Martin & Co HD-28 user reviews ( 10/10) - 7 user reviews

• 08/09/11

  King Loudness's review "A more vintage sounding D28"

  Characteristics

  It is my opinion that the Martin HD28 is one of the best vintage style acoustic guitars made in production today in the $2,500 price point. Martin has a long history of quality and innovation, and these guitars have stood the test of time by all means. The original D28s and HD28s are highly coveted and expensive so this affordable reissue allows a wider market to acquire one of these venerable guitars. They're still made in the USA by CF Martin IV and his wonderful team.
  
  
  
  It features a spruce top, East Indian rosewood back, sides and neck, and the coveted scalloped X bracing pattern that has become legend for acoustic guitars over time. Here is the full list of specs:
  
  
  
  MODEL: HD-28
  
  CONSTRUCTION: Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
  
  BODY SIZE: D-14 Fret
  
  TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce
  
  ROSETTE: Style 28
  
  TOP BRACING PATTERN: Standard ''X'' Scalloped
  
  TOP BRACES: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16''
  
  BACK MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
  
  BACK PURFLING: HD Zig-Zag
  
  SIDE MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
  
  ENDPIECE: White Boltaron
  
  ENDPIECE INLAY: Black/White Boltaron
  
  BINDING: White Boltaron
  
  TOP INLAY STYLE: Bold Herringbone
  
  SIDE INLAY: none
  
  BACK INLAY: Black/White Boltaron
  
  NECK MATERIAL: Select Hardwood
  
  NECK SHAPE: Low Profile
  
  NUT MATERIAL: Bone
  
  HEADSTOCK: Solid/Diamond/Square Taper
  
  HEADPLATE: Solid East Indian Rosewood /Raised Gold Foil
  
  HEELCAP: White Boltaron
  
  FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
  
  SCALE LENGTH: 25.4''
  
  # OF FRETS CLEAR: 14
  
  # OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
  
  FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1-11/16''
  
  FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2-1/8''
  
  FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: Style 28
  
  FINGERBOARD BINDING: none
  
  FINISH BACK & SIDES: Polished Gloss
  
  FINISH TOP: Polished Gloss ; Sunburst available at additional cost.
  
  FINISH NECK: Satin
  
  BRIDGE MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
  
  BRIDGE STYLE: Belly
  
  BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2-1/8''
  
  SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/Bone
  
  TUNING MACHINES: Chrome Enclosed w/ Large Buttons
  
  RECOMMENDED STRINGS: Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Medium Gauge (MSP7200)
  
  BRIDGE & END PINS: White w/ Black Dots
  
  PICKGUARD: Tortoise Color
  
  CASE: 640 Molded
  
  INTERIOR LABEL: none
  
  ELECTRONICS: Optional

  Utilization

  The design of the HD28 is quite good for bluegrass and country players who want a crisper, more vintage sounding version of the D28 that sings for both strummed patterns as well as faster flatpicked lead lines. The ones I have tried are usually quite light for an acoustic and they sit very well on the body overall, which is great for a smaller person such as myself. These HD28s sound great right out of the box and only get better as time goes on so getting a good sound is not an issue whatsoever. The upper fret access is not bad, but it doesn't have a cutaway, nor enough frets for it to be considered stellar.

  Sounds

  The sound of the D28 is really an amazing thing. It is a very rich and punchy instrument that I find to have a crisp bass, subdued midrange and a sparkling top end. This is excellent for lead lines and more of a modern tone overall I find. It's punchier sounding than the D-28, but it lacks a little bit of that midrange boom as well. I found that I preferred the D28 over the HD28 in a shootout, even though the HD28 was more expensive and was built to more of a vintage specification. If you're a serious acoustic player and HAVEN'T tried one of these... I'm not really sure how to respond. They're a must try for any guitarist because of their pure Martin sound!

  Overall Opinion

  All in all I think the HD28 is just an amazing acoustic guitar with a wonderful vintage vibe. It does many styles well and the craftsmanship is second to none. I compared it with the D18 and D28 and found it to be a stellar sounding guitar overall. There is a reason that so many of the great players have used a D28 or HD28... to me it just embodies the dreadnought acoustic guitar at its best.
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• 05/06/09

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The Martin & Co HD-28 is made in the USA and has 20 frets total. It is not an acoustic/electric guitar so it doesn't have any pick ups or controls. The neck is made out of dark mahogany and feels very good on the fingers.

  Utilization

  The neck of the Martin HD-28 feels very fluid and is really easy to play. Compared to other acoustic guitars, the HD-28 feels like water and the action is just about perfect. It is easy to play all around the neck and while it has a pretty standard shape and weight, this guitar is anything but standard. Its pretty easy to get a good sound from this guitar, as it is honestly one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played.

