Martin HD-28 Acoustic

1990 HD-28P (P=low profile neck). Just the right amount of ornamentation (herringbone bindings) with Sitka Spruce top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, Rosewood bridge, Ebony bridge pins with Abalone tops, Micarta saddle. Really nice to look at and finish really improved to showroom when I polished with beeswax paste. Dreadnought style with Martin tuners, Martin case which fits guitar perfectly, built-in pick-up. What more could you want?

Like all Martins it is a little too much on the bassy side and I would lose it a point for this, but overall the sound is rich, warm but bright with the right set of strings on it, and I am sure it will improve as my playing improves.

Great action sorted out by previous owner. A few blemishes on the top which unnerved me when it arrived as they were not clear on the photographs, but now I see that I will be able to tell my Martin in a crowd because of them and I feel much more relaxed about it. Almost like a personalisation sort of thing. Hey, that's mine there with that little blemish!

Only recently got it so don't want to comment too much on durability. If it has lasted this long and is in this kind of condition then I guess it won't be a problem. Little worried about the bellying and will lose it a point because I will have to take it to my local guitar shop every year just to keep an eye on it, but could be worrying unnecessarily as it seems to be common to Martins.

Secondhand so not applicable.

This is one beautiful little Martin guitar. It fits nicely onto my lap and is very easy to play. It looks beautiful without being overstated and sounds warm, but also bright and bluesy and has a more restrained sound than a Gibson, which is just what I wanted. This is the only expensive acoustic I will ever be able to afford, but in dreamland I would love to own other Martins if they are all of this calibre. Difficult to compare with other guitars, but I have a friend who has just bought a Taylor and I thought it looked and sounded thin and cheap up to the Martin. It had a sort of satiny finish which cannot compare to a seasoned Martin.

Buying off eBay can be a nightmare I know and you lay yourself open to abuse when spending a lot of money, but I got to know the seller really well by e-mail (a promo Nashville guitarist who had excellent feedback - you have to read between the lines and ignore the usual `Great eBayer' replies and look for genuine remarks of approval and thanks). There were 32 photographs in the advert so I was pretty sure of what I was getting and a great and detailed description of the guitar and its history.

If you want a Martin and don't want it too loud or bright then this would suit you well although I would think you could make it perform if you wanted it to (and had the ability).

A lot of money I know, but everything about it is class and it is worth every penny. Wonderful guitar!

Love this Model. I own a 1999 HD-28

Booms like it was amplified

Beautiful to look at! Add some gold Grover butter bean tuners and it is Awsome......

Mine has been stuck up into a Ceiling fan and it took a licking and keeps on ticking

Fantastic people working at Martin factory. Kudo's to Paula Primrose

Best buy for the buck from Martin ever.

Mine is a 1990 HD-28 P. The P stands for low profile, which I understand became the standard for the D-28s after 1990. The other features have been pretty well coverec; scalloped bracing, Indian Rosewood back and sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, Schaller tuners. I give it a 9 for features because, although it doesn't have a bunch of features, it has the right ones and I don't want to bring down the overall rating because its not pimped out with extraneous B.S.

The sound is hard to describe, because it has a lot of them. I play a fairly broad range of styles and this guitar covers them all very well. This guitar has the classic bluegrass sound nailed, but then again, the Blues never sounded sweeter than on this guitar. At 18 years she has opened up beautifully and projects like a cannon. Very well balanced also. Equally fine for fingerpicking or flat picking.

The action on this low profile neck is amazing for an acoustic guitar. It rivals some of my better electrics, and is equal to or better than the other acoustics in my arsenal; Breedlove Focus, 1983 Martin D-35 and Martin MC-40. After 18 years the finish on the front has a couple of tiny dings (my fault) but otherwise the finish hasn't checked, the action is low with no buzz, the binding is intact and the top has turned a beautiful dark honey color.

Almost 20 years old and only better with age. Nothing has failed on this guitar and it has seen its fair share of playing around.

I've dealt with Martin before when I had pickguard issues on my D-35. I took it to an authorized luthier who did a great job and they took care of the bill, no problem. Lifetime warranties are pretty cool.

I've been playing a little over 40 years, although playing a long time doesn't necessarily translate into being an accomplished musician. This guitar is a classic and has earned its reputation. Its also a very beautiful guitar in an understated kind of way. What do I love about this guitar? I like to pick it up and slide my hand down that smooth ebony neck, lightly fingerpick a few notes that ring like crystal and follow that with a few power chords at full volume. The result is what I love about this guitar.

If it were stolen, I'd start my search for another vintage Martin HD-28. Thankfully, there are quite a few around and the prices although high, are not out of reach for most. I mean you are talking about quality craftsmanship from right here in the good old U.S of A. and part of an American tradition.

2003 Martin HD-28 made in the good ol' U.S. of A. The best sounding of all acoustic guitars. Came with original hardshell molded Martin case (a must!) These guitars should never have the wood cut on them, it'll ruin the sound. I got mine untouched and raw, what a beauty! I use a separate Korg Tuner and LR Baggs Para DI, both great products! This guitar does not need features to shine.

Like I said, this is the best sounding acoustic guitar I have ever heard. Taylor fanboys can stick with those all they want. Gibsons never have enough depth. And Takamine's are great for the price, but still can't hold up to a Martin. The highs are crisp, yet not harsh. The mids are full with rich sustain. The lows are booming and make the Martin complete, but do not overpower its overall tone. It is perfect for soft strumming, hard strumming, finger picking, harmonics, whatever you want! This guitar literally has it all. Nothing compares to a Martin HD-28. It is the best sounding acoustic guitar of all time.

When I first got mine, the action was just a tad too high, and the D'Addario strings sounded a little old. I took it into my local guitar shop, the action was lowered, and they restrung it with my weapon of choice: Martin SP Mediums. One strum of this baby, and I'm in heaven. It sounded exactly how I wanted it to sound. The action is perfect, the intonation is not easily disjointed, and the guitar overall is very sturdy and firm. Martin definitely knows quality.

I've played it 3 times live thus far (I only got it in mid February) and it is a workhorse. Great tones no matter what setting I am in. These Martin's are built to last if you know how to care for them. The finish is good enough to last forever, and I gig it without a backup. I've gone through Takamine's, Breedloves, you name it. The Martin HD-28 has always been my dream acoustic guitar. I don't ever plan on replacing it. If i do, it will be with another HD-28.

