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The D-28 (2017)play button

The D-28 (2017)

See How the D-28 is Handmadeplay button

See How the D-28 is Handmade

The Ballad of the Dreadnoughtplay button

The Ballad of the Dreadnought

Martin Guitar Nazareth Factory Tour Part 1play button

Martin Guitar Nazareth Factory Tour Part 1

Martin

collapse expand iconDescription

For slightly more than 90 years, the Martin D-28 dreadnought has been the go-to acoustic guitar for celebrated artists, such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Nancy Wilson, Neil Young, Brad Paisley and scores of other legends. It has also enriched the careers of hit-making songwriters, working professionals and aspiring players looking to make their mark. In its quest to help musicians find their perfect sound, Guitar Center carries the eminent Martin D-28 Standard to inspire discerning creators.

Renowned Acoustic Tone

The Martin D-28 is sought after by so many singers, because its rich, warm and silky sound truly highlights vocal timbres—whether it’s a Johnny Cash-style baritone or a Nancy Wilson-like shimmer. However, the D-28 also produces complex and articulate midrange frequencies, airy highs and a stout, clear low end that rewards instrumentalists—pickers, fingerpickers, rockers and strummers alike—with strong projection that can soar over a band or multiple players. The D-28’s expressive dynamics let you rock with fury and shift immediately into soft chords or arpeggios. Savvy players can command the D-28’s tonal and dynamic versatility to bring their compositions to life.

Great Playability

The D-28 dreadnought is a big and broad guitar—which informs its deep, bell-like tone and muscular projection—but it’s also easy to play. So easy, in fact, that most players who move back-and-forth between electric guitar and acoustic guitar shouldn’t be hampered at all. The D-28’s satin-finish, slim "High Performance Taper" neck will thrill players who like to burn from open positions all the way down to the 14th fret. However you play, the D-28 won’t stand in your way. Shred. Slap. Fingerpick. Use it like a beat box, strum or tap. The easy playability of the D-28 can inspire new techniques and unexplored artistic journeys.

Old-School Looks & Modern Features

The Martin D-28 broadcasts a striking vintage vibe with its aged toner top, antique-white binding and open-gear tuners. However, today’s D-28 is very far from a nostalgia piece. The lean, modified low-oval neck is shred ready, and the forward-shifted, non-scalloped X-bracing produces punchy, balanced midrange frequencies that stand front and center in any mix.

Martin D-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural
Martin D-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural
Martin D-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Antique white binding
  • Aging toner
  • Forward shifting non-scalloped X bracing
  • Dovetail neck joint
  • Style 28 mother-of-pearl fingerboard inlays
  • Solid headstock with square taper and diamond inlay
  • SP Acoustic 92/8 Phosphor Bronze Medium (MSP4200) strings
  • Multi-stripe top and back inlays

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body type: Dreadnought
  • Cutaway: No
  • Top wood: Solid spruce
  • Back and sides: East Indian rosewood
  • Bracing pattern: Forward-shifted pattern non-scalloped X-type
  • Body finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose
  • Orientation: Right handed
Neck
  • Neck shape: Modified low oval with High Performance Taper
  • Nut width: 1.75" (44.45 mm)
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Neck wood: Mahogany
  • Scale length: 25.4"
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Neck finish: Satin
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: No
Other
  • Headstock overlay: East Indian rosewood
  • Tuning machines: Nickel open gear
  • Bridge: Ebony
  • Saddle and nut: Bone
  • Number of strings: 6
  • Special features: None
  • Case: Hardshell case
  • Accessories: None
  • Country of origin: United States

collapse expand iconWarranty

One year warranty on Martin Backpackers, Little Martins and Ukuleles. Limited lifetime on other Martin guitars.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.82

22 Reviews

94%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

2017 D-28 - once in a lifetime opportunity

The quality hand construction, wood appearance and finish, and special trim elegance of the new 2017 D-28 Dreadnought is beyond approach. The tone quality of the revised bracing results in a rich expression of all frequencies with unexpected long and pleasing resonating delays.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

1

The D-28 doesn't live up to the hype.

