Martin HD-28 Review: Exquisite Craft, Classic Sound

Table of Contents

Introduction

Martin Guitars has been crafting premium acoustic instruments since 1833, earning a reputation for impeccable build quality and tone. The HD-28 is one of their flagship dreadnought models, featuring a Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the HD-28’s specifications, design elements, sound profile, playability, and overall performance. We’ll compare it to the venerable D-28 model, examine current pricing and value considerations, and determine ideal use cases and owners for this iconic acoustic guitar. The goal is to provide an unbiased perspective to help you determine if the HD-28 is the right fit for your musical needs and budget. Whether you’re an experienced guitarist or a Martin aficionado, this review covers all the key details about this exceptional instrument.

Martin HD-28 Specs and Features

The Martin HD-28 is built using the highest quality tonewoods and materials that directly influence its sound, playability, and overall character. Here are some of the key specs and features:

Top: Sitka spruce – This premium spruce provides a nicely balanced tone with clarity in the highs and tight bass response. Sitka is lightweight and resonant, ideal for responsive and dynamic playing.
Back and sides: Genuine mahogany – Mahogany contributes to a warm, rounded tone with pronounced midrange. It pairs nicely with the spruce top to create the HD-28’s signature balance.
Neck: Select hardwood – Martin uses a durable hardwood for the neck that provides stability and allows consistent action setups. The neck sports a comfortable "Modified Low Oval" profile.
Fingerboard and Bridge: Genuine ebony – Ebony is known for stability, crisp note definition, and excellent string-to-wood energy transfer. It’s a common choice on high-end acoustics.
Bracing: A-Frame X-bracing with scalloped bracing – This non-scalloped bracing provides excellent support for the thin spruce top. The X-shape promotes volume and projection.
Hardware: Chrome enclosed gear tuners, bone nut and saddle – Quality hardware complements the tonewoods and playability. The nut and saddle transfer vibrations.
Electronics: None – The HD-28 is an all-acoustic guitar. No pickups or preamps.
Finish: Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer – Adds protection and aesthetically accentuates the tonewood grain patterns. Ages gracefully over time.
Dimensions: Body width 14" lower bout, body length 20", body depth 4 5/16"

The HD-28 combines premium tonewoods with Martin’s signature craftsmanship to deliver an exceptionally playable and great sounding instrument. The spruce and mahogany pairing produces balanced and versatile acoustic tones.

HD-28 Design and Build Quality

The Martin HD-28 is designed and crafted at Martin’s headquarters in Nazareth, Pennsylvania USA. As with all Martin instruments, the focus is on meticulous hand-craftsmanship using the highest quality materials.

Some of the details that exhibit Martin’s dedication to build quality include:

The dovetail neck joint, precisely cut and fitted by hand for optimal stability and tone transfer
The smooth nitrocellulose lacquer finish that allows the natural resonance of the tonewoods to shine
The hand-fitted scalloped bracing that fine-tunes the guitar’s responsiveness
The bone nut and saddle cut from premium dense bone stock

Martin has perfected the art of acoustic guitar construction over its 180+ year history. Each luthier that works on the HD-28 brings decades of specialized expertise. Even though production has scaled over the years, Martin has managed to maintain strict quality control and consistency. Issues with workmanship are extremely rare from the Nazareth shop.

The HD-28s we tested were all near-flawless, reflecting Martin’s reputation for precision and pride in its craft. It’s clear from the fine details and resonance that you’re playing an instrument built by master artisans at the top of their trade.

Sound and Tone

The Martin HD-28 delivers an exquisite sound that has become the hallmark of Martin dreadnoughts. It produces a rich, balanced tone with excellent volume and projection that makes it a highly responsive and versatile instrument.

The HD-28 generates a warm, rounded tone with articulate bass, lush midrange, and clear treble notes. The combination of Sitka spruce and Indian rosewood creates an organic tonal balance. The scalloped bracing allows the top to vibrate freely, resulting in excellent resonance across the tonal spectrum.

Volume and projection are outstanding thanks to the HD-28’s large body and expert bracing. It has no problem filling a room or stage with its bold, vibrant voice. Notes ring out with a full-bodied sustain. The HD-28 can go from a gentle whisper to a roaring boom based on the player’s attack.

This versatility makes the HD-28 extremely responsive to various playing styles. Fingerpickers can execute complex passages cleanly while flatpickers can dig in aggressively. The HD-28 handles both dynamics with ease. The articulate tone also shines for singer-songwriters who need a guitar to compliment their voice.