Haven't had to deal with them yet, but I hear they're the best.

I've been playing guitar for 10 years now. I started out on a Carlos acoustic guitar in 1998 (where do these come from?!) then to a Takamine G Series in 2001 (great for the price, bad on the tone and quality.) I sold the Taka in 2007 and bought a Breedlove (I played one that sounded good at the Fresno Guitar Center) but I was never pleased with the tone of the one I actually bought. I sold that in late 2007 and put that money towards a Martin, which I got for a steal! If this were lost or stolen, I'd replace it in a heartbeat. Sure they may go for more than your average guitar, but they are worth it in every way. This is the only guitar I can justify spending over $2,000 for (you cannot even compare a Taylor to a Martin.) If you want the best acoustic tone, but a Martin HD-28. Acoustic guitars do not come better than this one.

Scalloped bracing, ebony fingerboard and bridge and rosewood back & sides are the only things that make it stick out.

First I need to tell my story. The mechanic who worked on my dad's car was a country music guy and a hardcore Martin man. He actually dealt Martins in Montreal, buying & selling them used because the new ones were allegedly crap. So I remember being stuck in the office because of a freak hail storm and it came up that I was a music student and I needed a steel string. I already understood quality from playing electric for a few years and I didn't want to skimp. So I asked him to find me a Martin.

Weeks went by and I actually left the part-time job I had. The guy calls up and says he has a found a guitar for me. I went over & tried it. It was a beautiful-sounding HD-28 from 1993 in great shape and he was asking $2700 canadian (a tad less than a new one if you factor in tax). Since I had lost my job, I just couldn't justify it, and asked if there was anything cheaper. A week later he calls and says he has a D-18 for me to try. I took it home for 24 hours and basically committed to buying it for $1900.

But here's the kicker: after those 24 hours with the D-18, I just couldn't gel with the sound and everything I wanted to hear wasn't in there, and the HD-28 had it all. I called and asked if he still had the Herringbone, and he had just sold it to a collector! CRAP! I begged him to call the guy get it back. He did, and it cost me a few more bucks but I don't regret anything.

I have had the HD-28 for about 9 years and to me it is still the benchmark of what a great acoustic should sound like. Since that time, I have played many other styles and brands, and a good friend schooled me on how dreadnoughts are scooped/boxy and parlor sized have nicer midrange. I understood what he meant, and I heard the difference but I stand by this guitar! It has the "bloom", richness, & dark color as well as crispness I want to hear. This guitar gives up the goods; caress it, it sweetly whispers, slam it and it screams. There are no dead spots I can hear. I only use DR Rare Earth 13-56 strings because they really sound the best out of everything I have tried.

Amazing stability on this guitar -I had a problem with some rattling and brought it to the authorized Martin repair guy in town. He stuck the guitar in a humidity-controlled room for 2 weeks to let everything settle, and voila! No work needed at all! The problem was our electric heating during the winter which dried everything up but it restored itself just lik that. Never even needed a setup!

I have no problem relying on this thing, except it looks like it might develop the "Martin crack".

never needed

Superb guitar, definitely has opened up some. I mainly play electric but I installed a K & K Trinity western pickup system which is mighty fine, doesn't sound fake. I actually feel like I don't deserve such a fine guitar because I don't play it enough. Just throwing a review in there for anyone who cares. I can't say it's a great value because it's pricey. But at least it holds its value!

A gloss finish dreadnought with bookmatched back, East Indian Rosewood back and sides, solid spruce top, ebony fretboard. As all Martins are, it is USA made. The neck is satin finish but not a worry, and it is a fast neck, flat and easy to move about. For myself, the minute I picked it up and wrapped my arms around it, it felt like it was mine. So comfortable to play. These are the features I need- not electronics and a built in tuner. I don't care about that stuff.

This is a balanced guitar, with clear, ringing highs and deep, resonant lows. A low E plucked open rang for a full 25 seconds. It is loud and bossy. Demands to be heard and then calms down to a sweet tinkling softness. Nothing muddy about this baby. Every string and every note creates interest. Makes you smile the minute you touch the strings.

A close inspection revealed absolutely no flaws in this guitar. The action was set below factory specs which makes it play like, as we all say, butter... Smooth and fluid. Bookmatching is lovely, bridge perfect, frets smoothly filed. A classic spruce top with even color and figuring. And the smell! Delicious rosewood fresh from the Martin factory!

This bad boy is gonna last! I don't play out but if I did, I am sure it would carry me from show to show without a problem. This is a guitar you buy for life. I expect to have it until I die.

The warranty is limited lifetime, and I have tech who is a Certified Martin Repair Station, so I am in good hands there!

I have been thinking about this purchase for a long time. I have spent over ten years playing an old inexpensive Washburn. The HD28 was a gift to myself. I knew I wanted a Martin because I just love the Martin sound. I was going to get a D28 but liked the scalloped bracing in the HD28, as well as the herringbone. So I splurged. I am so glad I did.

This guitar I bought at Local music store.It is a 2005 model.It was sold to me as new guitar so I did have the full year warranty. It has gloss finish and was or seemed to be perfect.Your normal so;id spruce top rosewood back and sides.Neck material mahogany.

The sound of this guitar is just what I wanted. I always play a guitar and buy it for the sound and tone. This little guitar is the most boomy guitar you can buy bar none.I play bluegrass and it fits perfect.If I was looking for a lot of treble tones I would have bought a J-45 Gibson or Martin HD35. So no complaints about sound.

The set up for Martins are standard for minimal fret buzz. No.1 reason for this is most players play different. Example I play hard so the action was perfect for me no fret buzz.You can have the action lowered and lighter strings but it will effect the low tone. The intonation of every martin I have played are as perfect as it gets.

All instruments have to treated with care if you use the as drums the will break. Martin guitars are constructed as well as any the woods they are made of dent and scar like others of same quality.This little guitar stays in tune and I play hard. Its the only guitar I take when I play.

