American acoustic guitar craftsmanship—a legendary dreadnought that has become the most sought-after vintage acoustic guitar in the world.

Whether you own a rare pre-war D-28 with herringbone trim and scalloped bracing, a Brazilian rosewood example from the 1940s-1960s, a World War II banner headstock model, or any vintage D-28, determining its exact manufacturing year affects everything from market value to restoration approaches. Certain years and specifications command premium prices, particularly pre-war examples and guitars made before Indian rosewood replaced Brazilian rosewood in 1969.

This comprehensive guide teaches you how to date your vintage Martin D-28 using multiple authentication methods, ensuring accuracy for guitars made between 1931 and 1969.

Understanding the Martin D-28 History

Before diving into dating methods, understanding the D-28's evolution provides crucial context:

The Birth of the Martin Dreadnought (1916-1931)

Martin's premium dreadnought journey:

Early Dreadnoughts:

• First dreadnoughts made for Ditson (1916-1930)

• Large body design

• Not yet "Martin" branded

Martin Dreadnought Debut (1931):

• Martin introduces own dreadnought line

• D-28 among first Martin dreadnoughts

• Premium rosewood model

• 12-fret neck initially

• Slotted headstock

The "D-28" Designation Explained

"D" = Dreadnought:

• Largest Martin body size

• 15 5/8" lower bout width

• 19 7/8" body length

• 4 7/8" body depth

• Massive volume and projection

"28" = Style Number:

• Brazilian rosewood back and sides

• Spruce top

• Premium appointments

• Herringbone top trim

• Highest quality materials

• Top of Martin dreadnought line (initially)

Why the D-28 Is The Ultimate Acoustic

Musical Significance:

• Defined acoustic guitar tone

• Bluegrass standard (Clarence White, Tony Rice)

• Folk music icon

• Rock and roll (Hank Williams, Neil Young)

• Country music essential

• Recording studio reference

• Most recorded acoustic guitar

• Investment grade instrument

Major 1931-1969 Evolution Periods

1931-1933: First Dreadnoughts (12-Fret)

• D-28 introduced

• 12-fret neck

• Slotted headstock

• Brazilian rosewood back and sides

• Herringbone top trim

• Extremely rare

• Few survive

1934: Revolutionary Change (14-Fret)

• 14-fret neck introduced

• Solid headstock

• Forward-shifted bracing

• Modern dreadnought established

• Transitional year

1935-1938: Early Pre-War

• Refined specifications

• Scalloped bracing

• Adirondack spruce tops

• Brazilian rosewood

• Herringbone trim

• Peak quality

1939-1944: Herringbone Pre-War

• Continued herringbone

• Scalloped bracing

• Brazilian rosewood

• Adirondack spruce

• Peak pre-war period

• Legendary tone

1942-1945: Banner Headstock

• WWII banner logo

• All premium features continue

• Extremely collectible

• Wartime production

• Historical significance

1944-1946: Herringbone Ends

• Herringbone discontinued (1944 for D-28)

• Plain top introduced

• Scalloped bracing continues

• Major visual change

• End of herringbone era

1946-1949: Post-War Transition

• Sitka spruce replaces Adirondack

• Non-scalloped bracing begins

• Brazilian rosewood continues

• Plain top standard

• Transitional specifications

1950-1968: Modern Brazilian Rosewood Era

• Non-scalloped bracing standard

• Sitka spruce tops

• Brazilian rosewood continues

• Plain top

• Still premium instruments

• Investment grade

1969: Indian Rosewood Transition

• Indian rosewood replaces Brazilian

• Major change year

• Brazilian examples command premium

• End of Brazilian rosewood era

How to Date Your Vintage Martin D-28: Serial Number Systems

Understanding Martin's serial number systems is foundational:

Serial Number Location

Where to Find Serial Number:

1. Look through soundhole

2. Serial number stamped on neck block

3. Visible from inside guitar

4. Use flashlight for clarity

5. Sometimes faint

Format: Sequential numbers, no letters (pre-1969)

Serial Number Ranges by Era

1931-1939: 60000-79000 (approximate) 1940-1949: 79000-110000 (approximate) 1950-1959: 110000-171000 (approximate) 1960-1969: 171000-254000 (approximate)

