Martin HD-35

Bought in October of 2007. The guitar is a 2003 and here is why I decided to buy used. My guitar was built in December of 2003. The original owner paid $3380 plus tx. brand new ($3800 total). I was wondering why he paid almost $600 dollars more than they are selling in the stores for now. This is why!! I contacted Martin and asked why the list in 2003 is more than now (2007). Martin switched the neck wood in 2004 to Spanish Cedar. They stopped making the Mahogany necks in 2004. The Mahogany neck may not be important to everyone but it was to me. The person I bought it from claimed it was in better condition than most new ones in the stores. He was right. The guitar was mint. I went to a music store in Toronto, Ontario and looked at their guitars. They had been played so much that the intonation was out and had scratches, dings etc. So be careful even when buying brand new because you don't know how long its been in the store/how much its been played etc. The HD35 has a solid Sitka Spruce top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, bound fingerboard, standard X scalloped bracing, and is 14 frets to the body, 20 total frets. The back is 3 piece solid Indian Rosewood and it has a bone nut. The HD35 is the herringbone version of the D35 and has the HD zigzag purfling. Bridge material is solid black ebony.

I have been playing guitar for 20 years. I decided to purchase a Martin after speaking to a friend of mine who is a master luthier. He recommended a solid wood guitar made by Martin, Guild, Taylor etc. I played many guitars before buying the HD35. I was in a music store in London, ON. I picked up a Gibson Hummingbird because it was the first one to catch my eye. It sounded OK but I wasn't going to drop $3000 on it. I then played the HD28. The HD28 sounded better than the Hummingbird. Next was the HD35. I was in love. My wife's jaw dropped when I began to play. I didn't even want to play the other acoustics I had at home after plaing the HD35. They sounded "dead". The Martin Sings and Rings!!!!!! It produces a "Studio" sound and is in my opinion AMAZING! The sound is crisp, clean, and loud.

The action was set up perfect. I mainly play blues and classic rock. Fingerpicking and strumming, both sound good. Its easy to bend the strings and you can perform slides, hammer ons and pull offs with ease. There is no fret buzz and plenty of room left to lower the action. The 3 piece back is striking and unique. The bracing is scalloped which helps to provide the beautiful sound. Its a good size dread and the bound fingerboard feels awesome when going up and down the neck.

I will have this guitar for the rest of my life! Hopefully my daughter plays and I will be able to pass it on to her one day. It's a guitar that will appreciate over time and...It's a Martin! The strap pins were installed previously and are solid.

Comes with a lifetime warranty on workmanship. Really though, I think that you will know if its defective as soon as you check it out/play it. You shouldn't need Customer Support or a warranty if you take care of your guitar. They don't cover stupidness. I did deal with the company like I said when deciding which year of guitar to purchase. They were awesome with giving me the comparison throughout the 2003-2007 models.

All of my remarks are my opinion. I rate this guitar as a 10. If it was stolen I'd be on a man hunt. If you want a fancy looking guitar buy a Gibson or a Taylor. If you want a guitar that sounds amazing then buy a Martin.

Brand new in December 2006, I got this guitar from a Guitar Center, knowing I could try it out then bring it back if I was not totally happy. I currently play my dad's 1963 Gibson J-50, which he passed down when I picked up the guitar. Mine has the same features as all other HD-35s.

Sound is big, very loud, but honestly theres something about the sound Im not totally in love with, and Im going to return the guitar for a refund for this reason. I figure that If I spend this amount of cash for an instrument I need to really LOVE it. The sad truth is that I am not in love. Yes, its louder than my J50. Yep, it even plays better and is more bassy (an quality I'm searching for). Sound is hard to describe to me....its so personal.

One thing I did notice was that sometimes some notes were lost in the mix. When I play a barre chord and change from a major to a minor, the minor chord doesnt really ring out and is not as distinguished as Id like it to be. I love the big sound of the Martin, please dont get me wrong.

Even though this guitar may sound great to some, when I pick it up there is something about it that inhibits my creativity. Maybe it sounds too good....maybe just too predictable. I wanted to like it. I promise. The tone does'nt remind me that its made from wood.

Im going to stick with the old Gibson for now. When I play it I want to play forever. The Martin, not so much. I put the HD-35 down after about a half hour. I know this review may make some people scratch their heads, and some may thing Im an idiot. Like I said, I think that a Guitar's sound is something that is very personal. Its nice that companies like Musicians Friend and Guitar Center allow buyers to return instruments. Theres nothing like trying a guitar out for a week at home to determine if its something worth buying.

The guitar is built like a dream come true. The set up is perfect, there are no flaws that I can notice. Martin is known for quality, and this is definately a fine instrument.