This is the reason I wanted to write this review. I had my Martin for about 2 months and the top fell against the top binding. The finish actually looked like it exploded. I contacted Martin, finishes are usually not covered under warranty.But I sent some Digital pictures and they seen that it was a problem with the adhesion of the seal coat. Sent my guitar back to the company in Nazareth Pa. And in about 12 weeks I HAD A BRAND NEW GUITAR. Also I had ask for a custom label and sure enough they fulfilled my request. Thats why I will always stand behind Martin Guitar.Made in the USA

I have been playing for around 35 years and have owned Gibson, Alvarez,Guild,And own those guitars now but my favorite to play is my little Hd28 Martin.The 28 has the boom that I need when I play bluegrass. This guitar has the feel of a more expensive guitar. The most expensive guitar doesn't always play and sound the best.So play the all before buying one.

Mine is a 1997, pretty much unplayed newish condition (NOT broken in or benefitting much from 9 years of ageing.) I bought it yesterday. Vinyl had not even been peeled off pickguard. Plenty of reviews here with details of features. I advise you to read ALL reviews. Or you could just take my word for it and buy the thing and you'll have more time left to practice.
("Shut up and play your guitar" - Frank Zappa)

I have been a pro player for over forty years. I knew within thirty seconds that this guitar had the classic Martin sound, that was all I needed to know. I also own an original 1935 Herringbone D-28 (that I have played regularly since 1971) that is the best acoustic I have ever heard anywhere. The HD-28 is pretty much just as good.
With all due respect, I think that the people who talk about the nut, saddle and bridge-pin material are splitting hairs. I don't doubt that these improvements help, but I personally don't care. This guitar sounds good enough for me as it is, and I am pretty spoiled. I also believe that a OOO-28 (which I have owned) like the Clapton model may be generally better for strictly finger style for some folks (definitely better for folks who find the dreadnaught too large), but I believe that a lighter touch on a dreadnaught will work just as well for many, as well as myself. You can always play a loud guitar quietly, but the reverse is not really true. You see lots of fingerpickers with dreadnaughts, but did you ever see a bluegrass/flatpicker in a band with a OOO? With proper playing skills, this guitar does it all. Maybe a thuddier guitar is better for old-time blues or ragtime where the overtones, sustain and richness are not required; or a resonater for slide, but all can be done on this type of guitar. I own lots of guitars, and even delta slide has an interesting quality on a good Martin....A National will sound more traditional, but Blind Blake or Rob't Johnson played on a good Martin brings something new to the party; don't knock it if you haven't tried it.....(I doubt if Doc Watson rags would get a similar result played on an old Duolian.)
I play all the styles mentioned above in depth, especially old-time and modern finger styles.

It is my understanding that if you want really smooth action, you give up some tone. Methinks there is no free lunch. Of all the guitars mentioned in these reviews, the Martin is probably the hardest to play. I say, get over it. Want an easier guitar to play? Get a Gibson or a Taylor. Or play the piano. It is a give-and-take world.
My trade off is that I use light guage strings. I haven't been able to handle mediums since I discovered electric guitar decades ago (with Super-Slinky strings). I learned to play on Mediums, and I miss the tone, but I play both acoustic and electric both on the same day.....and lights are a little easier on the structure of the guitar. As I stated, this guitar is as good as you need even with light strings, cheap bridge pins and a plastic nut and saddle. I say, in closing, to work on your chops more and trust Martin to build a good guitar. They seem to know what they're doing, and also have had 173 years of experience (not counting the old country). This particular model was released in 1933 or 1934 depending on who you talk to, so they have pretty much worked the bugs out by now.

People complain about the finish. You can get a thick shiny bullet-proof finish, or you can get a more fragile thin finish that will sound better, such as the HD-28. If you want a structurally stronger (heavier bracing) and heavier finished guitar, buy a regular D-28.
Remember, a plywood top guitar is much stronger and more resistant to cracks. I used to own a genuine all plywood Stella guitar, and it needed no case, and was sometimes a better choice than a Martin in some severe playing environments. And over $2000 cheaper. A bulldozer is not a sportscar, and both can come in handy at the right time. For what it is, this guitar is real solid. My 1935 is still suitable as a daily player, although there is not a lot of finish left. I could refinish it, but I like the tone as it is. Other than that, it is as sound as the newer one. Seems like they build 'em to last.....

I don't remember how many Martins I have owned, maybe six or eight (including a 000-28, D-28S and a D-18 all back in the sixties), and I have never had a new one with a warranty in place (well, once....). But the few times I have had occasion to speak to the factory, they seemed like they were sitting around and hoping I would call and took all the care and time I could have hoped for. I will say that it has been many years since I have had contact with the factory, but based on limited experience, I give them the highest rating. Dignity is hard to find, and the Martin folks reek of it. This is one of several reasons that I have remained a Martin player. They seem to take appropriate pride in their work, and respect their customers. I understand that this has not always been the case (we all wander from the true path at some point, don't we?), but all reports indicate that is in the past.
I have had the neck reset two or three times by certified Martin repair guys on my 1935 D-28, and it could probably use it again (Keeping in mind that is over a 35 year period of pretty hard and steady use, and travelling including lots of hitch-hiking "back in the day"). Hopefully the adjustable truss rod on the newer ones (since 1985 or so)will eliminate the need for some of that.
By the way, unlike an incorrect statement in a much earlier review on this page, the D-28 has always had a braced (rod or bar) in the neck of metal or ebony. They just weren't adjustable in the older ones.

I own too much gear to list, and I am actually quite poor even though I own some valuable instruments. I have been a pro acoustic and electric player since the mid sixties. I play a '64 Strat, '66 Tele, '74 LP Black Custom, 1920's Premier (English) frailing banjo, Coral Sitar (Jerry Jones reissue), several resonator guitars, etc. in addition to mandolins, keyboards, basses, drums, harmonicas, bells, whistles, squeak toys, etc.
Even a mediocre Martin is worth the money. The slowest race horse is still lots faster than a plow horse. Some Martins are better than others, and Martin has had a few bad years (long ago) when they proved that they are humans, not gods. But I would buy a Martin mail order if I had to.....like sex and pizza, they're all good - but some are better. And unless you have money to burn on snowflake inlay or you really must have a V-neck or ten pounds of pearl on your guitar like Porter Wagoner's outfit, the HD-28 will do you quite nicely.

