Huss and Dalton D-RH

14 fret dreadnaught with solid spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides. Like a Martin HD-28 but much better sound and prettier appointments. Curly maple binding, herringbone (with wood in it?) purfling and rosette, gold plated tuners and knobs. This is a great-looking guitar.

I bought this from the Podium store in Minneapolis and they did the right thing by ordering this from the factory without a pick guard and put a nicer, rounded beveled edge, pick guard on it. For the money and class of guitar, I agree Huss and Dalton should put better pickguards on.

I don't remember all the dimension details so see Huss and Dalton's web site. Neck radius is a little more chunky than I like.

It comes with a faux-tweed TKL case. I can live with the faux-tweed look but what I dislike is the huge "Huss and Dalton" lettering on the outside. Something more subtle or nothing would be my preference. The pull tab on the storage compartment in the case is a cheap-looking plastic.

The spruce top on mine is a little lighter in color, but it's supposed to be Sitka.

Sound is why I bought this guitar. I've owned many guitars over my 30 years of playing including two Goodalls and a Martin HD-28, and I tried many out before settling on this one (thanks Podium). I see this as lasting me the rest of my (hopefully) 30 years of playing life.

Balanced for strumming, plays in tune everywhere, great volume. Noodling around on it inspires new song ideas. What a pleasure to play! This is what a fine guitar is supposed to do I guess -- not hold my meager talents back.

The sound of the unwound strings is a little harsh even if I put a ten on the first string, but the guitar is only seven months old so I'm figuring it will sweeten up over time. The spruce top is not particularly lively yet either but the volume is still there for group jammming.

As a flat-picker, I'd put its between a Martin and a Collings dreadnaught which is perfect in my opinion. It's a much much better strummer than a Martin.

I called the factory to personnally thank them for making such a fine-sounding guitar. The price is reasonable too given how much good guitars cost these days. The only thing you'll get by spending more money is eye candy and then it might not sound as good.

Fit and finish is top notch.
It's currently set up for playing bluegrass so the strings are a bit high so I can get the volume I want and really dig in if needed. I think after 5-10 years when the guitar loosens up a bit, I'll lower the strings sligtly.
Intonation is perfect so the makers took their time and did it right.

I've only had it for 7 months so I can't say how it will hold up. Have used it for gigs and outside jams. I tend to leave it at home and use a beater guitar when during cold months or if I'm going to be somewhere that it might get knocked over or stepped on or stolen.

No problems so I have no knowledge of customer support.

Best guitar I've had and a better-sounding new guitar than I've ever played, even ones costing several thousand $ more. A good-looking guitar with better herringbone material than on many modern Martins and the curly maple binding and gold tuners give it some class. Much better sound and nicer appointments than guitars in the same price range (Santa Cruz PW, Martin HD-28). A heckuva good guitar for the money.

Sometimes I wonder whether all Huss and Dalton D-RH models sound as good as the one I found or if it's a fluke. Shop around.

Dreadnought size with Spruce top and Indian Rosewood back & sides. Gold mini schaller tuners. The top is not a true flat top. It has a 25 foot radius carve on it. They do this to add strength to the bridge. Beautiful herringbone trim. Flame maple body binding. Ebony fingerboard with ebony binding. Bone nut and bone saddle. 1" 23/32 nut width. They "compensate" the saddle at each string to get accurate intonation. Scalloped bracing. Tweed TKL case.

This guitar sounds amazing. I have been playing electric blues/R&B for 30 years. I am very into TONE. I have numerous pre CBS Strats, Teles, blackface and tweed amps. Historic Les Pauls, 335's, Tom Andersons, PRS etc. When I started shopping for a flat top I knew I wanted a tone monster. I found it in H&D. I had never heard of them utill I went to a small shop looking to try a Larivee. They asked if I ever trid a H&D. I said no. They said to try the Larivee and then I copuld try the H&D. The Larivee sounded a little muted and the neck didn't fit my hand well. When I strummed an open G chord on the H&D I was hooked. Not wanting to rush into this I did some more research and tried several other guitar. I tried Collings (a great guitar but very pricey), Santa Cruz (could not come close to the tone of the H&D), Bourgeios (very nice guitar but a little thin and brittle sounding), Martin HD-28, HD-28VS, D-28 (they all sounded like there was a wash rag over the strings), Taylor (felt & sounded like a mass produced flat top. It had no soul).
I kept going back to the Huss & Dalton D-RH.
It is a cannon but is a well balanced one. It rings when you play a chord. Single note runs maintain tone across the fingerboard. It sustains forever. The harder you play it the better it likes it.
I have had the opportunity to try several pre war D-28's and I am convinced that after a few years of playing this guitar should age into what a pre-war D-28 sounds like.

