Martin Value Guide · October 2026
Martin D-28 And D-28S Value Guide
Vintage Martin D-28 values vary sharply by construction period. Typical retail ranges are $12,000 to $20,000 for 1950s guitars and $6,000 to $12,000 for 1960s Brazilian-rosewood examples. Original prewar guitars can be worth substantially more.
Original D-28s and D-28S guitars through 1969, with Brazilian rosewood verified on later examples. Compare The Authentication Guide.
Current Value Ranges
Estimated retail values in U.S. dollars, as of October 2026. Condition and originality affect the final value.
| Model And Period | Estimated Retail Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1931 To 1934 Twelve-Fret And Earliest Variants | Individual Appraisal |
| 1934 To 1937, Standard 14-Fret | $140,000 to $180,000 |
| Late 1938 To Early 1939, Rear-Braced Examples | $132,000 to $172,000 |
| Late-1939 Narrow-Neck Examples | $120,000 to $140,000 |
| 1940 To 1942, Scalloped | $92,000 to $120,000 |
| 1943, Scalloped | $80,000 to $100,000 |
| 1944, Scalloped | $76,000 to $96,000 |
| 1944 To 1945, Non-Scalloped | $40,000 to $52,000 |
| 1946 To Early 1947, Herringbone | $36,000 to $44,000 |
| Late 1947 To 1949, Non-Herringbone | $17,200 to $22,800 |
| 1950 To 1959 | $12,000 to $20,000 |
| 1960 To 1964 | $8,000 to $12,000 |
| 1965 To 1969, Brazilian | $6,000 to $10,500 |
| 1966 To 1969 D-28S, Brazilian | $10,800 to $14,400 |
| Earlier D-28S Special Orders | Individual Appraisal |
The range depends on condition and originality. Dealer purchase offers and consignment proceeds differ from retail value.
Condition And Originality
Bracing, herringbone trim, neck width, original finish and surviving top material determine the appropriate value range. A scalloped-braced 1944 guitar belongs in a different range from a non-scalloped example. Replacement tops, refinishing and major structural repairs need individual assessment. Confirm the wood on late-1969 guitars.
For the broader comparison, read how repairs and changed parts affect guitar value. If the finish has been changed, the refinish value guide explains full and partial work and why an acoustic needs its own assessment.
Your Martin's Model, Year And Condition
Get A Value For Your Martin
Send photos of the instrument and any repair records for an assessment of your guitar. You can read about Joe Dampt and the instruments he buys before getting in touch.
Photo Credits
Photographs from Joe's Vintage Guitars. Comparison photographs are labeled and do not depict the exact model being valued.