If you’re wondering if Martin HD-28 is a good acoustic guitar or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that high-end model. Undoubtedly, it’s a popular model among the professional players, but is it actually worth the money?
The truth is that Martin HD-28 has absolutely everything that you need from an acoustic guitar – the looks, the sound and the feel. It is safe to say that this is one of the best acoustic guitars manufactured by Martin right now.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes the HD-28 model so good and so popular all around the world. Firstly, we’ll start with a quick overview of the specifications of that model. Additionally, we’ll have a look at the main pros and cons of that axe and we’ll compare it with other legendary Martin models.
Specs & Pricing
Martin HD-28 is a premium dreadnought acoustic guitar designed for the most demanding guitarists out there. The undeniably high quality of that model makes it one of the most popular high-end guitars made by this legendary brand.
What makes it so cool? Well, the HD-28 model features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian Rosewood back and sides. It also has a select hardwood neck with an easy-playing Ebony fretboard.
Undoubtedly, the neck is the major advantage of that model – it has a modified low oval (high performance taper) profile. It guarantees an enjoyable playing experience and it allows you to practice for several hours without getting tired.
It is also worth mentioning that Martin HD-28 looks absolutely beautiful from the outside too. The guitar is made with a thorough precision and an attention to detail, so it really proves that Martin really cares about the quality control in their factories. It’s like a piece of art!
When it comes to pricing, just like any other premium Martin guitar – it’s not that cheap. However, considering how well made and great sounding it is, it’s pretty clear that it’s not overpriced at all!
Unique Tone (+Sound Demo)
The sound of Martin HD-28 is rich, loud and absolutely beautiful. Honestly, it’s really difficult to beat the tone of a guitar made of solid rosewood. It’s really resonant thanks to the scalloped bracing.
Whether you prefer strumming or playing with your fingers, you can be sure that the HD-28 will hit the right spot. It is safe to say that this is one of the best sounding dreadnought guitars made by this brand.
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
Who Is The HD-28 For?
Martin HD-28 is suitable for guitarists of all levels, so it doesn’t really matter whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced and intermediate guitarist. You will definitely notice and hear the uniqueness of that high-end model.
However, since it’s a premium and expensive guitar, most of the time it’s used by passionate and professional guitar players.
Just like the original D-28, the HD-28 model is also very versatile. As a result, it can be used in a lot of different styles of music. Whether you’re into blues, rock, country or folk, you can be sure that this guitar won’t disappoint you.
Additionally, the HD-28 is also perfect for recording. If you’re a professional musician and you’re searching for a high quality axe to record your next album with, this is one of the best acoustic guitars that you can potentially get.
Undoubtedly, all passionate guitar collectors will also be really happy to add that model to their collections. It’s one of these guitars that you’ll pass to your grandchildren in 50 years time!
Overall, I’m positive that the vast majority of guitar players will be amazed by the undeniably high quality of Martin HD-28. This guitar is pretty much flawless in every aspect. That’s why I love it!
Here’s an another sound demo.
Pros & Cons
Just like any other acoustic guitar available on the market, Martin HD-28 has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, as you’re already aware, this is one of the best acoustic guitars in the world, so the cons of that model are really subjective.
Pros
- Great Tone
- Beautiful Finish
- Highly Versatile
- Perfect For Professionals
- Included Case
Cons
- High Price
As you can see, there are a lot of things can be considered as major advantages of that model. The HD-28 looks, sounds and feels like a premium guitar. It’s perfect not only for professionals, but also for passionate guitar collects. On top of that, it comes with a high quality case.
The main disadvantage of Martin HD-28 is the high price. This is definitely one of the biggest obstacles that you may face if you want to add it to your own collection. Surely, getting it straight away will be quite difficult for the vast majority of aspiring guitar players.
Nevertheless, I’m still positive that the advantages of HD-28 outweigh its disadvantages. In the end, the best gear in the world can’t be cheap, right?
Martin HD-28 vs Martin D-28
A lot of guitarists who are looking for high-end dreadnought acoustic guitar often can’t decide whether they should get the HD-28 or D-28 model. But which one of the is actually better?
The truth is that it’s really difficult to pick a clear winner of that battle. Both HD-28 and D-28 models offer an absolutely fantastic tone and feel. However, they sound a little bit different too.
The main difference between the HD-28 and D-28 is the body bracing. The HD-28 has the Scalloped Forward Shifted X-bracing and the D-28 has the Forward Shifted X brace.
As you can imagine, different bracing affects the final tone. The HD-28 model has an increased bass response. This is really important, especially if you want your guitar to sound fuller.
