Martin HD-28 Acoustic

It has all the features mentioned in the other reviews. Not a fancy-looking guitar, but is beautiful in its simplicity.

Playing guitar has been a lifelong hobby--mostly folk music. I use a soft pick and also do a little finger picking. I've always used light gauge strings, but I'm getting used to the factory-installed mediums. It has a wonderful sound compared to the other models I tried.

The guitar came set up low, the way I like it. There's just a little buzzing caused by lack of callouses on my fingers and lack of practice in such a long time.
It came without a scratch on it--not even on the pick guard.

I haven't had it long enough to comment on its durability, but it appears to be extremely well made.

It comes with the lifetime limited warranty.

I've played guitar for about 30 years, but was never more than an amateur...I've always wanted a Martin but never could afford one. Although I haven't played in years, I decided it was time to get a Martin. I went to some shops in my area and tried out different Martin models. I was having a hard time deciding which one I liked best. I had not tried the HD28 because it was more money than I wanted to spend. But then I thought I'd try one just for the heck of it. And the minute I played it, I knew it was the one I wanted. So I ended up spending more than I'd planned, but so far I'm very happy with it.
If it were lost or stolen, I'd go back and try out different models again, just to make sure I'd want to buy this model again...

I wish it came with goldtone tuners. And I'm not overly fond of the white trim; a cream color would look nicer. But then, I bought it for the sound rather than looks.

Made in 2001 in good ol' USA
Rosewood back and sides, spruce top, ebony fingerboard and bridge
Mahogany neck
Dreadnought style
Herringbone prufling (hence the "H" in HD-28)
Martin enclosed tuners
Nice features for this class/level of guitar. However, it would have been nice if Martin would have inlcuded a bone nut and saddle. Come on guys, you make a SUPERB instrument. Why not spring for a few simple extras instead of using plastic??

I've played rock and blues for 30 years and have recently been exploring bluegrass. IMHO, this is THE BEST acoustic guitar for bluegrass. I've been playing a Takamine F-340 for years and this simply puts it to shame. The guitar is very well balanced from the lows to the highs, without the over-"boominess" of the D-35. The rosewood, however, gives it a very rich bottom end. Nice. If you're into bluegrass and are looking for an axe, take very close look (and listen) at this bad boy.

I purchased this instrument over the Internet after having played a similar one in a music store. I know . . .sounds scary purchasing over the Internet. However, I saved over $500 considering the purchase price, no sales tax, and free shipping over any local music store offer. It was inspected/setup by a roving Martin rep who happened to be in the shop the week my guitar was to be shipped. They even included a checkout sheet signed by the Martin rep. Action was perfect; top is bookmatched perfectly; in short, setup was perfect.

Because I've just purachsed the instrument, I can't really provide a rating in this category. However, it appears to be made of some very good hardware and is finished superbly. It should be very durable. I would use this guitar live and in recording sessions without question. I'd probably use a backup guitar just because of the "string-breaking" gremlin we all know and love.

In researching this purchase, I contacted many of the top names: Martin, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, Taylor, etc. Martin was the only one that didn't give me at least somewhat of a sales pitch. After all, it is a Martin. The Martin folks were very helpful and even encouraged me to try other manufacturers! How's that for confidence in your guitars? My experience so far has been great. Hopefully I won't have to make a warranty call to them.

Other musical instruments I own: Gibson L-6 sb electric, Kentucky F-5 mandolin, Regal dobro, Takamine F-340 acoustic, Cremona SV-320 fiddle. The Martin HD-28 is probably the finest (and most expensive) instrument of the lot. I bought this guitar purely for the sound that comes out of it. I'm not into fancy inlay work and purfling. That stuff is nice, if you like spending that kind of money, but it doesn't make the instrument sound any better.

Made 1999 - Nazareth PA
Everything is factory spec
Spruce top (I look forward to it getting the aged golden look)
Rosewood Sides & Back
Mahogany Neck
All woods are solid
Came with molded Martin case (SKB I believe)

Equipped with after-market Dean Markley Sweet Spot pickup (nice pickup!)

I play folk, country & blues. This thing sounded straight out of the box like a 30 year-old D-28. This guitar has the most balance range of any guitar I have ever played. I wouldn't change a thing about it.