Whether playing soft folk ballads or aggressive bluegrass, the HD-28’s sound quality shines through. Its balanced and nuanced tone works beautifully across musical genres. Players continue to be impressed by the HD-28’s excellent acoustic power and responsiveness.

Playability and Feel

The HD-28 has a comfortable and highly playable neck profile that accommodates different hand sizes and playing styles. It has a vintage-style modified low oval neck shape that feels substantial without being too bulky or thick. Many players find it provides an excellent balance of comfort and hand-filling grip.

The action on the HD-28 is set exceptionally low from the factory. Combined with the radiused ebony fretboard, it feels fast and smooth right out of the case. There is ample clearance for fretting chords and fast runs without buzzing. The action can be adjusted down to personal preference, but remains very playable for most at the factory settings.

The fretwork from Martin is impeccable, with smoothly finished medium jumbo frets. Bending notes and playing barre chords across multiple strings is effortless. The frets are also meticulously leveled and crowned for consistency up and down the neck. Overall, the feel and playability of the neck and fretboard make the HD-28 a joy to play.

How the HD-28 Compares to the D-28

The Martin HD-28 and D-28 are both premium dreadnought acoustic guitars, but there are some notable differences between these iconic models.

Specs Comparison

While the D-28 has a solid Sitka spruce top, the HD-28 has a hand-scalloped Sitka spruce top, which is designed to increase resonance and volume. The back and sides are made from solid East Indian rosewood on both models.

Some other spec differences:

The HD-28 has an ebony bridge and fingerboard, while the D-28 has rosewood. Ebony is known for crispness and clarity.
The HD-28 utilizes vintage-style appointments like open-gear tuners and a tortoise pickguard, while the D-28 has modern specs like enclosed tuners.
The HD-28 comes with Martin’s special "aging toner" finish to give it a played-in look, while the D-28 has a basic gloss finish.

Sound and Tone Differences

The scalloped bracing and ebony appointments give the HD-28 a slightly louder and brighter tone compared to the D-28’s more balanced voicing. The HD-28 projects with more volume and has a bit more sparkle in the highs.

However, both guitars have that quintessential Martin dreadnought sound focused on the midrange. The tonal character is more similar than different. It comes down to nuances in resonance, sustain, and complexity.

Price and Value Comparison

The HD-28 typically costs $500-1000 more than a comparable D-28. The extra craftsmanship accounts for the difference. However, the D-28 holds its value incredibly well too.

For collectors and Martin enthusiasts, the HD-28 may be worth the premium. But for players who just want that classic Martin dreadnought sound, the D-28 remains an excellent value at a slightly lower price point.

Both are professional-grade instruments built to last generations, so resale value is outstanding on both models. It comes down to budget and personal preferences on tone and aesthetics.

Pricing and Value

The Martin HD-28 typically retails new from $3,000 to $4,000 at most guitar stores and online retailers. This positions it firmly in the premium price bracket, competing with other high-end acoustic guitars like the Taylor 810 and Gibson Hummingbird.

Used HD-28s can often be found for $2,000 to $3,000, depending on their age and condition. Well-cared for used models still retain excellent resale value due to the Martin name and HD-28’s reputation.

For many players, the HD-28 is absolutely worth the investment. The use of premium solid tonewoods like Sitka spruce and East Indian rosewood, along with Martin’s expert craftsmanship, means these guitars are built to last generations. The HD-28 is an instrument that ages beautifully, and many players feel it actually sounds better with years of playing time.

The HD-28 also holds its value incredibly well over decades. Vintage models from the 1960s and 1970s can fetch over $10,000 in excellent condition. Later models from the 80s and 90s are also rising in value as collectibles. While the initial cost is high, the HD-28 is an instrument that can be passed down and retain its monetary value.

For fingerstyle players, professionals, and serious enthusiasts seeking the Martin sound at its best, the HD-28 represents a worthwhile acoustic guitar investment. While not cheap, it provides a lifetime of rich tone and playability that only improves over time.

Who the HD-28 is Best Suited For

The Martin HD-28 is an extremely versatile acoustic guitar that can excel in a variety of musical contexts. However, there are certain playing styles, genres, and guitarists who can benefit most from the HD-28’s unique blend of features.

