Martin D-35

The classic look and balanced sound of the Martin D-35 dreadnought owes its parentage to the D-28 (and HD-28) with its Sitka spruce top, solid Indian rosewood sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, and a mahogany neck. However, a shortage of Brazilian rosewood (after a fire in the Martin factory) made it necessary to vary the back material of the D-28 in the mid 60s. Martin introduced the D35 in 1965 sporting a unique 3-piece rosewood back which was made utilizing scraps of unmatched rosewood that might have otherwise been thrown away. But they went a few steps further in giving the D35 its own appeal by reducing the traditional D-28 scalloped braces to ¼”. In 1969, Indian rosewood replaced Brazilian rosewood entirely. Martin added purfling, white binding, and its signature solid black pickguard making the D-35 a “deluxe” version of its parents. Over the years, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Rory Ghallager, and Tim Reynolds have chosen the D-35. Many players agree that Martin guitars come from the factory with somewhat high action and that they need to be played for a while and then set up.