It was set up and ready to go. No flaws of any kind. I found it odd, however, that after about 2 or 3 months, the neck needed to be adjusted. I developed a noticable bow. With Martin's new adustable truss, I was able to do it myself, and it didn't take much at all to bring it in line. That was over 2 years ago and it hasn't moved. The neck is straight as an arrow and the action is perfect. In fact, the action is so good I had a luthier measure the string height and duplicate it on my other Martin.

I buy Martins because I can depend on them, and I have no question they will hold over time. And if they don't the lifetime warranty is honored.

I have contacted Martin a few times for trival questions about this guitar, and many times in the past for instrument appraisal, warranty repair, etc, and they have been very helpful and easy to deal with.

You will never regret having bought this guitar

1986 made in Nazareth, PA.
Purchased used, pickup already installed, I have no idea what kind. I can say that it has volume, bass, treble pots (not faders) mounted near neck joint.
Finish is cracking, but some say that adds tone. A previous owner put a Yamaha logo sticker on it (don't ask me why), and you can still see the residue in certain light, but that's obviously specific to my guitar.

Fabulous sound. I've never played a guitar that I liked better. Deep, booming bass (especially with medium strings), but the trebles aren't lost. I play a little bit of everything, and the guitar is very versatile. Goes from bluegrass to blues to rock (nice, chunky power chords) easily.

I have no idea how this came out of the shop. I bought it in 1999, when it was 13 years old. The only manufacturing flaw was that the binding was starting to separate from the body below the sound hole. I'm not the original owner, so I can't use the Lifetime Warranty, but a repair guy told me how to fix it, and it's almost as good as new.

I have never broken a string while playing. This guitar never goes out of tune (original tuners). I tend to wear down the finish when playing, but regulare polishing with Martin Guitar Polish shines it up nicely. I would take this guitar anywhere and not worry about it performing. I might worry about something happening to it, but never that it would break without being subjected to unreasonable trauma.

Never contacted Martin. Never had to have it repaired (save aforementioned self repair).

I have been playing for almost 6 years. This guitar was probably too nice for me to have this soon, but it really makes you want to keep playing. I would definitely replace it if it were lost, stolen, or damaged (after I cried a lot). Again, I have never played a guitar that I liked better, and I like to go to guitar stores and play the expensive Taylors, Gibsons and vintage instruments. Even new Martins don't sound as good as this guitar. Definitely worth the cost!!

My guitar is a 1996 hd-28 dreadnaught. It has the same features as the other HD-28's featured in these reviews. I have added a Martin thin line pick to play live. The thin neck is super and the ebony fretboard plays like butter. The standard tuners work well for me. They stay in tune and thats all I want.

The sound is simply the best acoustic guitar I have ever owned or heard. I play mainly live, in church, so I need a powerful sound...full and resonant. I play it with a Crate 60 watt amp and the thin line pick up I had installed after I got it really sounds great and Im somewhat picky. Trebles are high and the bass is booming. I have no dislikes at all! I play with markley bronze 11's

Action was improved after my guy at the music shop installed the thinline pick up. He also lowered the action and the results are unbelievable. lightning quick!! not a buzz to be found. These are incredibly machined guitars. The finish is good. The guitar is relatively light compared to other dreadnaughts. The neck is thin which works well for me. When you play it you know you're playing a SPECIAL guitar and not just another acoustic

I own a Martin 00028-EC and a Gibson j160E and this HD-28 is THE best of the lot, period. The clapton plays good but lacks the big deep resonant sound I need, but after all it's an auditoriam guitar. The J160e? Forget it....not in the same league with the Martin's!!!

Hav'nt had to use them so far.

Been playing 25 years. I have owned a lot of guitars (just ask my wife) and this one was a real suprise. It was my first Martin and now I know what all the Martin hoopla is all about. They really do have they're own sound. Clean,crisp, deep acoustic sound. Yes if it was stolen or lost I'de have to replace it cause I would know any replacement would be a step down. To my ear this one is the BEST!