Fit and finish are second to none. No glue residue. No sloppy spots anywhere. Frets are crowned and dressed perfectly. Intonation is 100% accurate. They compensate the bone saddle at each string so the length is set perfectly. The action is great for me (might be a little high for some) but I am one of those electric guitar players that put 12's on a Strat and 13's on a 335. Herringbone changes from B/W to W/B from front of guitar to back. A very kool detail that my wife noticed.

I have only had it a few weeks but it seems to be built to last. There is a limited lifetime warranty that comes with the guitar. The woods and hardware are all top notch and it seems this guitar was put together by people who care about what they do. It is well constructed and it should hold up well.

I emailed the company about a shirt I wanted to purchase and was wondering if they had my size. I got a reply the next morning from Mr. Huss.
Try that with Taylor or Martin.
Judging from this I feel certain that customer service will not be a problem.

If you have never heard of Huss and Dalton but are looking for a top not acoustic, search out an H&D dealer and try one. They are making some of the finest acoustic instruments available. This guitar wows guys at bluegrass jams. It is a Martin Killer. If it was lost or stolen I would replace it with another H&D D-RH. I would also hunt down the thief and gut him like a deer. Guess that shows what I think of this guitar.

I can't remember too many details, but mine has Waverly Tuners (xtra), and a slightly arched top which is unique to H&D designs (from what I understand). I believe it's Spruce top with Rosewood sides, simple classic styling, no obnoxious mother-of-pearl Christmas trees inlays or anything like that. Aside from the Waverly tuners, it's a stock D-RH. Oh yeah, there's a piezo pickup in there, I'm not sure if that's stock or not, and there's a sweet tweed case.

Oh lordy!!!! Each time I play it, I find that I just blurt out thigs like, "uhhhh...geez...ooooooh...momma....gugugugugugugu." I can't help it, I'll just run off an A minor lick in the 5th position starting on the high E string, an open G chord, and sound of joy leap out of my mouth. I bought this guitar 2nd hand at California Vintage Guitar in Sherman Oaks, CA. I'm a professional music producer, and I usually play on my own productions, but I've invested most of my guitar time and $ (until recently) in my electric guitar gear. When I needed and acoustic I'd borrow a Martin D-45 or a Tayloy 914 (I have nice friends). I had spent months trying to find a good acoustic for under $1000, then for under $1500. No dice!!! Some Martins came close, and some Taylors came close, but they weren't something that I'd use on a session and I'd still be looking for a new guitar once I bought one of those. In my journey, I visited McCabes and played a "God-like" Collings that was $4,500 (ouch) and an equally "God-like_ but different Goodall for $4,000 (ouch again). I had just about slipped into a deep depression when I checked out California Vintage Guitar. Cool guys and a great selection of guitar from $1500 to $2500. They have cheaper and more expensive guitars, but I think most fall into the high midrange price. Well I found a great used Martin HD-28 for about $1500. I was A/B'ing that guitar with almost everything else until I A/B'd it with this mint cond. used Huss & Dalton.

The H&D had everthing the HD-28 had but crossed with a touch of a Taylor's more hi-fi tone. I wasn't able to A/B with a Collings or Bourgeois but I remember feeling the same way about those too. This H & K is a powerhouse it actually sounds better the louder you play it. If you are a really soft player, I'd probably recomend something else. The high E and B strings really had me at hello. Such ballance, and body and cut all at the same time. The low E and A are a little less robust relative to the high strings, but the guitar sounds very ballanced as is. I'm going to try a slightly heavier gauge string in the bottom, I think that'll fix that for me.

When I recorded the D-45 it was always a bit to huge and wooly sounding, the Taylor was always a bit to "fake" and small and super hi-fi. The Huss and Dalton really sits right between the two for me. I do everything from Bluegrass and Gypsy Jazz (for fun), to Pop, Rock, and R&B. I couldn't say that the guitar is perfect, but for the price even a brand new H&D is a crazy bargain. I think that I still need a OM style guitar for lighter fingerstyle, but I'm in no hurry now. This guitar stood it's ground head to head with the Martin Clarence White Model, and was better than the D-18GE (great guitar), and Martin Laurence Juber (too different to compare, but on par quality-wise).

Plays great, really ballance from top to bottom and left to right. Reminds me of playing a Steinway or Yamaha grand piano. Nothing bad to report. It was obviously made with a ton of love and care.

I can't wait to be playing this guitar 40 years from now.

VERY VERY NICE FOLKS. What a pleasure to call and not have to go through a whole receptionist/hold please/computer menu. Very helpful. Very courteous.

This guitar is sooo inspiring to play. When I'm working on non-acoustic music, I yearn to be playing it. Before you sell your car for a $3000 + guitar, check out the Huss and Dalton's. The value is crazy. If money is was object I'd probably by a $4500 guitar and this one.

2004 D-RH, rosewood back and sides, spruce top, ebony fretboard

I've played Talors, Martins, Takamine, Guild and none of them sounded as good to me as this H&D. The overtones are great, a nice woody crisp sound... probably the best first and second strings of any guitar I've played. The low end could be a bit bigger but its a brand new guitar and may open up more in the low end. I cant emphasize how good this sounds, rich notes with tons of sustain. It is almost perfect if it had a tad bit more bottom end to the 5th and 6th strings.