  Sounds

  The Martin HD-28 is a great acoustic guitar for any type of music, but I use it mostly for rock and folk music. The tone is extremely rich and vibrant and is an extreme pleasure to listen to. Each note radiates in a special light that is seldom seen in most guitars. There isn't too much that can really be said - one you try it out for yourself you will know what I am talking about...it just sounds that great.

  Overall Opinion

  I first used the Martin HD-28 about two years ago and whenever I get the chance it record with it, it is really a pleasure to work with because getting a good recorded sound is incredibly simple with this guitar. While there are a few other Martin guitars that sound as good as the HD-28, but there really aren't that many. If you are looking for one of the best guitars that money can buy, and a lot of money that is, the Martin HD-28 is a great choice and is truly one of the best guitars I've ever had the pleasure of using.
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• 03/25/11

  Pucelle_Dabidjan's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Thus, when the eagle of Ganymede to the heavens thunder removed"

  Characteristics

  The Martin! Simply!
  
  
  
  One of the many guitars that crossed my hands in my quest for ultimate folk instrument. And also one of the most successful overall for me. This HD-28 was shown at the outset, better finished than her peers. Without ever achieving a good or Lowden Warrior undeniable references to me, but not afford to fault or approximation. The timber had a finer grain than the models that were with him. Martin announced that this spice. I give him a great depth of texture to the light, almost flamed. The back and sides are Indian rosewood, the neck is carved from mahogany and covered with a well-crafted ebony fingerboard.
  
  
  
  No defects found and, in addition, a nicer finish than her peers. I also appreciate the humility that comes out of that instrument. Here, we do not worry clearly wants cum on the chin, but I invite you to the game!

  Utilization

  I met a more pleasant than sister attempted in this store (dcpa1). The handle, although larger, is more rounded. It remains almost as wide as her sisters but wants to be more greedy. Despite what you might think, it is easier to learn, loves that he turns around, more forgiving placement errors and is more sensual than those using flat-D "(a term that describes staff but other round series modern). The satin finish of the latter is also nice. The tuners are precise, but the saddle would need a little tuning, it was holding the ropes a bit, making risky setting.
  
  
  
  Alas, the absence of piezo or other small type of option, and the lack of a belt attachment for me are big manquos. Yes I know, the beautiful heiress wants a tradition, but this will force the fan to extend the euro. And for this guitar, it would be a shame to put a lowcost sensor. Also damage, lack of cutaway that prevents access to acute "simple".

  Sounds

  The sound of this guitar is a very nice adventure. A little warmer than others of her peers. It will look for deeper bass and is a bit smoother, finer overall with a sharp less clear. But, overall, the clarity is very good. Just his leg seems a bit warmer. We always keep a little offensive side of the instrument, but without exaggeration. The balance is generally very well found on this guitar. Although the dynamics is being held in registers means (see "offensive" above), articulation and richness of sound are one of its strengths. The Treble is a little more packed than some other current Martin. I do not know if this is related to a specific instrument or line HD28. The game, on any positions remain firm but not harsh. It can attack a lot of styles with such a guitar sound.

  Overall Opinion

  "Heaven is not on earth, but there are pieces of" the friend reportedly wrote Jules Renard. This Martin is a good instrument to play sensual, certainly demanding, but not unforgivable. She appears well built and beautiful moments to give anyone who will not allow himself to be discouraged by the price.
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• 02/25/10

  chicruss's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Made Nazarreth, USA. Health dreadnough, junction of the handle at the fourteenth fret.
  
  
  
  Back and sides: rosewood (indian rosewood)
  
  Top: Spruce (Sitka spruce)
  
  neck / fingerboard: rosewood / ebony
  
  
  
  Superb finish. Beautiful marquetry.

  Utilization

  The neck is fantastic!

  Sounds

  Grandiose!

  Overall Opinion

  In the early electric guitarist, I wanted several years ago to buy a acoustic guitar. I went to a store specializing in Paris where I have tried many brands (Taylor, Takamine, ...). Nothing in my ears did not ring as well as a Martin.
  
  I started by Martin D16RGT. It sounded not bad. After I separated, I bought used a Martin D28. It sounded much better but I had to compare the previous.
  
  A month ago, I purchased a new Martin HD28. Although he sold the D28, I had the opportunity to compare the time of day. I took one of these slaps. What sound! Much richer, more balanced than the D28 and that whatever the playing technique used. Yet the two guitars accused an age difference of 10 years who played the detriment of the HD28. Despite this, no doubt as to which sounds best.
  
  Do not think that only the aesthetics of the guitar exchange between the two models. Go look at the site of Martin where you will find that the X is under the table "scalopped. I would never imagine that this causes such a difference in sound. In addition, it is much prettier than the D28, so ...
  
  I never separate myself from this guitar.
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• 09/11/06

  Lf's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  United States manufacturing

  Utilization

  Some may find the action too high, but the handle is very enjoyable. Form C is ergonomically tes.

  Sounds

  I play mostly folk. This guitar is perfect for this style of music, but you can do with an HD28: blues, fingerpicking, and even jazz.
  