Work on your chops.....

You probably know all this already. Nothing fancy, but it's got everything it needs for amazing tone, which is wha's important.

Simply, the guitar sounds amazing. Very well balanced, bass, mids, and treble all come out very clearly but don't step on each other at all. Sounds especially nice capoed up a few frets. I got the guitar about 2 and a half years ago and I have noticed it starting to open up since I play it a lot.

Setup was great when I bought it. Action might be a little high for some people but I like it that way. The guitar is put together perfectly. No frills, but I'm more interested in sound and I still would consider it a very attractive guitar.

Very reliable. Has even taken a few spills, but never was hurt.

Haven't had to deal with them since there have been no problems.

I've been playing guitar since I was 12 (about 8 years). I started on a Squire Strat and got a crappy acoustic a year later. After taking more interest in acoustic, I eventually got this one, and it is all I will need for the rest of my life, especially since the tone only gets better as the guitar ages.

It was made 6/05/06 In the U.S.A. It has 20 Frets, a solid top, Body & sides are Indina rosewood, neck is Mahogany, finish is transparent with a Amber sunburst top, body is a dreadnouhgt and it came with a hard case

the sound is rich&full and it suits my style very will. (bulegrass)

the set-up was to high for me but I`am a finger picker. the bookmatch on the top was very good & the bridge was dead on. thier was no flaws.

This guitar is very well build & has good hardware the finish is good (I got the Amber sunburst top) I would use without a backup.

The warranty is life time for Martin and one yr. with Elderly.

I have been playing for 35yrs.I have a Epiphone PR350/SR & a Carvin & a Epiphone Les Paul. if it were stolen I would replace it. I looked at talyor`s,santa cruz,collings & larrivee befor I buing this guitar & for the price it was the best buy

you know the features

Nice Full Round tone with lots of volume. It makes any of the taylors sound thin and weak.

Medium action - Perfect for me. Fit and finish are perfect

Very solid guitar with no belly bulge or othe issues after 2 years.

Great technical support.

Been playing 34 years. I've owned em all - gibsons, taylors, tacomas, guilds, and other martins. If you could have only one guitar, the HD28 will do it all - even fingerstyle.

My HD-28 was built in '93-94, and had a solid spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides (very attractive herringbone detail on back).

Overall, the sound was disappointing to me. The low-end was powerful but indistinct, and the mid- and high-range was largely absent. Some may prefer this sound, but I found it largely unsuitable.

Fit and finish were inconsistent; The wood and herringbone detailing were absolutely beautiful, but the fret ends were very sharp.

Factory set-up was poor for a guitar of this price. The action was far too high and the sharp frets inexcusable.

The guitar was subjected to live playing on only a few occasions. It seemed durable and well built.

N/A

I have been playing for 15 years, and currently own and play guitars made by Bourgeois, Taylor and Gibson. I owned this guitar for about 1 year and was very happy to trade it. In my opinion, those seeking a dreadnought would do far better to consider a Taylor 810.

2006, HD28 , see their webpage for all the details, the herringbone and spruce top and the best I've seen!!, Collings, Huss and Dalton, you just can't beat the Martin HD28. I didn't want a ton of features , I wanted a Martin D28, period.

I play in a country western / rock band. Fits that sound like a glove. Will probably have an LR Baggs pickup installed soon. The guitar sings with a familiar rich voice. Rich and full, well welll well balanced. I've only played it a few hours now, it was perfect right out of the box. It was in the store only one day and I snagged it. Wasn't even up on the wall yet. I had played 30 or 40 acoustics before finding this one, Martins, Laravae's, northwood, Huss and Daltons, Collings, Santa Cruz, breedloves, traveled hundreds of miles to different stores, etc. I knew this one was 'the one' when I first saw her, then... I played the first G chord. OMG!!! It sounds like a million songs I love.

perfect setup from factory, action smooth and easy, the best spruce top I have ever seen, the eboney, and other woods are beautiful. Very nice, I am lucky and blessed to have gotten this particular guitar and I wasn't going to stop looking until I found it. took about 2 months of looking. well worth the wait.

I think this guitar will last me the rest of my days. Everything looks well made and put together. I have seen many old d28's around. They last.

don't know.

Have been playing 35 years. I own a Martin 017, 1958 (got it at a garage sale $350). Got that one from the original owner. I will be selling that very soon on ebay. I own three G&L electrics (asat custom special, legacy reverse headstock, commanche and a Cort M-800), Mesa boogie amp, and a 58' super. lots of effects , etc. This guitar will be used for everything. I am in a country rock band, play at church, teach guitar, write songs, just have fun and enjoyment with playing. I love the sound !! My lead singer has a very nice Laravae guitar (an older one made in Canada), he's gonna hate me for awhile, but I guarantee you he will end up with an HD-28 of his own. If it were lost, that would hurt alot, if it were stolen I would hurt someone alot. Either way I'd have to replace it.

This 2005 Martin HD-28 is what any other dreadnought guitar wishes it was. Straight ahead, no real frills. I had a D-28 and it is a great guitar. Cant say the HD-28 is significantly different in sound yet. But I am just an intermediate player. One thing I dont like are the tuners. They are OK but for a two grand guitar...well, its an important issue with playability. The herringbone makes the guitar look absolutely beautiful. These things (as Ive heard) need to be played for awhile to open up. This aint to say it sounded better than any other acoustic Ive ever played straight out of the box. To me, when God said make me the finest acoustic guitar, Martin made the HD-28. The pre-war D-28's had the herringbone binding. I just have to be patient and watch her age.

Just play an open G and it vibrates for all the day long. Resonance is huge. Rich and very full sound...very even. Not too high or low. It plays very easily and will make you sound better than you ever thought you were. Gosh darn, she just sings. The most playable acoustic hands down. I simply cant put it down.

Martins come set up pretty high. I guess its for them bluegrass players. Just sand down the bridge to where you want it. But Ive heard that lowering the bridge lessens the sustain. I dont know about this cause the sustain is unmatched. Beautiful bookmatched finish. I think these guitars put Taylors to shame. Just simple beauty/sound. HANDS DOWN!!!

