Martin HD-28 dreadnought acoustic guitar features the same design as the classic Martin D-28. Featuring a herringbone top trim along with the time tested scalloped X-bracing by Martin; the HD-28 offers the bass response. Its gorgeous sound with the classic tonewood combination is simply amazing. Let’s take an in-depth Martin HD-28 review to reveal the features of this best acoustic guitar.
Martin HD-28 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Review
Quick Features
- Sitka Spruce
- Scalloped X-Bracing
- Black Ebony 20-Fret Fingerboard
- Indian Rosewood
- Herringbone Inlays
Quality Construction
The HD-28 is an all-solid wood guitar with perfect artisanship. You can expect such quality from a renowned brand such as Martin. The grains of wood along with the varnished finish is simply amazing. The bindings of the guitar are uniform and perfect.
The acoustic guitar comes with a solid spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides. The combination of the coffee-colored rosewood along with the lightly stained spruce adds a touch of elegance to this masterpiece.
This guitar also has a herringbone binding, which was a trademark of pre-war D-28 models. The spruce top has forward scalloped bracing placed closer to the soundhole.
Excellent Sound
When it comes to sound, the Martin HD-28 is one of the best sounding acoustic guitars on the market. The big body of the guitar won’t be short o bass or volume.
The forward scalloped bracing improves the response at the bottom end. Also, this bracing makes the spruce top tight as compared to the D-28 standard for free vibration. Not only it helps to increase the volume and bass, but it also improves sustain. To be honest, the sustained level is admirable.
Overall this acoustic guitar comes with an excellent balance and great dynamic range and response. The lows are pronounced, whereas the highs are precise, crispy, and bright.
The mids sound is warm, well balanced, and complex with choral like qualities. They cut through elegantly but without compromising on the lower mids. That’s why famous artists such as Elvis Presley, Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Bob Dylan, Chris Martin, and many others have used this best acoustic guitar.
Specifications and Hardware
The neck of the guitar is manufactured from mahogany and joined the body at the 14th fret. It features 20 frets with a 25.4-inch scale length. The guitar has a low profile neck joined to an ebony fingerboard. This fingerboard comes with a width of 13/4 inches at the nut and 21.8 inches at the 12th fret.
The fingerboard also has pearl dot inlays. There is no binding at the fretboard. It has open gear nickel Grover Sta-Tite tuners combined with the butterbean knobs. When pained with the ebony bridge, bone nut, and saddle, you can easily hold its tuning.
When it comes to electronics, it boasts the Fishman Aura VT pick-up system. It also comes with a quality leather strap and a case to protect it from damages.
Playability
This HD-28 model comes with a more playable neck as compared to the traditional Martin guitars. The neck feels more modern, slimmer and closer to electric guitars. It feels the same to the neck that comes with an 800 series Taylor.
The high-performance neck allows for more freely exploration of the fingerboard. You can comfortably play at higher up the neck. Fretting is as effortless as you like and offers clean, crisp tones.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-Quality Tonewoods
- Forward Scalloped X Bracing
- High-Performance Neck
- Excellent Craftsmanship
- Comes With A Hard Case
Cons
- High Price
Conclusion
Martin HD-28 is a premium acoustic guitar with an excellent vintage vibe. From construction to sound quality, everything about this guitar is flawless. But, it is made for professional players, and it’s a long term investment. So, if you are a newbie, then look at the best acoustic guitar for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the neck width of the Nut on Martin HD-28 Guitar?
The nut width on the Martin HD-28 guitar is 1 11/16 inch.
2. What are the back and sides made of HD-28 guitar?
The back and sides of the HD-28 guitars are made with solid East Indian rosewood.
3. Is Martin HD-28 an electric guitar?
No, Martine HD-28 is a premium acoustic guitar.
4. Is there any other finish or tonewoods available on Martin HD-28 guitar?
No, there is no other finish and tonewoods available on Martin HD-28 acoustic guitar.