Year-Specific Serial Number Ranges

1931: Approximately 60000-62000 (extremely rare) 1932: Approximately 62000-65000 1933: Approximately 65000-68000 1934: Approximately 68000-71000 (14-fret introduced) 1935: Approximately 71000-74000 1936: Approximately 74000-77000 1937: Approximately 77000-79000 1938: Approximately 79000-81000 1939: Approximately 81000-84000 1940: Approximately 84000-87000 1941: Approximately 87000-91000 1942: Approximately 91000-95000 (banner begins) 1943: Approximately 95000-98000 1944: Approximately 98000-101000 (herringbone ends) 1945: Approximately 101000-106000 (banner ends) 1946: Approximately 106000-109000 1947: Approximately 109000-112000 1948: Approximately 112000-117000 1949: Approximately 117000-122000 1950: Approximately 122000-128000 1955: Approximately 147000-152000 1960: Approximately 175000-181000 1965: Approximately 212000-218000 1968: Approximately 237000-241000 1969: Approximately 241000-254000 (Indian rosewood begins)

Important Notes:

• Serial numbers overlap between years

• Not perfectly sequential

• Must verify with physical features

• Model stamp critical

Model Stamps and Dating

Critical identification marks:

Neck Block Stamps

Information Stamped:

• Serial number

• Model designation "D-28"

• Martin stamp/logo

• Sometimes date codes

Example: "D-28" stamped on neck block

Why Critical:

• Confirms premium rosewood model

• Authenticates as Martin

• Essential verification

• Distinguishes from D-18

Dating by Physical Features: Era-by-Era Guide

Physical characteristics provide crucial dating evidence:

1931-1933 D-28 (First Generation - Extremely Rare)

The Original 12-Fret Premium Dreadnought:

Body Construction:

• Dreadnought body (15 5/8" lower bout)

• Brazilian rosewood back and sides

• Adirondack spruce top

• Hide glue construction

• X-bracing (not yet forward-shifted)

Top Trim - Defining Feature:

• Herringbone purfling around top edge

• Intricate black and white pattern

• Premium appointment

• Labor-intensive inlay

• Signature D-28 feature

Neck:

• 12-fret neck (joined at 12th fret)

• Slotted headstock

• Ebony fingerboard

• Snowflake inlays (some)

• Dot inlays (some)

• 25.4" scale length

Headstock:

• Slotted headstock (open)

• Three-on-a-side tuners

• "C.F. Martin & Co." logo

• Large Martin decal

• Open-back tuners visible

Bracing:

• X-bracing pattern

• Not forward-shifted

• Scalloped bracing

• Hand-carved tone bars

• Premium construction

Bridge:

• Belly bridge (rounded underside)

• Ebony

• Through-saddle pins

• Hand-shaped

Binding:

• Ivory binding on body (early)

• White binding (later)

• Top and back edges bound

• Premium appointments

Backstrip:

• Herringbone backstrip

• Center back decoration

• Matching top trim

Tuners:

• Open-back tuners

• Waverly or Grover

• Exposed gears

• Three-per-side

Finish:

• Natural finish

• Thin spirit varnish or lacquer

• Hand-rubbed

• Ages to deep amber

Inlays:

• Snowflake position markers (some)

• Diamonds and squares (some)

• Dot inlays (some)

• Various patterns

Serial Numbers: 60000-68000 (approximate)

Production Numbers: Extremely limited (estimated fewer than 100 total 1931-1933)

Why 1931-1933 D-28s Are Ultimate:

• First Martin rosewood dreadnoughts

• Extremely limited production

• Depression era scarcity

• 12-fret necks with slotted headstocks

• Herringbone trim

• Brazilian rosewood

• Scalloped bracing

• Historical significance

• Six-figure values standard

1934 D-28 (Revolutionary Transition Year)

14-Fret Neck Introduced - Modern Premium Dreadnought Born:

Critical Change:

• 14-fret neck introduced (1934)

• Solid headstock replaces slotted

• Forward-shifted X-bracing

• Modern design established

• Revolutionary for premium guitars

Body Construction:

• Dreadnought body

• Brazilian rosewood back and sides

• Adirondack spruce top

• Scalloped X-bracing

• Forward-shifted bracing (critical tone change)

Top Trim:

• Herringbone purfling around top

• Premium appointment

• Signature D-28 feature

Neck:

• 14 frets clear of body

• Solid headstock (non-slotted)

• Ebony fingerboard

• Dot inlays standard (1934+)

• Adjustable T-bar truss rod

• 25.4" scale

Headstock:

• Solid headstock

• Six-in-line tuners

• Martin script logo

• Pearl inlay

• Modern appearance

Bracing - Critical Feature:

• Forward-shifted X-bracing introduced

• Scalloped tone bars

• Moved bracing forward for increased bass

• Louder, more projection

• Defined premium dreadnought sound

Bridge:

• Belly bridge

• Ebony

• Through-saddle pins

Binding:

• Ivory or white binding

• Top and back edges

• Premium appointments

Backstrip:

• Herringbone backstrip

• Center back decoration

Tuners:

• Open-back tuners

• Waverly or Grover

• Six-in-line

Finish:

• Natural finish

• Thin nitrocellulose lacquer

• Hand-rubbed

Serial Numbers: 68000-71000 (approximate)

Why 1934 Is Critical:

• Transitional year

• 14-fret premium dreadnought established

• Forward-shifted bracing introduced

• Rare first-year 14-fret

• Herringbone trim

• Brazilian rosewood

• Extremely collectible

1935-1944 D-28 (Herringbone Pre-War Era - Peak Collectibility)

The Golden Age of D-28 Production:

Body Construction:

• Dreadnought body

• Brazilian rosewood back and sides

• Adirondack spruce top

• Scalloped X-bracing

• Forward-shifted bracing

• Peak construction quality

Top Trim - Signature Feature:

• Herringbone purfling around top edge

• Intricate black/white pattern

• Premium appointment

• Labor-intensive

• Defining D-28 characteristic

Binding:

• White or ivory binding on body

• Top and back edges

• Premium appointments

Backstrip:

• Herringbone backstrip

• Center back decoration

• Matching top trim

Neck:

• 14-fret neck

• Solid headstock

• Ebony fingerboard

• Dot inlays

• Adjustable T-bar truss rod

Bracing:

• Scalloped X-bracing (hand-carved)

• Forward-shifted position

• Peak tone quality

• Premium construction

• Most desirable bracing

Bridge:

• Belly bridge standard

• Ebony

• Through-saddle pins

• Hand-shaped

Tuners:

• Open-back tuners

• Grover (common)

• Waverly

• Kluson (some)

Finish:

• Natural finish

• Thin nitrocellulose lacquer

• Hand-rubbed

• Ages to rich amber/orange

Wood Quality:

• Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra)

• Varied coloration and figuring

• Old-growth Adirondack spruce

• Premium tone woods

• Unsurpassed quality

Serial Numbers: 71000-101000 (approximate)

Why Herringbone Pre-War D-28s Are Most Valuable:

• Herringbone top trim (1931-1944)

• Scalloped bracing

• Adirondack spruce tops

• Brazilian rosewood

• Peak pre-war quality

• Forward-shifted bracing

• Legendary tone

• Investment grade

• Five to six-figure values

1942-1945 D-28 (Banner Headstock Era - Ultimate Collectibility)

WWII Banner - Historic Significance:

Banner Headstock Feature:

• "C.F. Martin & Co. Est. 1833 Nazareth, PA" banner

• Patriotic wartime logo

• Replaces standard script logo

• 1942-1945 only

• Extremely collectible

• Premium pricing

All Premium Features Continue:

• Herringbone top trim (through 1944)

• Herringbone backstrip

• Brazilian rosewood

• Scalloped bracing

• Adirondack spruce tops

• Peak specifications

Body Construction:

• Dreadnought body

• Brazilian rosewood back and sides

• Adirondack spruce top

• Scalloped bracing

• Forward-shifted

Top Trim (1942-1944):

• Herringbone purfling

• Premium appointments

Binding:

• White binding

• Top and back edges

Neck:

• 14-fret neck

• Solid headstock with BANNER

• Ebony fingerboard

• Dot inlays

• T-bar truss rod

Bridge:

• Belly bridge

• Ebony

• Through-saddle pins

Tuners:

• Open-back tuners

• Various makers

• Wartime substitutions possible

Finish:

• Natural finish

• Thin nitrocellulose lacquer

1944 Change:

• Herringbone discontinued on D-28 (1944)

• Plain top introduced

• Banner continues through 1945

Serial Numbers: 91000-106000 (approximate)

Why Banner D-28s Are Ultimate:

• Banner headstock (1942-1945)

• Herringbone trim (1942-1944)

• Brazilian rosewood

• Scalloped bracing

• Adirondack spruce

• Wartime scarcity

• Historical significance

• Six-figure values common

1944-1946 D-28 (Herringbone Ends - Major Transition)