Just watch and listen to Neil Young playing his old Martin once owned by Hank Williams. Its a very special thing. These things are ment (and will) hold up for your grandchildren if taken care of. I ALWAYS keep mine latched and in the case EVERY night. I would play this thing anywhere. I am very overprotective of her now. Not too many people understand how special Martin guitars. I let professional players have a good time with mine. Cause they understand it for what it is.
Just one thing, the nitros cellous (sp.) finish is very sensitive to some rubber guitar stands. It will eat right through the finish ASAP.

Call Martin, even if you are just wanting some good info before you buy, and you will get (mostly) a very pleasant and patient guy who will help you out. These guitars are pure USA...none of that Asian crap (though some of theyre work is pretty good. Comes with the lifetime warranty and these guys have been doing this for a very, very long time.

Ive been playing for some thirty years off and on. Ebay has been a bad addiction cause Ive gone through old Silvertone, Harmony, Gretsch, Fender and Gibsosn (acoustic and electric) guitars in a totally unwarranted. I always bought vintage cause I thought the guitar had spirits imbeded in them and I like an older and worn look. This was a huge step for me. Brand new and my wife is wondering how long I will keep this one. Im not really an electric player and now that Im 45 tears old, I like Country music much more and an acoustic guitsr is simple (no amp, effect pedals, cords, etc.) And I believe omore in the K.I.S.S. principle more snd more. I dont plan on (and never have) had my guitars ripped off in the past (and some of the guitars were worth six or seve thousand dollars). But its insured just the same, but I believe we were ment for each other,

My HD28 is a 2005 model and I'm sure you know the features. One important thing I'd like to stress here is that I'm not big on fancy looks like Larrivee and Taylor guitars have. I'm more interested in playability and TONE. I went to the GC and sat in the high end room for 4 hours playing every high end guitar they had. I intitially went in with the idea of buying a Martin D35 which is an excellent guitar too but when I picked up the HD28, I was blown away. This guitar has perfectly balance sound, is very very loud and has that nice boom a guitar should have. I played Taylor, Larrivee, Gibson, Legend and a $3,200.00 Alvarez Yarhi. Every one of these guitars looked nice but sounded too thin and boxy to me. I picked up the Martin, hit a G chord and the neck vibrated in my hands. At this point I was sold. The Martin HD28 is the MacDaddy of acoustic guitars in my opinion. Sure they are high $$$$ but you get what you pay for and they retain their value and increase in value with time. The folks at Martin have been building guitars since 1833 and they know what they are doing.

Excellent for strumming and finger picking. You can also get different tones strumming on different areas over the guitar body. The best sound I've ever heard from an acoustic.

Perfect! Not 1 single flaw. Martin stakes it's reputation on it's quality. American made! Nuff said!

Do I really need to respond? LOL

Martin cares PERIOD!

I've played for over 35 years and have never played an acoustic as nice and that sounds as good as my HD28. I've owned every high end guitar you can think of and I'm now a lifetime Martin owner. She's my baby! I stated that mine was a 2006 model but it's a 2005 model. My mistake!!!!!!!

My HD28 is a 2006 model and I'm sure you know the features. One important thing I'd like to stress here is that I'm not big on fancy looks like Larrivee and Taylor guitars have. I'm more interested in playability and TONE. I went to the GC and sat in the high end room for 4 hours playing every high end guitar they had. I intitially went in with the idea of buying a Martin D35 which is an excellent guitar too but when I picked up the HD28, I was blown away. This guitar has perfectly balance sound, is very very loud and has that nice boom a guitar should have. I played Taylor, Larrivee, Gibson, Legend and a $3,200.00 Alvarez Yarhi. Every one of these guitars looked nice but sounded too thin and boxy to me. I picked up the Martin, hit a G chord and the neck vibrated in my hands. At this point I was sold. The martin HD28 is the MacDaddy of acoustic guitars in my opinion. Sure they are high $$$$ but you get what you pay for and the retain their value and increase in value with time. The folks at Martin have been building guitars since 1833 and they know what they are doing.

Excellent for strumming and finger picking. You can also get different tones strumming on different areas over the guitar body. The best sound I've ever heard from an acoustic.

Perfect! Not 1 single flaw. Martin stakes it's reputation on it's quality. American made! Nuff said!

Do I really need to respond? LOL

Martin cares PERIOD!

I've played for over 35 years and have never played an acoustic as nice and that sounds as good as my HD28. I've owned every high end guitar you can think of and I'm now a lifetime Martin owner. She's my baby!

mine is a 2005 HD-28 I especially like the satin finish on the neck but wish that it was the V style. The dots on the fretboard are nice but snowflakes would be nicer. I also like the way that this guitar's appearance is understated. I wish that Martin would ship this guitar with the same case that they supply with their artist series. The plastic case is probaly just fine and is definitely lighter than those plush cases are, but they are not as nice as they should be with such a fine flag ship instrument. I also think that the gear pocket is too small inside of the case.

When i walked into the guitar store down the street from me the teacher was sitting on a stoll playing a Zep song on it. The whole store was filled with the beautiful sound of this instrument. I had just purchased a Martin 000-28EC that I thought sounded like the best guitar on the planet. NOT! Once i heard this HD-28 I knew just what to do. I traded straight across and man am I ever glad that i did. I play folk music and finger picking type stuff. Recently I have been going to Bluegrass pick n grins. At these events there are all makes and models of guitars. The song will be in progress, people just playing away. Then I strum the HD-28. Everyone turns their heads and their mouths drop open. This even happens when i play the correct chord,...lol. I replaced the stock nut, saddle, strap buttons, and bridge pins with fossilized irory ones. This change made an already fantastic sounding guitar sound even better and they looking swank. The store where I got this guitar has many Martins. This HD-28 has a much better tome and balance than the Clarence White, Eric Clapton, Norman Blake, or any other guitar in the store. Ive had high end Martins, Guilds, Gibsons, and Taylors and have played Collins and Bouguois (spelling, sorry). I have found MY guitar in this instrument. I use medium gauge Martin phospher bronze strings. I have found that the material the pick is made of as well as the thickness makes a huge difference in the tone of this guitar. Even bare finger style finger picking is clear and can have any amount of volume that I desire without sounding muddy of thin with this instrument. I like to allow friends to play this guitar so that I can hear what it sounds like from the other side. You folks know how they always sound different when you are playing them than they do when you are sitting in front of them just listening. Mine sounded already broken in right off of the show room floor. The sound of this guitar always makes my sticker peck out.