I know that I am in the minority here, but my D-28 sounds like it was made of tin and plastic. I wish I were joking. I've had good luck with Martin before, but the reality is, at this price point, I expected A LOT more. They're supposed to 'open up' over time...we'll see...

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming12
  2. Practicing10
  3. Recording10
  4. Small Venues7
  5. Rock Concerts5
Cons
  1. A little expensive for most people1
  2. Flat Sound1
  3. Somewhat Over-Priced1
  4. No button on the heel for strap1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced10
  2. Novice5
  3. Professional Musician3
  4. Child1
Pros
  1. Good Audio15
  2. Good Feel13
  3. Fun To Play11
  4. Stays In Tune9
  5. Consistent8
  • Absolutely Amazing

    5

    submitted8 months ago

    byBrian

    fromSouth Eastern Massachusetts

    I always knew this was a great acoustic guitar, I went and played multiple acoustics a different model Martin , the best Taylor, and multiple Gibsons. With out question the sound and playability of the D-28 kept drawing me back to it and while it's not a cut away and has no electronics it's the best playing acoustic I've ever had the opportunity of playing.

  • It's a D28

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byBrian

    fromCampbellsville KY

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    This guitar is simply amazing! Setup from guitar center was spot on perfect! If you are looking at buying this guitar do it!! You will not be sorry I promise. #sweepstakes

  • Stunning playability!

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byBlair

    fromGranger, IN

    Went in unsure what I was looking for. Already owned a hummingbird and was primarily interested in Taylor or Martin since I already owned a Gibson acoustic. I tried out a few guitars and ultimately easily settled for the D28. Everything about this guitar is amazing. The neck feels great with that ebony fretboard, and the sound is different enough from my Gibson that I was very intrigued with it. The Gibson has a very warm mid-range sound without a lot of upper end. This guitar has the upper end frequencies in spades. I walked away 100% satisfied with this guitar. It is a bit of an investment, but playing it is just incredibly satisfying!. There's no way I could really determine whether I like this guitar more than the hummingbird or the hummingbird more than this guitar. They are different enough in their sound that they're really not too comparable because they both sound extremely beautiful, look beautiful, and play beautifully. Next on my list is going to have to be a Taylor. I've had a goal to own one of each of the three companies guitars. Someday I want to get an sj200 but that's a little salty right now for my taste. I also wouldn't mind getting a higher end Martin at some point also but at this point I'm completely blown away with both the guitars as they are, and I just can't complain. This guitar seriously plays amazingly and sounds awesome too. Also that book Matched back looks absolutely stellar in person!

  • Yes I would buy again

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byIan

    fromWallingford ct

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Awesome sound

  • When you don't compromise on quality…

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byBernie N.Y.C.

    fromJamaica Queens

    I've brought and sold guitars for many years. But I never learned to play them. I wanted to learn how to play guitar and decided on the best acoustic guitar. I could afford any brand but I chose a Martin D28 due to their sound, and built Quality, and holding their value.

  • New Martin Vintage Sound

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byJim

    fromSeattle WA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    This is the first new Martin D-28 I have purchased. I usually go for the Brazilian rosewood older Martin's however the boom and sustain on this beauty blew me away! I absolutely love this guitar! I tip my hat to the men and women at the Martin factory in Nazareth PA outstanding work!

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byj2

    fromBluegrass country

    I own an older D-28 and need to replace the case. What hardshell cases will fit my D28?

    I own an older D-28 and need to replace the case. What hardshell cases will fit my D28?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Martin 640 Dreadnought Hardshell Case
  • asked byDave

    fromCarlsbad ca

    What is the return period for a Martin D28 ?

    What is the return period for a Martin D28 ?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The return period is 45 days
  • asked byJoelookin

    fromColorado

    What comes with the purchase, hard shell case, tuner, etc?

    What comes with the purchase, hard shell case, tuner, etc?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The D-28 comes with a hard shell case.
  • asked byShahar

    fromIsrael

    Can I order the Martin D-28 2017 with electronics?
If so, what's the cost?

    Can I order the Martin D-28 2017 with electronics? If so, what's the cost?

    Open Reply - Gear Specialist
    One option would be: Martin HD-28E-Z Standard Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Aged Toner