Critical Specification Change:

1944 Change - Herringbone Discontinued:

• Herringbone trim discontinued (1944)

• Plain top replaces herringbone

• Cost reduction measure

• Major visual change

• End of herringbone D-28 era

1944 (Late) Features:

• Plain top (no herringbone)

• Black/white purfling (simple)

• Banner continues (through mid-1945)

• Scalloped bracing continues

• Brazilian rosewood

• Adirondack spruce

1945 Features:

• Plain top

• Banner (early 1945 only)

• Standard logo (mid-1945 onward)

• Scalloped bracing continues

• Brazilian rosewood

• Adirondack spruce

1946 Features:

• Plain top

• Standard logo

• Scalloped bracing phased out

• Sitka spruce begins replacing Adirondack

• Brazilian rosewood continues

Dating 1944-1946:

• Herringbone + banner = 1942-1944

• Plain top + banner = late 1944-early 1945

• Plain top + standard logo = late 1945-1946

Serial Numbers:

• 1944: 98000-101000

• 1945: 101000-106000

• 1946: 106000-109000

Significance: End of herringbone era, beginning of "plain top" D-28

1946-1949 D-28 (Post-War Transition)

Major Post-War Changes:

Body Construction:

• Dreadnought body

• Brazilian rosewood back and sides (continues)

• Sitka spruce tops (replacing Adirondack)

• Non-scalloped bracing begins

• Forward-shifted bracing continues

Top Trim:

• Plain top (no herringbone)

• Simple black/white purfling

• Standard post-war appointment

Binding:

• White binding

• Top and back edges

• Simple appointments

Bracing Transition:

• Scalloped bracing phased out (1946-1947)

• Non-scalloped bracing introduced

• Full-height tone bars

• Different tone character

• Easier production

Neck:

• 14-fret neck

• Solid headstock

• Ebony fingerboard

• Dot inlays

• T-bar truss rod

Headstock:

• Standard Martin script logo

• Pearl inlay

• No banner

Bridge:

• Belly bridge continues

• Ebony

Tuners:

• Open-back tuners

• Kluson (increasingly common)

• Grover

Finish:

• Natural finish

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

• Thin application

Wood Specifications:

• Brazilian rosewood continues (critical)

• Sitka spruce tops

• Ebony fingerboard and bridge

• Premium materials maintained

Serial Numbers: 106000-122000 (approximate)

Significance: Post-war transitional era, Brazilian rosewood continues

1950-1968 D-28 (Modern Brazilian Rosewood Era)

Standardized Modern Specifications - Still Premium:

Body Construction:

• Dreadnought body

• Brazilian rosewood back and sides (continues through 1969)

• Sitka spruce tops standard

• Non-scalloped X-bracing

• Forward-shifted bracing

Top Trim:

• Plain top (no herringbone)

• Simple black/white purfling

Binding:

• White binding standard

• Top and back edges

Bracing:

• Non-scalloped X-bracing standard

• Full-height tone bars

• Forward-shifted position

• Modern construction

Neck:

• 14-fret neck

• Solid headstock

• Ebony fingerboard

• Dot inlays

• Adjustable truss rod

Headstock:

• Martin script logo

• Pearl inlay

• Standard design

Bridge:

• Belly bridge (through 1965)

• Square bridge (1966+)

• Ebony

Tuners:

• Kluson Deluxe tuners (most common)

• Enclosed back (later)

• Grover (some)

Finish:

• Natural finish

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Wood Specifications - Critical:

• Brazilian rosewood continues through 1969

• Dalbergia nigra

• Premium figured rosewood

• Last years of Brazilian

• Investment grade material

Serial Numbers: 122000-241000 (approximate)

Why 1950-1968 D-28s Are Valuable:

• Brazilian rosewood back and sides

• Excellent construction

• Modern playability

• Still premium instruments

• Investment grade

• Pre-CITES Brazilian rosewood

• Values continue appreciating

1969 D-28 (Indian Rosewood Transition - Critical Year)

Major Species Change:

Early 1969:

• Brazilian rosewood back and sides

• Last Brazilian examples

• Extremely collectible

• Premium pricing

Late 1969:

• Indian rosewood replaces Brazilian

• Dalbergia latifolia

• Different appearance and tone

• Cost and sustainability reasons

• End of Brazilian rosewood era

Dating Challenge:

• Serial number essential for 1969

• Early 1969 = Brazilian

• Late 1969 = Indian

• Wood identification critical

All Other Features:

• Plain top

• Non-scalloped bracing

• Square bridge

• Sitka spruce top

• Modern specifications

Serial Numbers: 241000-254000 (approximate)

Why 1969 Is Critical:

• Transition year

• Last Brazilian rosewood examples

• Indian rosewood begins

• Dating essential for value

• Brazilian 1969 commands premium

Critical Dating Features by Era

Understanding key identifiers:

12-Fret vs. 14-Fret Neck

12-Fret Neck (1931-1933):

• Neck joins at 12th fret

• Slotted headstock

• First D-28 design

• Extremely rare

• Highest collector value

• Six-figure values

14-Fret Neck (1934-1969):

• Neck joins at 14th fret

• Solid headstock

• Modern design

• Standard configuration

Dating Significance:

• 12-fret = 1931-1933 only

• 14-fret = 1934 or later

Herringbone Trim (1931-1944)

Herringbone Top Trim:

• Intricate black/white pattern

• Around top edge

• 1931-1944 only

• Discontinued 1944

• Most collectible D-28 feature

• Signature appointment

Plain Top (1944-1969):

• No herringbone

• Simple black/white purfling

• Cost reduction

• Modern D-28 standard

Dating Significance:

• Herringbone = 1931-1944

• Plain top = 1944 onward

Value Impact: Herringbone D-28s worth 50-150% more than comparable plain top

Banner Headstock (1942-1945)

WWII Banner Logo:

• "C.F. Martin & Co. Est. 1833 Nazareth, PA"

• Patriotic wartime feature

• 1942-1945 only

• Historical significance

Standard Logo (all other years):

• Martin script logo

• Pearl inlay

• Standard design

Dating Significance:

• Banner = 1942-1945 precisely

• Banner + herringbone = 1942-1944 (ultimate)

• Banner + plain top = late 1944-1945

Value Impact: Banner adds 20-40% premium

Scalloped vs. Non-Scalloped Bracing

Scalloped Bracing (1931-1946):

• Hand-carved tone bars

• Scalloped/dished sections

• More flexible top

• Superior tone (many believe)

• Labor-intensive

• Pre-war feature

Non-Scalloped Bracing (1946-1969):

• Full-height tone bars

• Not carved

• Stiffer top

• Different tone

• Modern standard

Dating Significance:

• Scalloped = pre-1947

• Non-scalloped = 1946 onward

Value Impact: Scalloped bracing adds 30-50% premium

Adirondack vs. Sitka Spruce Tops

Adirondack (Red) Spruce (1931-1946):

• Eastern spruce

• Tight, straight grain

• Superior tone (many believe)

• Became scarce post-WWII

• Pre-war standard

Sitka Spruce (1946-1969):

• Western spruce

• Wider grain typically

• Excellent tone

• Modern standard

Dating Significance:

• Adirondack = likely pre-1947

• Sitka = 1946 onward

Value Impact: Adirondack adds significant premium

Brazilian vs. Indian Rosewood

Brazilian Rosewood (1931-1969):

• Dalbergia nigra

• Varied coloration (brown to purple-brown)

• Distinctive figured grain

• Superior tone (many believe)

• Standard D-28 material

• Became restricted/expensive

Indian Rosewood (1969+):

• Dalbergia latifolia

• More uniform appearance

• Darker typically

• Excellent tone

• Modern standard

Dating Significance:

• Brazilian = pre-1970

• Indian = 1969 onward

• Critical 1969 transition

Value Impact: Brazilian rosewood D-28s significantly more valuable than Indian

Belly Bridge vs. Square Bridge

Belly Bridge (1931-1965):

• Rounded underside

• Classic Martin design

• Through-saddle pins

• Traditional appearance

Square Bridge (1966-1969):

• Flat underside

• Modern design

• Larger surface area

• 1966 onward

Dating Significance:

• Belly bridge = pre-1966

• Square bridge = 1966 onward

When You're Ready to Sell Your Vintage Martin D-28

How Dating Affects D-28 Value

Era-Specific Premiums:

• 1931-1933 (12-fret herringbone): Extremely high (six figures)

• 1934 (14-fret transition): Very high values

• 1935-1944 (herringbone pre-war): Highest values

• 1942-1944 (banner + herringbone): Ultimate combination

• 1945-1946 (plain top pre-war): High values

• 1946-1949 (post-war Brazilian): Strong values

• 1950-1968 (Brazilian rosewood): Excellent values

• 1969 Brazilian: Premium over Indian

Feature-Specific Value:

• Herringbone trim (1931-1944): 50-150% premium

• Banner headstock (1942-1945): 20-40% additional

• Scalloped bracing: 30-50% premium

• Adirondack spruce: Significant premium

• Brazilian rosewood: Essential for maximum value

• 12-fret neck: Extreme rarity premium

Brazilian Rosewood Premium:

• Brazilian D-28s (pre-1970) worth 2-4x comparable Indian rosewood examples

• Investment grade instruments

• Appreciation continues

• CITES restrictions increase value

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars

Our Martin D-28 Expertise:

• Pre-war Martin specialists

• Herringbone D-28 authentication (1931-1944)

• Banner headstock verification (1942-1945)

• Scalloped vs. non-scalloped bracing identification

• Adirondack vs. Sitka spruce recognition

• Brazilian vs. Indian rosewood authentication

• 12-fret vs. 14-fret evaluation

• 1969 transition year assessment

Premium Offers: 30-40% higher than guitar shops

Streamlined Process:

• Expert authentication

• Immediate fair offers

• No fees or commissions

• Professional service

Contact: (440) 219-3607

Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a herringbone D-28 more valuable?

Herringbone D-28 guitars (1931-1944) feature intricate herringbone trim, Brazilian rosewood, scalloped bracing, and Adirondack spruce tops. These represent peak Martin quality and are 50-150% more valuable than comparable plain top D-28s. Herringbone was discontinued in 1944 as a cost-cutting measure.

Are banner headstock D-28s the most collectible?

Banner headstock D-28s (1942-1945) are extremely collectible, especially 1942-1944 examples that combine the banner with herringbone trim. These represent the ultimate pre-war D-28 and command six-figure prices in excellent condition.

When did Martin stop using Brazilian rosewood on the D-28?

Martin transitioned from Brazilian to Indian rosewood in 1969. Early 1969 D-28s still have Brazilian rosewood and are significantly more valuable than late 1969 Indian rosewood examples. Brazilian rosewood D-28s (1931-1969) are investment-grade instruments.

What is scalloped bracing?

Scalloped bracing means the internal tone bars are hand-carved with scalloped/dished sections, allowing the top to vibrate more freely. Pre-war D-28s (1931-1946) have scalloped bracing, creating superior tone. This adds 30-50% to value over non-scalloped examples.

Are 12-fret D-28s more valuable than 14-fret?

Yes, extremely. 12-fret D-28s (1931-1933) are the rarest D-28 variant with fewer than 100 estimated made. These have slotted headstocks, herringbone trim, and extreme historical significance. Six-figure values are standard.

Why are pre-1946 D-28s so valuable?

Pre-1946 D-28s combine herringbone trim (through 1944), scalloped bracing, Adirondack spruce tops, and Brazilian rosewood. These represent peak Martin craftsmanship and legendary tone. They're investment-grade instruments commanding five to six-figure prices.

When did the D-28 change to a square bridge?

Martin introduced the square bridge on the D-28 in 1966. Pre-1966 guitars have the traditional belly bridge with rounded underside. Collectors prefer belly bridge examples.

How much more valuable is a Brazilian rosewood D-28 than Indian?

Brazilian rosewood D-28s (pre-1970) are typically worth 2-4x comparable Indian rosewood examples. The Brazilian models continue to appreciate due to CITES restrictions and superior tone reputation.

Learning how to date your vintage Martin D-28 accurately requires understanding serial numbers, physical features, construction methods, and materials specific to each era. The D-28 evolved from 1931 through 1969, with herringbone pre-war examples (1931-1944) representing the pinnacle of acoustic guitar craftsmanship and commanding the highest values.

Whether you own a rare 12-fret herringbone D-28, a banner headstock model, a Brazilian rosewood example, or any vintage D-28, proper authentication ensures you understand your instrument's history and investment value.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in vintage Martin D-28 authentication and purchasing throughout the Midwest. Our comprehensive knowledge of D-28 dating—from herringbone identification to Brazilian rosewood authentication—ensures accurate assessments that reflect your guitar's true age and value.

Contact us today at (440) 219-3607 for expert Martin D-28 authentication or professional valuation.

John Thompson, Vintage Guitar Specialist
Edgewater Guitars - Ohio's Premier Guitar Buyer