Fit and finish are flawless, there is nothing I would change about it. The action is nice too, it was a little high when I received it, probably set up for bluegrass playing, after having my luthier work on it, it is very eady to play up and down the next, smooth and fast. The bone saddle was almost perfect the best I've seen but the 1st string needed to be moved up a bit to get it intonated just right so I had another made. This was very minor though, I assume most wouldnt bother with it.

Looks like it is solidly built, I wouldnt worry about not having a backup with this guitar.

I havnt had to deal with them but have heard from other owners that H&D customer support is very good.

I have 2 Taylors, a Gibson, some PRS guitars and a Takamine... If it were stolen I would replace it in a heartbeat.. actaully thinking of getting the TDR as well. My favorite feature is the sound.. it may not be a fancy looking guitar but if you're after tone take a serious look at these guitars. I was expecting something average but was pleasantly surprised by how good this one sounds.

Radiused top, maple binding, rosewood dreadnought. Great box - perfect fit and finish. Nice compensated bone saddle. Light guitar, well built. Gold Schaller tuners, tweed case.

Perfect. Sometimes I like a rosewood sound, sometimes mahogany. This has a very clear balanced sound - almost as if it is the best of both worlds. I could be happy with this one guitar. Rich sound with no boominess. Great clear bass.

Perfect. I'd like to more critical, but I can't. The fit and finish is perfect. The action (set up by my dealer) is a low 7/64" at the 12th fret)It's a used guitar - two years old. The dealer was very responsive and gave it a good tune up.

It's light, but very well built. The dealer installed a gold strap button to match the gold tuners.

I don't have a factory warranty, but the dealer has been very good. He tells me it's a great company to deal with.

Best guitar I have ever played and owned. I am smitten!
If I lost it, I'd order another one immediately.

I bought my D-RH new in the Summer of 2000, so I expect it was made in 1999-2000. Back and sides are Indian rosewood; top is Sitka spruce; neck is mahogany; bridge and fingerboard are ebony; body binding is flamed maple; fingerboard binding is ebony. The body and sound-hole are nicely trimmed with herringbone purfling. Body and neck are finished with gloss lacquer. Tuners are gold-plated, sealed Schaller mini tuners. The width at the nut is a very comfortable 1-23/32", and the scale is a slightly longer than usual 25-3/4 inches. The truss rod in the neck is adjustable at the peghead. The guitar came in a tan colored tweed case which is conveniently easy to spot in a room full of guitar cases when it's time to leave the pickin' party.

When I was shopping for a dreadnought guitar I played probably a hundred instruments including vintage Martins at the Mandolin Brothers, Santa Cruz Tony Rice model guitars at Steve Swan's, and the best of what Madison Music had in stock. I was looking for a full sounding instrument with a bright sound and plenty of punch to replace a hastily purchased Santa Cruz model D that had failed to meet my expectations. I encountered my first Huss and Dalton dreadnought at Madison Music -- a mahogany DM -- which was the first guitar I'd played (on this particular quest) that met my standards. It was a fine instrument, but I knew I wanted a rosewood-bodied guitar. Back home in California I called the several Huss and Dalton dealers within 200 miles of Berkeley and found a rosewood D-RH at Nickerson Music in Folsom. I drove out to hear how its sound compared to my memory of the DM. It had the same full, bright, punchy I'd heard in Madison, and I immediately snapped it up.

The guitar is an exceptionally well made instrument. The beautifully shaped and scalloped bracing, flamed maple binding, ebony-bound fingerboard, comfortably shaped neck, and flawless finish contribute to the beauy of the instrument. My only criticism of the guitar was the original factory setup. The strings were spaced in much too far from the edge of the neck. Nickerson, however, agreed to make me a new nut which they did out of fossil walrus ivory. Can't argue with that!

The guitar seems as rugged as any acoustic guitar built from properly thinned woods. Given proper care and treatment, I expect it to last for years.

I called Huss and Dalton and spoke directly to Jeff Huss when I wanted to order a set of extra bridge pins (for spares). I had a few questions which he answered courteously. The guitar has a limited lifetime warranty although I haven't had any problems with the instrument and don't expect any. Nickerson provided a great perk with the new antique-walrus-ivory nut. A year after I bought the guitar I had luthier John Mello level the frets and make a slightly higher saddle. Everybody's been great!

I've been playing for 45 years, since I was 14. I also have a custom 12-fret Santa Cruz 000 and a Martin baritone ukulele. I would definitely replace the D-RH with another Huss and Dalton guitar. I've played three H&D dreadnoughts (a DM, my D-RH, and a D-RA), and they all had the same full, bright, punchy tone. I love this instrument's sound and it's the sound that's my favorite feature.