Martin D-28

My D 28 i still very young - I bought the "175 years" version and I am extremely happy ! I owned a DM from 1996 and that guitar had a great sound but this is something really right out of heaven.

The rich and brught sound is also dued to the Elixir 0.12 strings. I play a lot of fingerpicking and flatpicking and I must say that is the best guitar in the world for this kind of music. If I would buy another one I would not doubt !

Great action - good finish - it is tuned by Cor Mutsers, one of Holland's best guitarist !

This guitar will stay for ages !!! The strap buttons are very solid and I use a Santa Cruz strap in beautiful leather !

Don't know ! But I have a livetime warranty.

In every way the best thing I ever bought !

1973, made-in-USA, solid spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, transparent finish, deadnought body style, Grover tuners.

I love the sound of this guitar, playing folk,rock and blues this sweeet sound can not be beat.Very full rich volume, perfect for my folk style...i also have a D18 from 1973 ( love it !!!!) that is perfect for bluesy!!!This guitar has the desired sound for rhythm playing and vocal accompaniment. It is also suitable for flat picking but less adapted to finger picking

ok perfect!!!!!!!!

ok perfect!

!!!!!!!!!!

That would definitely defeat the purpose of this guitar-great acoustic tone.I've never played a better guitar. Especially compared to new guitars. i also have a Martin D18 from 1973 and i love it also!!!! there are perfect for my folk and blues!!!!
martin are great guitars!!!!!!!!

Well I think all its main features are well know,I will skip this part...

It suits perfectly for my music I play pop-rock-folk.I was dreaming of its sound.Well recorded with a condenser mic it is wonderful.If you are looking for its sound don't lose your time with another guitars and buy a D-28.Excellent for composing,the D-28 inspires you.I've got a more expensive Taylor for concerts,it's nice but does not have the personality of the Martin in my oppinion.

The action for me is perfect.Not that hard some people say.It came with an excellent set-up from the factory,ready to play.

I think it will last for centuries.

Never needed to contact with Martin.

I've been playing for 15 years and possibly it was my best investment.
If someone stole my Martin I'll kill him and then buy another D-28.

Standard D28. East Indian Rosewood back and sides, spruce top. 14 frets. No electronics installed on this one. Strap pin installed on the elbow of the neck. Made in Nazareth, Pa. U.S.A. in 1998 I bought it used for $1200.00 from the original owner. It came with the original case, (which I absolutely despise by the way,) a black plastic monstrosity that seems to want to close by itself....Usually when I'm taking the guitar out, which has resulted in a few "character marks" on the spruce top.

The guitar suits my style of playing well, bluegrass, gospel, americana, country, 70's soft rock. It has a great bass response, but can sound a little thin on the treble end of the spectrum. Has a bright sound depending on the strings. I like SP's by Martin, (medium guage) and sometimes use Elixir Polyweb, also medium guage. The guitar can elicit creativity in someone who writes songs or just wants to learn new chords or techniques. A variety of styles can be played on The D28. It has a balanced tone for the most part, but I would like to play some other models so I could do some comparisons. I like the guitar's sound more because of the bone saddle and bridge pins that were installed by the previous owner. I don't like the 640 case that Martin had the guitar come with. I'm not sure I'm 100% satisfied with the treble response, but I can deal with it.

I had the guitar set up at a "Martin Open House" at a local dealer in 2003 by Richard Starkey of Martin. I have never had any problems with it. The top is fine other than a few nicks here and there. The bridge is not pulling away and routes the strings perfectly up the frets to the tuners. Thank you Mr. Starkey! Structurally the guitar is fine. I've never really found any flaws in the workmanship of any of it's components. (Did I mention I hate the case though?)

I gig with this guitar a lot. It holds up well and is built to take it. This guitar will stand the test of time and will probably be a family heirloom. The hardware is solid, the tuners keep it in tune. I have put a few scratches on it, but hey, I bought it to play it!
The strap buttons are tighter than a gnat's ass. I depend on this guitar to "open up" the longer I own it. I've used it to play in church and at jam sessions and it more than holds it's own against high end guitars some of my friends own.