Its a Martin!

Dont know.

Ive been playing about 15 years. I own the previously mentioned J50, a cheap Yamaha nylon string (which I love), and many electrics. If this guitar were stolen or lost, Id look for something else with more character and a more wooden sound. I love the way it plays. I hate that its so dern plain looking. Martin should consider some sunburst editions, or different style pickguards, if they have not already.

Im going to try some of the newer high end Gibsons, maybe the Guild D55.
I might just stick with my dads old J50 forever.

I recently traded a Taylor T5 for a 1994 Martin HD-35. Since it was made prior to 1995, it has a black pick guard vice the tortoise shell which comes standard now. The previous owner had a Fishman under the bridge pick up installed but I don't use it. Anyone reading this review probably knows what this guitar is constructed of. This is a beautiful acoustic guitar. The rosewood used on the sides and the three part back have significant "wow" factor.

This guitar is the best fingerpicking/style guitar I own. It does sound great strummed producing a rich, very complex sound...kind of like a fine, aged, wine that you sip and taste the different flavors as it runs from your lips to your throat. You can really hear each note making the whole. I also play a Takamine TAN15C with the cool tube pre amp and where I'd describe that as having a very buttery, Gibson like sound, this is more distinct and pronounced. If I'm strumming a song and singing, I prefer the Takamine. If I'm picking a song, this guitar has no equal.

This guitar was used. Funny but true story. When I got it home (I tested it in a park) I took the strings off of it and noticed it smelled smokey. I looked in the sound hole and there were cob webs with a cigarrette butt suspended inside the guitar! I've had the guitar for about a month, cleaned it thoroughly, and it has just about lost it's smokey smell. The action is great on this guitar and the fit and finish are beautiful. The neck is wider than my Martin DM which helps contribute to it being an easier finger picker.

After 12 years, the guitar has a couple of dings in it, but looks and plays beautifully. I've played it through my California Blonde and it sounds good, but the Takamine sounds better with the Cool Tube set up. I would probably use a condenser mike in front of the sound hole to play it live.

Martin was great. I emailed them about the pick guard and was responded to within a day.

I currently own the HD-35 a Martin DM and a Takamine TAN15C.

It is 2004 HD-35 with Martin HD35 standard features. No electronics.

I use this guitar strumming and accompanying the chorus group in my Church. I do practice blues fingerstyle on this guitar often. I like the balancing sound, deep bass and clear ringing treble. Very bold (not a timid voice at all) and very present tone. Compare with D28 and D35, I think HD35 has a more pronouncing mid. The only draw back of this guitar is that it loses its robustness on the 5th (Low A) string between the 8th and 9th frets. But I also tried the D41 special, HD28 marquis, D42 and D45. They all have the same problem, except D45 to a lesser degree.

Very comfortable feel and perfect factory setting. I can use the low profile neck and the modified V. Both have their good side. Low profile is better for scales, and modified V good for chords. Can't have both.

The lacquer finished got chipped when I slightly hit the edge of the mold case, otherwise the guitar stand up to normal use very well.

I have asked Martin of the intonation and the robustness problem with this guitar or perhaps the dreadnought shape in general for over two months, and they came bace with only a rather pointless question (they ask the model which I have said in my question)for me. Very disappointing.

I have been a consistent player since 83's. So, about 20 years. If it got stolen I would probably replacing it with a Colling D2HA of D41A. I still have yet to discover more of a Adirondack top. I am not sure if it give wider tonal range like many people said. Although I have had only tried couple times of the Collings (D and OM). I think Collings got an edge over the regular crop of Martins, and Collings' quality is consistently more on the top.

2005 HD-35
Check the martin website or other reviews for all of the details.

I compared this to a D-18, a Gibson J-45, a high end Larrivee, a top-of-the-line Takamine, and I have heard a custom made J200 from a guitar maker around where I live, and this guitar beats them all, hands down. I thought the Gibson would compare really well, but the sound was jsut pure dead compared to this thing, and I tried a nice few Gibsons. Perfect for anyone looking for the Martin ring and tone, nice bass yet bright at the same time, great for rhythm and flatpicking.

Everything was set up already and there are no faults at all.

Solid. Light yet durable for any playing or performing.

Haven't dealt with them, but they got a lifetime warranty.

Playing for many years and this thing is the best thing I have come across. I have played other Martins, and they do not compare to this one. The guy at the shop had two others in before, same guitar, and they were not as good in sound. I have a gem!