This was one of the few guitars that I have ever had that was perfect right out of the box. The grain on my tops is superb and tight, even has some bear claw in it. This is probably why my particular HD-28 sounds so much better than other HD-28's that I have played ( though they sounded great also).

This guitar is a tank. My buddy has a 1957 model HD-28. Its an old war horse that is worn and tattered but it sounds heavenly.

I have not had to deal with Martin yet.

I've been playing for about eight years and i have owned many acoustic guitars. The only other acoustic guitar that I have owned that even came close to the sound quality of this HD-28 is an old guild that once belonged to Jackson Brown. Dang I should have kept that guitar.

You can read the Martin website to get a complete list of features. Mine is a 2004 model that came with the micarta saddle, nut and pins. This is the rosewood dreadnought that most people think of when they think dreadnought. I would be dinging it for the micarta components, but in 2005 they have changed the standard offering to bone for all three of these components. I upgraded my saddle and pins to nut and it improved an already good sound.

I play just about any type of music my limited skills will let me. This guitar hangs in with everything from fingerpicking to fingerstyle to rhythm to jazzier strummed to flatpicked folk to bluegrass. It is full of great tone and resonance that responds beautifully to the nuances of the player.

This is the classic Martin dreadnought tone. When I hit an open G chord on this beauty it sounds of history and legend. Harmonics pulled from the sounds of time captured in the grain of the rosewood and spruce embrace your ears. The vibration from the back cascade along your body letting you feel the sound as well as hearing it.

There are specific technical reasons why this guitar sounds like it does - the style and type of bracing, the tonewoods, the finish, etc. - which are all important, but only matter when you actually hear it and go "That is the sound I have always wanted from an acoustic guitar."

Every time I play my HD-28 I fall in love with the tone again. As with any high end acoustic, this will only get better over time. After 7 months of consistent playing it is beginning to show the promise of its mature voice. Don't mistake this statement. Out of the box this was a killer guitar. Playing an acoustic brings changes the tone of the woods and they begin to exhibit greater depth, harmonics and resonance. A great sound getting greater!

Fromthe factory the action and fit was right on the money. I tweeked it a little with a truss rod adjustment (probably less than a 32nd at the 12th fret). I changed the pickguard just for personal preference (a vintage Tortis) and no other reason. This plays wonderfully and just continues to feel like my guitar.

It is an acoustic so keeping that in mind, this is a workhorse and will take a lot of acoustic playing abuse and still shine sonically. If ancient D series guitars from Martin are any indication, this guitar will last my lifetime and, hopefully, that of my children.

Great support. Martin isn't as much a guitar manufacturer as it is a culture. There are few companies that make their product into something greater than just the product, and Martin has done that.

Bottom line is this is a no frills, workhorse guitar that can stand up to whatever challenge you throw at it. I find that I am continually challenging mayself to play more and better because this is such a good sounding and feeling guitar. I had a Yairi Alvarex YD-90 for years and was fine with it, but it never had a connection with me. Last year I decided that I would do what I had always wanted to do - buy a Martin. I looked at lots of them (D, 000, OM, etc.) and lots of other brands and acoustic electrics. I kept coming back to this style of dreadnought. I finally sold the YD-90 to help fund the new one. I have not been dissappointed. I have no intention of ever getting rid of this guitar, although I am thinking about buying another Martin. Any guitar that keeps you wanting to play and discover is a great guitar. I don't worry about the sound any more, just my playing.

2005 model- you know the spec. Molded 640 case which provided excellent protection for its trip from USA to UK.Purchased from acoustic axis virginia for very competitive price. Beautiful finish, unfussy but classic style.

I play a mixture of musical styles mainly employing a flatpick style. This guitar gives a full rich sound particularly with open chords towards the headstock. I have tried several hd28's but disagree with most reviews in that the treble could be more crisp. Having said this the overall sound is awesome.

Factory set up was fine but action a tad high for my preference. A quick shave off the saddle and hey presto! perfect. Beautiful bookmatching not a flaw to be found. Was advertised as having bone nut and saddle but is in fact corian- a bit miserly of martin given the overall craftmanship of the guitar.Neck as flat as a pancake and extremely easy to play.

Appears hardy enough to withstand coinstant gigging but I have only had it for 2 weeks. Everybody comments on the sound.Would have appreciated 2nd strap button.

Not applicable.

Been playing for 20 years. Previously owned les paul custom, les paul studio/ ibanez and washburn acoustics. Acoustic wise this blows anything I have played out of the water.Had set my heart on a Gibson acoustic but once I played them alongside the hd28 there was no competition. Would definitely replace if lost or damaged after initial heartbreak of course. This guitar makes you want to just pick it up and play. Without doubt it makes you sound better than you are.

2004 Martin HD 28

Features: Rosewood back and sides with herringbone trim. Features as per Martin guitars, Nazareth PA.

10: Fantastic tone. I own a taylor 510 and Gibson Songwriter and the martin is the best sounding guitar with a rich base tone. Great booming sound when you want her to. Nothing compares to the sound of a Martin guitar. This sound is what every other guitar company sets out to emulate and capture.

High from the factory but a setup lowered the action and with that she is a dream to play.

10: This guitar is meant to last a lifetime. That's the reason why it costs so much. Very dependable and sounds great in a recording studio.

Very professional, very responsive to emails.

Been playing for 10 years. I own a taylor 510, 3 Gibson jumbos, a Gibson Songwriter, Tacoma DF-21, Tacoma DM1812 and a Larrivee D-03 and aMartin D-35 (2004) and the Martins and Gibsons ar the best guitars. Trust me. Gibson jumbos have their place but nothing, nothing is as good as a Martin HD-28. If you're serious about music, trust me you will not be disheartened with this purchase.

They are already well stated so I won?t bore you.