I never dealt with Martin, since I bought the guitar used, but I did have to have it repaired by a luthier friend whom I trust. I have, however asked Martin questions via E-mail and was satisfied with their response. They are very friendly and helpful in answering my questions.

I'm 50 years old. I've been playing since I was 15. My Dad had a Gibson J50 that I grew up playing around with, but I wasn't serious about playing til my wife bought me my first guitar for my 22nd birthday. Now, 28 years later, I own the D28, a 1977 Fender Strat, a 1991 Ovation Anniversary Edition, a Simon and Patrick Pro Maple, and a "Little Martin" that my granddaughter will learn on if she wants. I knew about the quality of Martin before I bought my D28, and did'nt even haggle over the price I bought this one for. I was thrilled to get it. If this guitar were lost or stolen, I would absolutely replace it with another Martin, most likely a Herringbone D28. The thing I love about this guitar is the beauty of it's sound which seems to improve with age. I don't really have any negative comments about the guitar itself, I really hate the case and will be replacing it soon. I've compared it to other guitars in it's price range and it simply sounds better than the others I've played like Taylor, Larrivee, Huss and Dalton. I chose it for it's tone and it's beauty. I wish it had a tortoise colored pick guard and a Gieb case. I have considered adding the pick guard, will definetly add the case. Overall, I love this guitar and I'm glad I bought it. We've seen some changes in the last 5 years I've owned it. I hope to own another Martin in the next year or so. Maybe an HD28 or a 00028 EC

I just picked up my new 'burst D-28. I have about 10 hours playing time on it. Here are my first impressions...
Factory Service: I ordered it in January, was told early April delivery. Did not arrive until June 14. (This was special order due to sunburst option).
Case: Piece of crap #640 I think. For this high dollar guitar, I think you should get a better case. One of the latches is misaligned and hard to close.
Music Store: I bought from a local store. They gave me a great price. When I picked it up, they advised me that the price was misquoted and I owed another $133. Now I got a great deal, but jeez, get the numbers right. Again, there was confusion due to the 'burst option. The guy showed me his invoice from Martin so I know it was really a mistake. I did not raise a stink about it and I just paid it.
Looks: The sunburst is really more like tobacco burst. Black/Brown/Gold. I mean it looks cool but not exactly like the pictures. I was expecting a little red color in there. My mistake for not investigating thoroughly before ordering.
Smell: Great rosewood smell.
Factory Set Up: I'm happy...no buzzes. Plays pretty well even when strummed hard. I was expecting the action to be too high but it's fine for me.
Tone: This baby rings and hums. Lots o' bass. Lots o' volume. I'm very happy so far, and tone probably will get better over time.
Strings: MSP4200 sound pretty good. I'll stick with them for a while. Made in Mexico!?!?!?
Finish: Looks pretty flawless except for one hairline mark on the top about 3" long. Not noticeable enough to %$%%% about. Inside glue job looks clean, except for the where the p/u battery is glued....messy job there, but not visible to anyone not looking for it.
Miscellaneous: Strap button factory installed. Thin Line under saddle p/u factory installed...too early to tell about how this sounds. It does seem like the signal needs to be boosted even though it is battery powered. Ordered a Martin "High End Strap" from their website for $100.
Bottom Line: Tone trumps everything else so I'm happy. This is gonna be my #1 guitar. I guess all in all it could have been a better buying experience but I am happy with the end product.

2008 Martin D-28. Strap pin installed in the heel of the neck by luthier. Plastic pins replaced with bone pins. Back and top woods clearly not top grade (reserved for the more expensive guitars) but the silking and bearclaw in the top and the bookmarked back are still beautiful. Simple, classic guitar.

This is where it's at with this guitar. It has a lovely, loud, rich tone with nice punchy, woody bass and very well balanced highs. It's perfect for my flatpick/strumming hybrid style. I've only had it for a few months and it sounds wonderful already. If it gets better with age, this will be one fabulous guitar.