Made in USA 2005 Martin HD-35. The guitar has a solid Sitka spruce top with herringbone purfling. The three piece back and the sides are solid East Indian rosewood. The neck is mahogany, and the headstock cap is East Indian rosewood. This guitar did not come with electronics installed. The finish is gloss lacquer. The pickguard is tortoise shell colored instead of black you'll find on the standard D-35. The neck joins the dreadnought body at the 14th fret. Bracing is 1/4" scalloped. The fingerboard and bridge are made of solid black ebony. Nut and saddle are bone. Bridge pins are some sort of plastic. Tuners are good quality - non-locking chrome with large knobs. Excellent build quality throughout.

I've waited to review this guitar because I wanted to give it a chance to find its voice. The trebles were a little thin when I first got it, but they've blossomed into the classic Martin trebles - thick, meaty and complex. The mids have that classic "hollow" sound, and the bass is big and deep but focused. Even with the impressive bass, this is not a boomy guitar. It's very well balanced, and has great separation. I tried a set of .012s on it, and was disappointed. This guitar seems to require medium strings to work it to its potential. When I was shopping, it came down to a choice between the HD-35 and the D-18GE. The D-18GE is truly a beautiful sounding instrument, but I chose the HD-35 for its power and projection in addition to its beautiful tone.

I got a great deal on this guitar. It had been in the shop for a while and had begun to dry out. It had buzzing strings, along with a couple of other issues. I humidified the guitar in its case for a week, and the action straightened back out to factory spec, which is perfect for me - but may be a bit higher than some people like. I can't find any construction flaws of any kind.

This is a high quality, well built guitar. I don't anticipate any problems with it.

I've never dealt with the company directly, but I expect that they'll come through if I ever need them. Lifetime warranty.

I've been playing guitar for 34 years, and own quite a bit of other gear. This is my only acoustic currently. I sold my only acoustic to defer the cost of this one. If it were lost or stolen, I'd shop around and probably buy another HD-35. There's just something about the tone that speaks to me. ...When I was shopping for a new acoustic I played a LOT of guitars with a maximum limit of $4000. I decided on this guitar over other Martins, Taylors, Gibsons, Collings and Larrivees.

HD-35 Custom. This is NOT the standard HD-35. Here are the improvements: forward-shifted scalloped (pre-war) bracing, premium adirondack spruce top, inlaid headstock, gold buttons and snowflake fingerboard inlays. I was told by the dealer that the retail of this special order guitar is $5999.

I just basically strum country rhythm so I wanted a big, deep sound to go with my low voice. And this one has it. Besides the East Indian rosewood sides and back and the three-piece back, the upgraded bracing and adirondack top make it as deep a sound as anyone could want, and the sustained tone ring is amazing. Also, I haven't run across any guitar which drowns mine out. For me, it is the ideal acoustic rhythm guitar sound.

This is a custom-ordered guitar, not one of the standard typical assembly line models so I think Martin especially paid close attention to the materials, detail and workmanship. The dealer asked me how I wanted set up. I told them to lower the strings as much as possible and they set it up just that way.

I have had this guitar almost 3 years and it has definitely opened up since I took it out of the case new. It gets better and better. I've had absolutely no trouble with the quality of materials or workmanship. The condition of this guitar is just as good today as when I got it.

I have never had any reason to get the guitar repaired. But when I was deciding how I was going to customize it before ordering, I called Martin and they were friendly and helpful.

This is the first truly professional quality guitar that I have owned. I have not heard another that I thought was better suited for playing rhythm than this one. Medium strings are not necessary to get that full sound like most guitars require. In addition, it plays easy and looks great.

See CF Martin for Specs. These now come with bone nut and saddle. Purchased May 2005. Made in USA. Nice case.

This model booms, but is not as basey as other Martins. A more balanced brighter tone quality. I play old rock, folk, Beatles,Eagles and mostly rhythem. I am going to try some Elixir Ployweb Light/Medium strings. I have some arthritis in my left hand, and the dealer told me to give these a try. Not really a complaint. I had a Fishman installed under the saddle. I just sold a Martin JC16RGTE and it was nice having electronics on board, but I personally feel the cut-away and the onboard took some volume away when played unplugged. I play it out of a Fender Ultimate Chorus. Way too much amp. Need to get a acoustic amp. It does sound sweet though.

Action seems fine. I have no difficulty up the neck to a "C" chord. No flaws and a GREAT East Indian Rosewood aroma

I owned a '69 D12-20 that got trashed in an accident in March '05. Up until then it lasted, and I have no reason to believe this won't. Martins just seem to be a lasting durable instument from my experience. I probably won't take this one to a bar gig.

I have talked to the Folks in Naz. Penn. and they were very helpful. I am a name brand consumer, and Martin appears to have a great repuation.