2001, Nazareth, PA
2001, 14 fret Dreadnaught
solid Sitka spruce
sides and back solid Indian Rosewood
top, sides, and back gloss finish
enclosed tuners say Martin
ebony bridge and fretboard
mahogany satin finshed neck
GEIB-style case
plain Jane, beautiful in its simplicity

Mostly flatpick blues, country-rock (in the tradition of Sweetheart of the Rodeo), R&B
Sound is rich, full across all strings. Separation and projection is perfect.
Like the challenge of bringing out the capability of the guitar, any shortcomings due to guitarist

The usual high Martin set up (am having action lowered in addition to ebony bridge pins, end pin and bone saddle)
Top is bookmatched perfectly
No overglue
Can smell the rosewood across the room
Set up guy says it's one of the best new HD28s he's seen in a while
Finish is thin, but allows all kinds of overtones, I need shades to look at it

Have played it out several times with banjos, fiddles, mandolins,stand up basses. Always does what I need it to-from a booming bass to subtle rhythm.
Hardware is excellent
Finish, though light, is durable.
Depend on it like a good boat in rough seas.
Nevr take a back up

Martin very helpful in determining what work requires authorized repairperson.
Under warranty, but hopefully will never have to deal with them on any substantive kind of work.
Limited lifetime warranty

Over 20 years.
Had late 50's Gibson J-45
Currently have Martin D-16 RGT
No
Buy same or one of the Pearlys (D-40 on up)
Sound above all; hate nothing.
The graceful finish, oohs and ahhs from others
As I said, lowered action, ebony bridge pins, and end pin
Most expensive guitar I've owned, best player I've owned. I ain't Clarence White/Tony Rice, but boy can this thing cut the mustard!

MY guitar was built in 1994. The "features" have been stated enough in the other reviews here.

As a Dreadnaught you might think this guitar somewhat limited but MY HD28 is quite balanced in sound, more than other HD'S I've played. Given that fact I find MY guitar to be quite versatile. I need to be able to play Bluegrass, Folk,Fingerstyle, and a host of other "Acoustic" styles. The only dislike I can find in the guitar is (and this is quite common) the "Low G" fretted note "wolfs" a bit causing the note to NOT sustain as long as others and I ALMOST didn't buy the guitar as a result but the balance in sound was so compeling that I relented.(And didn't regret it). As the instrument "ages" so does the sound growing more rich and full with the passage of time. Be patient, play your guitar and it will grow with you.

Setup from the factory was typical Martin, good setup but a bit high. I had the guitar setup closer to what MY setup needs are and replaced the nut and saddle with a bone setup and the bridge pins with ebony. Those factors caused a marked increase in sustain and tone complexity. Martin could probably do that but the price of the instrument would, no doubt, increase. Do it yourself. You won't regret it! Wood selection is impeccable. MY top has more "silk" (mandullary rays) than a lot of tops I've seen on HD'S and that, probably, accounts for the balance of My HD.

I am a professional musician and teacher so this instrument (along with my others) are tools not toys and with a little common sense care will last a lifetime plus the life time of whomever inherits them. They pay my bills so they have to be able to withstand hard work. I own two Martins, this one and a D16M. They have never disappointed me.

Martin customer support is outstanding. VERY professional, helpful and friendly. Any MINOR repairs that My guitar(s) have ever needed have been handled by my setup man. He is Martin certified which helps. Limited lifetime warranty to the origial owner.

Everything has been said above. If stolen I would have to get another because of My occupation and it would be a Martin of the same model or, perhaps the Vintage series. Other guitar makers make GREAT instruments to be sure and if you are shopping try them all. Martin happens to make the best guitar for MY needs. Your needs and sound preferences may be different.

Solid Spruce top, Solid East Indian Rosewood back and sides, Solid Mahogany neck, Ebony bridge and fretboard. Herringbone trim.

The sound of this guitar is changing everyday. It is typically Martin, heavier on the bass side and mid's, light on the treble. I enjoy the sound although it does not sound the best of my guitars.

All seems to be assembled well, finish on the neck has a spot that looks like the guitar was placed on a stand or something during the finishing process and has an artificial looking mark on the neck. I'm surprised it made it past the Martin inspectors. When will Martin do away with the chessy plastic bridge and end pins and put some ebony or fossilized ivory type? For a guitar that sells for this much you'd think they could do better. These pins or CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP looking and sounding. Buy some ebony ones from any mail order place and improve the sound of your guitar if you have one of these with Martin pins still on the guitar.

Can't say for sure but I'm hoping this is a nice guitar fro my grand kids.