I live in Calgary, a very dry environment. I use a Planet Waves humidifier with it. I do notice a big improvement in the clarity of tone as it dries out over the course of a few hours left out of the case. The humidifier tends to mellow the sound. Something to consider if you gig the guitar straight out of the case - best to let it breathe for a few hours before playing.

Stock setup fine for strumming and flatpicking near the nut. Bit high for lead. I found it odd that the stock bridge pins seat high off the bridge, and the 2A bone pins I ordered (which are supposed to fit new Martins) sit even higher. Otherwise, the fit and finish are flawless and what I'd expect from a guitar of this price.

This guitar is probably the single most gigged acoustic in history, with the J-45 coming close. Finish is delicate - already there are scratches from buttons and rivets from my clothing, even though I'm usually quite careful. Though I haven't had it for long I can't imagine a more solid or dependable guitar.

No experience so far.

I've been playing for about 15 years. I also own an Epiphone PR775-S and a 60s re-issue Stratocaster. I'd always wanted a Gibson J-45 but when I went to play a new one I simply didn't like it. The neck felt wrong and the tone was too dull and muddy - perhaps this was due to the Mahogany back, I don't know. I was handed the D-28 and it felt and sounded just perfect. It was how I'd always imagined the perfect guitar would feel and sound. I didn't need to try anything else. Compared to the Gibsons it's very light and it hums and vibrates even when simply held. It feels alive - that's the best way I can describe it.

Initially I'd planned to put some sort of active pickup in it, but I may just mic it externally when performing. I really don't want to mess with it.

If lost or stolen I'd have to play a bunch of Martins and I'd maybe consider an HD-28 or a D-28 Marquis if I found some more cash. It would be interesting to order a custom D-28 with an Adirondac top. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in a guitar with a ton of volume, tone and to anyone interested in classic design and heritage. You can't go wrong with this guitar.

New. 2007. Spruce top, Indian Rosewood sides, Grover tuners, etc etc. Dreadnaught, no electrics - just a solidly built beautiful guitar without the fancy frills. All of the value here is in the guitar. Original hardshell case (lovely) included. For Australian readers - don't pay the usual under rrp prce - I really shopped around and got a great deal from Musgroves in Perth. I found a one-off in a store in Qld (online) and they matched the price. Beautiful.

I play Blues/Rock - also do a little fingerstyle. This guitar has a ton of tone - weighed up a Taylor 414ce and a Gibson Songwriter Deluxe before I got the Martin, but there was no real choice. This thing is brimful and complex, boomy when you want it to be, and subtle when you need it. Great for strumming or picking the blues (does anything really sound like a Martin for this?). Plays better after a few months and I look forward to the tonal riches as she opens up, as others have said happens, with age and care.

Simplicity of design and good materials - the finish is just beautiful. You can tell quality - this is it At first look it seems a little plain - then the sheer joy of simplicity, functionality and shape just confirm that this is what a guitar should be.

The action was quite good out of the box, but a little high for me. My friend also played it in the store before I bought it and felt the same way. He thought the Taylor would have been better. I nearly bought it (see above) because the action was very easy, but the Martin had more 'personality' in tone. The guy at the store said that I could take the the guitar home and come back and have it adjusted if I wanted a lower action. Played it for a month and feel sure that guys who play a 'dig in' fingerstyle would love it. Got it back to the store, had the action lowered and ...WOW...once you've had Martin you never go back! Gave a 10 cause it can be adjusted to suit the player. My friend now thinks that I made he right decision. But who cares - it's my guitar!

It's a Martin D-28...they last longer than we do - in fifty year time (if nobody steps on it) I expect my grandson to be playing this...lucky sod.

Never dealt with Martin, but Musgroves in Perth (ask for Adam) are just fine.

Have been playing for nearly 4 years. Have a Washburn Southwestern D46-S acoustic (my first - and still a great value guitar that I'd be loathe to part with), but this guitar is it for me...until...you know it's gonna happen...now it's in the blood..., but this one is a keeper, for sure.