  
  
  I love the guitars when they produce a powerful and rich in harmonics. I also like the dominant bass. The HD28 possess all these characteristics.

  Overall Opinion

  The HD28, like the D28, has a table in a grocer, a bottom and sides rosewood, a mahogany neck, a bridge and ebony buttons, all in solid wood. It differs, however, the D28 by the dam of the table. This one is lighter, antique. This makes a huge difference, especially for bass. They are more present on the HD28 than on the D28. Its sound is very typical: very rich in harmonics. We like it or not). I love it. The projection of the sound is amazing. Of course I do not mean that is the perfect finisher. It can reach to 2500 Euro. Each A guitar, a type of rope and it requires some time to find the right ones. I have a HD28 for 2 years and I prefer it with Martin Marquis Bronze strings, rather than phosphor-bronze. I recommend the strings being too long treated buzzy, or coated with goretex as dull. You can do everything with a HD28: country, folk, fingerpicking ... the scene, the studio (I do) or play alone in his room. This guitar is a drug you touch it and you can not do without it.
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• 01/22/06

  pma's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Made States, this guitar is beautiful in its sober I just el'avheter, and I try plusiseurs time in store, just the fact to keep each gives an incredible feeling. great guitar!

  Utilization

  Channel enjoyable trs, trs puissace guitar in the bass and treble, his desire martin

  Sounds

  We can play anything on it, bossa nova, jazz, rytme funky, rock, I am really sidr!

  Overall Opinion

  For two days I, and three months that I tried in the store, the particular feature I like best: everything! and if you have the means Do not hesitate one of the best acoustics of all time
  
  
  
  its incredibly rich! trs prcis sound, I vibrate every time! it is not a legends Martin & Co is the top level of luxury. I have a D15 too, the ever, although this is a trs particulire guitar, the sound has matured over time!
  
  
  
  when I try to buy Takamine and other brand, yuck! DSOL but for the price except for the sound with pramplis which is of great quality, in pure acoustic sound I dtest, and then I have a cousin who had the same, silent sound ten times better, irrgularit in construction, I want to I bought a deprecated tan10C, I sold it eight months again later!
  
  
  
  HD 28 I really recommend for those means, or HD35 for a little more than a D28 or D35, you enter the luxury of what is best for a dreadnought in rich sound, playing comfort, precision, class design, and above all feeling! frankly, it's worth is largely price!
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• 10/06/05

  Hotfirecaster's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  ATTENTION My Martin & Co is not a 28 but a HD35 HD (MODEL the above, but strangely it is not on the site, I think it is not important in FRANCE). Manny's in NY bought it produces t NAZARETH States. Bridge Ebne touches Ebne, binding superb "Airingbones" (excuse me for spelling ;-) The handle is a classic round because I dtest the sleeve "V", the mcaniques are not vintage and therefore oil baths, they are the perfect agreement. The back is in 3 parts allowing for bass.

  Utilization

  The handle? A rve, Access in acute? Nothing! Ergonomics, Well this is the NIRVANA !!!!! It gets a good sound?? While the I must tell you, because I had the chance to go to Manny's New York where I tried this little bomb. I must tell you that I tried some prs everything I could lay my hand because I had to stay 4 hours. D18, D28 and D35 and HD28 and HD35 and finally .... Not to mention the Gibson J45 and other TAYLORS.
  
  I t scotch by the HD35 prvu I did not buy but it is very simple I could not stand the ... The use of any fawn MARTIN is like diving into a fourth and believe me this is not the littrature or the effect of style ... The quality of wood, knowledge of this famous family ... Rve use in picking, in play chords, accompaniment, folk, blues, etc ... Except for open tunings, or if you want to play Blues there are many more but this is not the destination ....

  Sounds

  We must play it to believe not only is it immediately comfortable on a Martin and all the ones I tried sounded crazy, but the HD35 is good everywhere, both in picking in gaming agreements, etc. ... It has excellent projection (watch out I'm talking MODEL Jumbo) and the sound is both lime and crystalline, round, soft, nervous glance I did not see any default. on the other hand, if you are a fan of the genre TAKAMINE guitars with his trs Medium typ go your way (I also had an EN10 (Berk) that I sold long ago). The seller told me that she is the gal with a D40 with quality finishes in less (yes on the HD35 no dbauche all ornaments of D40 .. . is a matter of budget ...).
  
  I do not hate anything about this guitar and even if I have the AIM D18 and D28, the HD35 has a really small to me ... supplment I have read here that some or the intended one more game support for it has powerful bass ... Not true! Indeed it is low in gnreuse gnreuse but it is everywhere, without having vulgaris sounds of some of its competitors ... Hummmmm I love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Overall Opinion

  I use it all the time, this guitar hypnotizes me!! Sometimes the overtones are so rich that I hear notes that I did not have the feel of play. Resell all your shovels, one week you sweeten the mountain and you buy a Martin will not regret it!
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