Introduction of the Dreadnought
C.F. Martin & Co. developed the D-28 in 1931 as part of its first dreadnought series, enlarging the body size beyond prior 000 models to increase volume for ensemble playing. The model combined a spruce top with rosewood back and sides and a 25.4-inch scale length.
Design Refinements Through the Decades
Pre-1946 examples used Brazilian rosewood and scalloped bracing; post-war instruments switched to East Indian rosewood and straight bracing. In 1969 Martin added a thicker neck profile, and the 2017 Authentic series reintroduced vintage-style scalloped bracing and hide glue construction.
Artists and Recordings
Bob Dylan played a 1963 D-28 on the 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited. Johnny Cash used a D-28 during his Sun Records sessions, and Eric Clapton recorded portions of Unplugged on a 1939 D-28. The model remains in current production with updated tonewoods and finishes.