I have been playing for 40 years. I own a Fender Aerodyne Strat., a new Martin D12-28 (I will write a review on it in a couple of months)to replace my trashed D12-20. If it got ripped off I'm sure that I would pony up the deductable and replace it. I love the Martin sound. I have played many different makes and models. I know that there are alot of Taylor fans out there, and they certainly make "beautiful looking guitars". But, in my opinion with an exception of a few models, Martins are a superior choice

I'll give this a 9. Specs are the same as previous posts. Martin hasn't made significant changes to the features of their standard guitars in decades. This guitar, being a 1995 model, does sport the locking tuners. The top is also above average spruce in my opinion, with tons of silking.

The best sounding guitar Martin makes in my opinion. Loud, booming, rich, full, cannon. The harder you strum, the better it sounds. This is not a finger-picking guitar. However, I have never strummed a guitar that sounded better. The three-piece back and lighter scalloped braces bring out more bass than you can imagine. The E and A strings can sustain for days. Tone is subjective, but I have found the sound for me.

Wonderful craftmanship by Martin on this guitar. As with ANY guitar, you have to tweak it to your personal playing style. For me that included adding a bone saddle and lowering of the action a bit. Other than that....guitar is perfect.

This guitar will only get better with age. You can complain about having to reset the neck after 20 years but frankly I think that maintenance is required on any instrument. Very solid, durable guitar by the best.

Never dealt with Martin over the warranty, and hopefully I won't. Any minor repairs I will do myself, and save myself the hassle of trying to find a certified Martin repair center.

I've played Martins, Taylors, and Gibsons. This is the most versitile guitar for me. In my opinion, the HD-35 is THE acoustic guitar to own. I think it would compare similarily to a Gibson Advanced Jumbo. There is NO Taylor that comes close to the sound of this guitar. Taylors are great guitars, but don't come close to the sound of the HD-35. The revoiced dreadnoughts by Taylor were a nice guesture, but the Martin tone remains elusive.

Made in 2001. Bought brand new last week. Solid Spruce top. Same materials as previous posts. Non-locking tuners. I wonder which years they made the HD-35 with locking tuners? Anyway, I don't miss those. They look a little bulky. Other than the bound fretboard, this model looks like other Martin Herringbone models, such as the HD28, HD28V, etc. I'm going to give it a 10 in Features, because it has all the features, construction-wise, that I expect and require in a high-end dred: 3 piece rosewood back, scalloped bracing, etc.

I play almost strictly bluegrass anymore, and this thing wreaks of bluegrass tone. Rich, full sound. If you like the Taylor sound, this guitar ain't for you! It has a big bass response, but it does not overwhelm the high strings; they still cut through. This guitar is very loud, at least that's what my wife complains about. This guitar sounds best when played hard. When you really get on it, it just growls! I will rate it a 9, because I've heard better sounds from vintage pre-war Martins. I'm not sure I've heard better sounds from a new, $2000 one, though. Also, I immediately replaced the crappy micarta saddle with a bone saddle for better volume and high end. Don't ever leave the factory saddle in your new Martin. It is the one part of the guitar that does not meed the standards of the rest of the fine wood and craftsmanship that has been invested in this guitar.

I suppose my dealer set this guitar up at the shop. Action seems to be just right. I like a high action for agressive rhythm. As far as I can see, this axe has no flaws in the fit and finish. The 3 piece back is a stunner! The spruce top is also striking. All the tuners are secure. Here is my one beef, and I think I've read the same thing stated by others on this website: WHEN I PAY $2000 FOR A SOLID WOOD, MOSTLY HAND-CONSTRUCTED GUITAR, I SHOULD GET A NUT, SADDLE, AND PINS MADE OF BONE - NOT PLASTIC, MICARTA, CORIAN, OR WHATEVER OTHER FANCY TERM YOU WANT TO CALL IT! I immediately replaced the micarta saddle with bone, and the difference in volume and treble was noticed immediately. For this, I subtract one point.

I know plenty of people with older Martins now, and they have held up under some serious gigs. The main reason I insisted on a new Martin instead of a high quality used one (and there are many out there), is I love having the confidence in Martin quality and a Martin warranty. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I've never dealt with Martin myself. I can only go by word of mouth when I say that they are known for loyally backing their products. Nuff said about the awesome warranty.

I've been playing informally for 25 years (since I was 8). I also own a Martin D16-GT (purchased new in 2000), and a 93 Les Paul. I will say that the case that was furnished with this guitar seems a little flimsy. I like the case with my D16-GT much more. I have only had it for a few days, but I am elated with the HD-35. I can't think of any other model that I would rather own right now. I spent 3 hours in the store picking many other guitars, and this one won out. A close 2nd place would be the HD28V & HD28VS, IMHO.