I would have to reiterate some of the reactions previously stated such as ?Oh My God?, ?The Sound is Magic?, etc? Most balance I?ve ever run a thumb across on a dreadnaught. Some complain that the HD-28 and D-28?s are boomy. Well, yes, they can be. That doesn?t have to be a bad thing though. There are times when that will express a run on a song best. I find that this box is so responsive that I can finger style it with bare nubs and pull gorgeous complex lows, mids, and highs from it. On the other hand, if I?m feeling some attitude, this baby has all the power you could ask for with a heavy pick. Very full sounding even with light strings. I?ve experimented with both lights and mediums and find that the guitar is more versatile with lights. I will say though that as far as rhythm and flat-picking goes, mediums are best. With mediums, it sounds like an atomic bomb going off when you attack a G cord. The D-18 and D-18Vs are nice and have good cut being mahogany, however, they sounded empty compared to the HD-28. I realize that the D-18 is a bit more popular for flat-picking because of the more trebly highs that can cut through the mix. For me ? loud for loud sake is not enough. The HD-28 has enough cut, but is superior to my ear as far as sweetness of tone and color. It deserves a 10 no question.

Setup was perfect. Fit and Finish was perfect ? beautiful for a simply appointed guitar.

Stay?s in tune great. Seems to be built strong and should handle a lifetime of playing.

Limited Lifetime warranty. Haven't had to deal with them.

I?ve been playing 32 years. I?ve owned an embarrassing number of acoustic guitars, always looking for the right one. Martin 00015S, (great guitar) Martin D35 (should have kept it), Guild D25, Guild D40 (my sons now), Larrivee OM-O5, Tacoma Dr12, Tacoma L09 Alverez D44. It was previously said that if you could have only one guitar, the HD-28 would be the right choice. I agree! It is the right one. I would have more than one acoustic like maybe a D-18, but in order for the HD-28 to reach its full potential in tone, it should be played a lot. For that reason and the fact that my wife doesn?t like my GAS, I probably won?t own another.

I know that many high-end builders have made incredible copies of the prewar D-28. I?ve played many of them and was very impressed. However, they are not Martins. Martin started it all and invented the dreadnaught. They have the longest lineage as the inventors and builders of acoustic guitars. Its not the name that justifies it, it is the sound and workmanship that they have created.

yer standard martin 28 model. traditional with the white binding and the herringbone inlay down the back of the body. made in the 2000s sometime i believe. indian rosewood sides with a capitvating piece of spruce on top. plastic nut and so-so tuners stick out amongst the perfectionist hand-built quality of the rest of the guitar. plastic molded martin case included. the 28 model martin is by no means about the "features" this guitar is plain jane in a sense but very much high class at the same time. it has simple appropriations rooted in a lot of history and well-done. as mentioned earlier, i would trade the beautiful herringbone inlay and the binding in a heart beat for a finer nut and tuner heads. and otherwise higher rating has to be knocked down for these gripes.

my lord! this is a magic guitar. when i brought it home and strummed out a beck song for my roomates it captivated the whole room with just three chords. huge sound with a focus on the bottom end. these guitars can get loud if you let them. it sounds best in the open positions of the neck toward the headstock and tends to lose intonation as you head toward the soundhole. lately i've been playing fiddle tunes fingerstyle and dropping the low e to d. the guitar handles this reasonably well, but even with the heaviset strings martin allows on the model (medium gauge) there's still some intonation issues. don't take this wrong though- this guitar has a fantastic sound and is incredibly balanced and toneful all over the fretboard. the fact of the matter is plainly this- 28 models have a beautifully clear and punchy bass end with a chimey top and this otherwise unimaginably sweet sound is attained on some areas of the fret board by sacrificing performance at other spots. if you want to sling your fingers all over a fret board with perfect intonation and easy string bending, this might not be yer box. but if yer willing to let go of some versatility in exchange for some sounds that may well resemble the voice of god then give this old standard a try sometime.

setup was impressive. if you get one of these from a shop, it's likely a martin licensed one that probably is run/owned by lutiers good enough to make fine violins and they are going to setup the guitar right. it may not be to yer exact specifications, but it'll be a good job. an irony of owning such a guitar is that you get nervous whenever you move and need to find a good luthier to work on it.

this guitar is synonymous with the idea of quality to me. like all acoustics, to sound good, its gotta have light bracing on it to let the fine wood do its thing, so this detracts from the durability in the sense that you can't knock it around with as much disregard as you would that old fender acoustic. but i've banged it around a fair amount and it feels as though a happy medium was reached in building a box that vibrates and projects but has enough wood left in it to take a few hits. only one strap button at the bottom so you have to pull an elvis and tie a rope to the headstock. martin will void the warranty if the install of a second strap button at the neck joint is not done right, so keep that in mind. hell yes i'd gig this one without a backup. what am i going to do, play this enchanting piece of wood and then get out some stale sounding box. no way. if it broke in the middle of a gig do some acapella or something and fix it up for the next one. or, if you win the lottery sometime, buy two.

luckily, i haven't had to deal with martin directly, but i trust this legacy owned, PA company enough to give them a strong benefit of the doubt.

i've been playing guitar for five years or so and not so much the last two. previously i used a pawn-shop grade acoustic from the seventies and a mexican strat through a tech 21 for playing and gigging. now i play fiddle tunes arranged for fingerstyle and beck songs when i get the chance on this beautiful dreadnought that a very generous friend gave to me for christmas two years ago. if it were lost/stolen i'd be a sad, sad little boy for a long time. i don't have the money to replace an instrument of this caliber. but if i did, i'd love another martin dreadnought, though i would seriously consider some of the modified fingerstyle/blues models they have. i love this guitar primarily because it was a gift from a close friend but also because it makes beautiful sounds. this guitar won't let you play anything that's not up to par. it literally tells you "no way man, that whole thing you just did was lame" and makes you play it till you get it right. if i could wish anything done to it i would put on a nut that is of the quality of the rest of the guitar and maybe try and have a luthier fix it up so that it accepts the drop d even better than it already does. if yer in this price range for handmade guitars pickup one of these martins. they're venerable for good reason.

2003 Made here in PA USA ... See Rest of Reviews or Martin Site for Specs ... Sita Spruce Top with Scaloped bracing, Indian Rosewood Back & Sides, Ebony Fretboard. Nice Herringbone Binding... Siple Ring Rosette. Molded Plastic Case... Non Electronics...

