Sales finally started to take off in 1935, "when they were given a single illustration on page 12 in the company's catalog, opposite a Hawaiian model."

[1] Originally built around the Martin D-14 Fret platform, early examples included exotic tone woods, such as Brazilian Rosewood, which is no longer available in large quantities due to deforestation and subsequent treaty controls.

The previous black guard is now faux tortoise shell and the former enclosed tuning machines are now open gear.

The modern D-28 standard series is made of several high quality tone woods, including solid Sitka Spruce tops, Indian rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fret board, ebony bridge, and maple bridge plate.

[6] The D-28 has been made in several variations over the years, including: Notable users have included Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Chris Cornell, Nick Drake, Slim Dusty, Bob Dylan, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Lester Flatt, John Frusciante, Noel Gallagher, Jerry Garcia, Dick Gaughan, Michael Hedges, Scott Hutchison, Ben Howard, Kansas, Kingston Trio, John Lennon, Chris Martin, John Martyn, Paul McCartney, Marcus Mumford, Harry Nilsson, Jimmy Page, Brad Paisley, Nancy Wilson, Lindsey Buckingham, Tom Paxton, Elvis Presley, John Prine,[11] Tony Rice, Judee Sill, The Supernaturals, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Sturgill Simpson, Hank Snow, Stephen Stills, Charles Thompson IV, Clarence White, Hank Williams, Steve Winwood, Peter Yarrow, David Crosby and Neil Young.