Ideal Playing Styles

Fingerstyle guitar – The balanced and articulate tone of the HD-28 pairs wonderfully with fingerstyle techniques like Travis picking and melodic runs. The dynamic range allows guitarists to explore subtle tonal variations.
Flatpicking – With its slightly boosted midrange and presence, the HD-28 projects beautifully for bluegrass flatpicking. Fast leads and runs have definition and cut through a mix.
Strumming – Whether light strumming or aggressive rock/pop rhythms, the HD-28 has the headroom and range to handle strumming applications. The low end has punch without muddiness.
Percussive guitar – The HD-28’s solid rosewood back and sides can withstand aggressive percussive techniques. The crisp highs and responsive strings allow clear fretboard slaps and taps.

Best Musical Genres

Folk – A go-to choice for folk fingerpickers and singer-songwriters. Provides warmth for vocals and nuance for delicate playing.
Bluegrass – The quintessential bluegrass flatpicking guitar. Cuts through loud jams but still provides bass and separation.
Country – An extremely popular studio guitar for country music recording. Pairs nicely with vocals and other instruments.
Rock – While not a shred machine, the HD-28 can still provide organic grit and energy for rock rhythms and riffs.

Types of Players it Suits

Working musicians – With its premium appointments and rugged construction, the HD-28 is built for life on the road. A trusty workhorse guitar.
Guitar enthusiasts – Serious hobbyists will appreciate the HD-28 as a lifetime instrument. It reveals more character over time.
Collectors – The HD-28’s heritage, quality materials, and craftsmanship make it appealing for guitar collectors seeking storied instruments.
Fans of vintage tone – With its old school appointments and aged finish, the HD-28 transports players back to Martin’s early days.

Reviews from Owners

The Martin HD-28 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from owners. Here are some of the most common positives highlighted:

Rich, complex tone – Owners consistently praise the HD-28 for its full, balanced sound across the tonal spectrum. The crisp trebles, lush midrange, and booming bass make for a very dynamic and nuanced acoustic voice.
Playability and comfort – With its slim taper neck and low action, the HD-28 is extremely comfortable and playable right out of the box. Many mention how smoothly and easily it lends itself to both fingerstyle techniques and energetic flatpicking.
Superb build quality – From the hand-fitted dovetail neck joint to the immaculate gloss finish, owners say the attention to detail and craftsmanship is second to none. The HD-28 feels like a true lifetime instrument.
Vintage vibe and aesthetics – The vintage appointments like open-gear tuners and tortoise pickguard give the HD-28 a classic, timeless look and feel that owners absolutely love.

While overwhelmingly positive, some potential negatives mentioned include:

Expensive price tag – Given the premium materials and hand-crafted nature, the HD-28 sits at the higher end of the price spectrum. This investment may be out of reach for some players.
Feedback issues at high volumes – A common critique of many acoustic-electrics, some note the HD-28 can be prone to feedback when amplified at very high on-stage volumes. Proper gain staging helps minimize this.
Inconsistencies in early models – Isolated reports cite finish flaws or other small QC issues in early production models. But this appears to have been resolved in current versions.

Overall though, most HD-28 owners report being extremely satisfied with their purchase. It receives consistent 5-star reviews as a top-tier acoustic that sounds, plays, and looks incredible. Most say the HD-28 will remain a treasured lifetime instrument worthy of passing down.

Conclusion

The Martin HD-28 is a top-tier acoustic guitar that lives up to its legendary heritage. This impressive dreadnought delivers everything discerning players look for – rich tone, excellent playability, and heirloom-quality craftsmanship.

After reviewing all of its features and specifications in depth, it’s clear the HD-28 is a smart investment for serious guitarists. The combination of premium tonewoods, vintage appointments, and Martin’s meticulous attention to detail make this a special instrument that will only get better with age.

For fingerstylists, flatpickers, and professionals alike, the HD-28 is highly recommended. It’s extremely versatile and can shine in a variety of musical scenarios from the studio to the stage. The comfortable neck, smooth fretwork, and responsive voice allow players to easily access the guitar’s full tonal range.

While the HD-28 commands a premium price, it delivers lasting value – both musically and financially. This is a guitar that can be passed down and cherished for generations. It’s built to Martin’s exacting standards, by master craftspeople in Nazareth, PA.

The best way to experience an HD-28 is to visit an authorized Martin dealer and try one in person. But for those seeking one of the finest acoustic guitars money can buy, the HD-28 is sure to satisfy and inspire.