Standard Spruce top, with solid Indian Rosewood back and sides. This guitar was built by a dedicated work force that takes price in the finished product. Just compare the Martins to say other "so called"
competitors that charge a lot more money.

Classic sound. I experimented with different strings. The heavier string and this guitar exploded with sound! I was taken completely by surprised! Suggest you use the Planet Waves humidifier package, the newer version (cloth version is better--consistent humidity, and doesnt dry out). After using this humidity package, the guitar sounds better than it did. Again, another surprise!!

Action is perfect! Like in other reviews, it cuts like butter.
Thanks Martin!!

I paid $2300.00 for this guitar. There are other guitar companies that charge $800--$1200.00 more for their "flagship" model. This guitar was a bargin (big time) for the money. The guitar is well made inside and out. I would suggest you use a humidifer system like I mentioned before, Plant Waves, as this will enhance the sound, not right away, but over a period of months! Yes, do leave it in the case! Only take it out when you play.

Ah, this is great category. Martin takes pride in its employees, heritage, and the final product: the guitar. Thank Goodness some American company still believes in that sort of philosophy! They come out twice a year with a company magazine. From protecting the rain forrests, to employee testimonials, you can see this a people oriented company--nice and refreshing!
Thank you Martin

I have 3 Martins: the forementioned, HD28, a D16GT, and the SWDGT sustainable wood guitar with solid cherry back and sides. You truly get what you pay for-->QUALITY!!!
Thank you Martin for keeping up the family tradition!

Traditional Martin dreadnaught design;Brazilian Rosewood back & sides; Sitka Spruce top; ebony bridge & fingerboard; Grover Rotomatic (patent pending) tuners; ivory nut (stock)/bone saddle/bone bridge pins; non-scalloped bracing; USA made (Nazareth, PA); circa 1967; original hardshell case.

Extremely versatile for folk/blues/rock etc. (not particularly suitable for metal); tonalities are rich & deep with good clarity.

Factory set-up was somewhat lacking; guitar required a minor nut adjustment to ensure ease of play; top (Sitka Spruce) & sides (quartersawn Brazilian Rosewood) were properly bookmatched & tightly grained.

Extremely durable; going on 40+ years; the Grover Rotomatics stay in tune; nitro-cellulose finish is holding-up quite well; the under-the-finish pickguard has curled a bit & will require re-gluing one of these days; no cracks or warpage; neck still straight & action at 12th around 7/16"; no need for a neck reset (I do not use humidifiers of any kind).

Lifetime warranty. Company usually doesn't respond to e-mails in a timely matter & shows little interest in older Martins (they seem to be more focussed on pushing the newer, sometimes gimmicky models like the Signature Series & various vintage re-issues.

Played on & off for over 40 years; if stolen or lost, I would probably buy a new Collings or a Foley instead of a contemporary Martin; after 1969, most rosewood Martins are nothing to write home about as they are (1)no longer vintage-collectible, (2) mass-produced to the extreme, & (3) somewhat compromised in terms of overall tonewood quality & worksmanship etc.

New 2004 Martin D-28, Solid Sitka Spruce Top with East Indian Rosewood back and sides, Solid Mahogany neck and Solid Ebony Fretboard and Bridge.

When I played the D-28, it was exactly the sound I had in my head that I couldn't get before.I play rock, blues, country, reggae, folk and more and this guitar sounds great for all of them. I was looking into Taylors , but wheni play this d 28, i love it!!!!!!!!
This guitar has always had a very rich and full sound
LOVE , LOVE , LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

very easy to play, even with medium strings. great fit and finish

OK!!!!!

!!!!!!!!

That would definitely defeat the purpose of this guitar-great acoustic tone. If stolen I would get another or consider any other model which is also a rosewood dreadnought without the scalloped bracing.
i also have a '85 ovation legend mod.1117( great guitar!!!)and a fender mustang '66,