Still, the quality of Martin D-28 is also undeniably high. In the end, it will all come down to your own personal preferences. If you still don’t know which one of them will be better for you, here’s a great video that compares both of these high-end models.
Martin HD-28 vs HD-35
Apart from the D-28 model, quite a lot of guitarists also wonder whether they should consider getting the HD-35 model as well. This is an another excellent guitar suitable for the most demanding guitarists out there.
Is it better than the HD-28 and D-28? Well, that’s debatable. It’s a bit more expensive model, but the difference in pricing is not that big.
When it comes to tone, both HD-28 and HD-35 sound absolutely amazing. However, it seems that the HD-35 sounds even fuller.
Personally, I’d say that the HD-28 will be a better guitar for a soloist, while the HD-35 will be better for playing with a band. But don’t get me wrong – both of these models are from the highest shelf!
Here’s an another fantastic video that compares these two high-end guitars. If you’re not sure which one is better for you, check it out below. You have to admit that they sound truly exceptional!
Martin HD-28 vs Gibson J-45
It is also worth mentioning that a lot of guitarists often consider getting an another iconic high-end acoustic guitar – Gibson J-45.
As you’re already aware, lovers of guitars often argue whether Martin guitars are better than Gibson guitars. But in my opinion, that debate is pretty much pointless, because both of these brands are absolute leaders.
Choosing between Martin HD-28 and Gibson J-45 is like choosing your favorite child. It’s just impossible! So in the end, it will all come down to your own personal preferences.
Both HD-28 and J-45 offer a loud, resonant and rich tone. They’re made with a thorough precision and attention to detail, so it’s not surprising that they are extremely popular among passionate guitar collectors. Still, it’s extremely difficult to clearly determine which one of them is better.
Here’s a really good video that compares the tone of HD-28 and J-45 – feel free to check it out below.
Cheaper Alternatives
If you don’t like the sound of the HD-28 model or you simply can’t afford it right now, that’s not a big deal! There’s still quite a lot of other fantastic acoustic guitars made by other manufacturers as well.
Of course, choosing your next acoustic guitar will heavily depend on the size of your budget and your own personal preferences. Still, here’s a few more models that you should also check out.
Firstly, I highly encourage you to check out Takamine P5DC. This is great sounding high-end acoustic-electric guitar suitable for the most demanding players out there. It’s a particularly good choice for all gigging guitarists. In comparison with Martin HD-28, it’s a bit more affordable and it features a cutaway which allows you to easily access the highest frets. Great alternative option!
Alternatively, you can also take some time to check out Martin 000-15SM. This is a bit different guitar than the HD-28 – it’s has a bit smaller size and a much warmer tone. This warmth is caused by the all-mahogany construction. It may not be ideal for everyone, but if you’re a lover of fingerstyle playing, there’s a high chance that it will quickly become one of your absolute favorites.
Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget and you still want to find a great sounding and inexpensive acoustic guitar, check out the Gretsch G5024E Rancher. This is an acoustic-electric guitar which exceeds all the expectations. In my opinion, it’s one of the best guitars of this type that you can potentially find at this price level. Undoubtedly, it’s a fantastic option for those who don’t want to spend too much money on a new guitar!
My Thoughts About High-End Martins
I had the pleasure to test out quite a lot of high-end Martin guitars throughout my journey as a guitarist and they always sounded and felt amazing.
I don’t know exactly what Martin does to their axes, but out of my experience when you pick up a high-end Martin, it just transfers you into an another world. It’s the world in which even the simplest chord sounds absolutely unique.
Undoubtedly, getting a high-end Martin guitar like the HD-28 is a dream of a lot of guitarists. While some players may consider these guitars as overpriced, in my opinion they are definitely worth the money. I’m positive that if you decide to add a high-end Martin guitar to your own collection, you’ll experience something magical.
FAQ
Where is Martin HD-28 made?
Martin HD-28 is manufactured in the United States.
What is the radius of HD-28 model?
The radius of HD-28 has 16″.
What is the scale length of HD-28 model?
The scale length of HD-28 has 25.4″.
Where can I find out more about Martin guitars?
If you want to learn more about this legendary manufacturer of acoustic guitars, check out the official website of Martin.
Summary
As you can see, Martin HD-28 is an absolutely amazing acoustic guitar. I’m positive that anyone who’s searching for a high-end acoustic model should definitely spend some time to consider getting this particular model. In my opinion, it’s one of the best acoustic guitars that are currently made by Martin!
What do you think of that model? Do you think that it’s better than the legendary D-28? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful and you found what you were looking for. If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