I play a Mix of Music ... Primarily Blues, Bluegrass and Folk... Flatpick and Fingerstyle ... While I have only had this Beauty for a Couple of Months it's sound is just as good as it gets ... Warm and Rich ... Can make one smile and cry at the same time. Overtones at the low end can be overpowering if you are an indiscriminate pounder, but hey this is what Martin is all about ... Deep, Rich, Round Sound ... Fits 90% if what I do Perfectly

Really not anything to Complain about, Perfect as nearly all Martins Are ... Book Matching is Flawless ... Setup was Perfect... Action was a bit lower than the most Martins I've seen ... Plays well...

About the Only Demerit I can find is that when you Hold the Top up to the Light and Stare up the Bidge, you can see signs of Tight Riples, Obviously signs of the O'l Planer used in the Manufacturing Process... I looked at nearly a Hundred guitars and they all have this sign of the Modern Machine Age...

This Guitar is built like a Tank ... I have seen a lot of 20 Year Old HD 28's around ... I suspect that it will treat you as well as you treat it. Again No Complaints. For you Power Players out there, Martin Pick Guards and Finish will show your rath ...

I own 4 other Martins ... Have never had a Problem ... I've called & Emailed the Company to get Info and they are always prompt, friendly and helpful. What I find Fascinating is that a Company that produces so many guitars really has not lost track of the Customer (It's strange in this day in age but I think they actually like Us!)

I've been playing on and off for 20 years ... I own a flock of other Martins (80's Vintage D18, 90's Vintage 000-21 and a 2004 000-15), I recently acquired a CA Vintage AE (a break from tradition, look for a review in the upcoming weeks). I've owned a lot of other brands, the only thing consitant is that I seem to keep only Martins.

If your only going to Have One Guitar, the HD28 is the Way to Go ... Versatile Sound (the D18 is a lot cleaner sounding but you miss the Depth that Rosewood can provide), You can get an amazing array of Sounds from this Instrument ... Warm and Rich ... Rewards Touch and Chord Voicing Varity with beautiful sound.

If it where Stolen or Lost ... I would replace in an Instant.

I suppose the choice of tonewoods is a feature, but seriously, it's an acoustic. Don't get fewer features than this. I like the rosewood and ebony, herringbone trim is nice looking, but not useful. This is a '93 with black pickguard (which I like better than tortoise).

Sound is way up there with the best I have heard. I'm no expert in terms of acoustic guitar vintage, but I like what I hear. I nearly took a Martin D-18 instead of this one just because it was cheaper, but I could easily hear the harmonics and richness in the HD-28. Incidentally, I got this from a guy who only deals Martins on the side, so you don't get to play 10 of them side-by-side. Long story short, this is like a benchmark of great acoustic tone. It's a dreadnought, so the tone is scooped somewhat, but it gives off the biggest bass while retaining clear trebles. There is loads of harmonic richness that sort of screams quality. The neck is fairly chunky with a deep taper. I only use mediums, DR Rare Phosphor to be exact. No other strings sounded quite right. I had a K& K Western installed and put ebony bridge pins on it which look classier. I don't play a heck of alot of acoustic, but I plan on playing more since I own such a pleasing instrument. I've had it for 5 years, and I have only heard a similar or better tone out of a few other guitars (in the same price range BTW). The Taylor 710 was pretty close, and some smaller size Karol guitars sounded mighty fine. I'm convinced that I have an heirloom on my hands. You can't get sick of the sound becaus it's like a Steinway -just clean and balanced, powerful when needed, responsive, and well built.

Can't say. I didn't get it new, but it's just holding up to the meduim strings. Anything bigger and I'm sure there would be cracking. I'm happy with the looks, and the original owner (supposed to be a blind country artist in Hamilton) took care of it, so there' only normal wear on the lacquer.

I think this should last forever unless someone drops something heavy on it. You have to take care of this calibre instrument like it was a child, which is a rag, but you get used to it. You should see the difference in action between the winter and summer months! I need to refine my climate control skills...

Won't say it's a great value, but you get what you pay for, and it's a top notch investment if you like good guitar tone. If you can't hear the difference, go get a Tak or something made of plywood. Not gonna say this is the finest guitar in the world -I'm fully aware that many handmade guitars have gone above & beyond the Martin sound- but you couldn't knock the tone of a HD-28. It may not be for you, but this is a top quality dreadnought tone, slightly improved on the D-28 witht he scalloped bracing (methinks).

2004 made in good old usa.at the martin factory..its your standard dreadnaught ...and a hard shell martin case included you know the specs if ypu are reading this spruce top rosewood bck and sides...it has a laquer finish..i like it alot not to thick like some other guitars....great looking guitars overall...neck is perfect low profile easy to play for long periods just enjoyable!

OH MY GOD!! man i was lost till i played this martin ..i was wasting my time with larrivees and yamahas, taylors not that there not good guitars but i heard the exact sound i have been wanting in a guitar for years...i played 4 other hd 28s and 2 d 28 before i bought this one they are not all alike..action is perfect for me low..tone is deep lets just say every rock song i every heard came to me the first 4 hours i played and then i wrote a song and the guitar was harmonizing with me ,when i was singing ,no i am not stoned...bassy booming down right loud and perfect you can play soft and loud and hear all diffrent sounds tones its a very bassy guitars sings with you!...i cryed the first day i played her all day...and i have owned alot of guitars i wish i had not wasted years playing other lesser guitars...no dislikes i am in love with this guitar...i play rock n roll ,country, punk ,alterative....it rocks!!!

factory set up was perfect for me low...no pick up i will mic it for gigs...bookmated perfectly....finish is perfect..

yes this guitar is meant to be played live i cant wait to gig with it...it seems built like a tank....also have a back up for broken strings during your set...if you play hard like me..

limited lifetime ...dont know never dealt with them...

20 years playing...i own a fender strat plus, larrivve om o9, om 03r..used to own a taylor 410...yamaha fg 340 345....and a few others i forget...if this martin was stolen i would cry and the start search again for the right hd 28....i love the sound of this guitar it is the sound of most if not all acoustic great rock songs...it blows me away all i can say is play a few and you mite feel the same way...rock on!!