Had a glitch with my guitar. The registration form in my case was for a different serial number. Martin contacted the person that registered with my serial number (they didn't know) and corrected the documentation so that we are both warrantied with the proper serial numbers. So based on that I'd say they're alright.

So far so good and getting better. Doesn't sound as good as my Taylor 810 (made from the same type of woods) but is still a very nice guitar that plays better than most. I Use medium strings and my hands don't get tired even after several hours of playing. This is my seventh solid wood guitar from different and each has a sound as unique as the makers.

If you want to contact me about this guitar please write to me directly at: rmorris@jcc.mepcom.army.mil and/or include your e-mail address in the body of your message. Harmony Central adds some No SPAM crap to their messages and it wipes out the senders return e-mail address.

Made in 1981 - Made in Nazareth - I don't need to describe it
I bought it in 1982 on a business trip to USA - I live in Germany
Features - Standard Martin

I love it's warmth. I play all styles, solo, duo, four piece, and a rock band and have used it with them all.
Folk, blues, rock. Finger picking
I fell in love with the guitar when I first played it and have never fallen out of love with it.
Any one who has one or has played one knows that you can't describe the sound. You feel it.

The action was high and I got used to playing it high.
Sixteen years later I had the guitar cleaned and reworked by a guitar maker in Bremen - Karsten Gorbig - I got a new guitar back - action lower, and fell in love with it even more.

I play it live,and at home.
Some scratches but after 20 years I guess it would have some.

Never dealt with the company - never needed to

I have been playing as a hobby / semi hobby some 30 years - 2o with this Martin.
I bought a Fishman Rare Earth humbucker two years ago which I play through a Trace Eliot 35 watt Acoustic amp then slaved up through the PA if I'm working in a bigger room/bar/concert or with my other three friends. It booms a bit when trying to record it.I prefer if possible to play it with no amplification in small rooms. The warmth of the sound becomes meditation especially if I'm playin in Dropped D or DADGAD tunings. I sometimes push it through a Lexicon Hall.
If I lost it I would be heartbroken - Whatever it cost I would replace it straight away. Its part of my life and taught me to play and inspired me to make music.
When I first touched this guitar I played one chord only - G - and knew this was fo me. Played it for an hour or so before I handed over the money - but I knew first up it was the one.

1998 HD-28, spruce top, rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck... just like all the rest posted here. Thermo-plastic case with their logo formed in the top. No pick up, it doesn't need one. It has all the features it needs, just wish Martin had used some different stuff
which I'll cover later.

Sound is the reason you buy Martin Guitars. Classic! I guess I consider myself and electric blues player. I grew up listening to just about any kind of music you can imagine...including bluegrass. About a year ago a friend turned me on to bluegrass playing. The acoustic guitar I had, I thought sounded good, but was uninspiring.
Now I'm inspired! The HD-28 sounds like a good guitar should. The
tone is great. It's strong in bass and has good balance. When not trying my novice attempts at hardcore flatpicking I will fingerpick some but mostly do a hybrid thing with a flatpick and as many fingers as I can manage. This acoustic will suit the dreadnaught demands for anyone. Better bridge saddle, nut & bridge pin material would improve the sound, so its not perfect stock... but its close!

I bought this guitar nused. My boss bought it about a year or so ago from a really good Martin dealer, had some action work done, then never played it. I pealed the protective plastic off the pickguard yesterday. The finish is perfect. The set up from the factory was fair. The new set up is fair. I prefer somewhere in between. No flaws that I've found. Here again wishing for a better nut and because of sting bending I would like a slightly largrer (taller) frets. Finsh and finish get 9's and the action gets a 7.

Haven't had it long enough to judge reliability. I have noticed the
finish seems a little tender. Soft clothing seems to leave very fine
scratches (you've gotta look really close to see them) but I would expect the finish to be more laquer-like the some of the more durable
finished used now days. Just guessing.

I have no idea. Never contacted them. For what it's worth.. Martin's
website has a serial number decoder if you want to determine the age of your guitar. That's nice.

I've been playing 27 years. Currently own a 1997 PRS McCarty (imo,PRS does the best set necks in the business), 1985 Alvarez Yairi (plays great, very stable, sounds ok), In the process of building a thinline tele thing. If something happened to my HD-28 I would likely buy another or one of the similar offering from Santa Cruz (another good neck) or someone similar. So long as it has that old D-28 sound, you know.