Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

I played guitars at GC and did my research for about 3 months to get the best feel for each model and make before letting an HD28 pick me out. I played mostly Taylors, Gibsons and Martins. There are qualities I liked in all three. I really liked the low end on the Taylor cedar tops, and the playability and looks of the gibsons. I have always been partial to Gibson after playing a 1980 Heritage Les Paul for 30 years. But I kept coming back to the Martin HD28 to compare everything else to. I just could not find its equal in tone, clarity, sustain, and power. The HD28 has that beautiful warm and rich midrange punch I love so much in acoustic guitars. And the Martin HD28 far surpasses anything else in its price range. This is the guitar I have waited all my life for. Recomendations if you are lucky enough to land an HD28: Keep her hummidified to around 45% as much as you can. I like Elixir medium gage nanoweb pb strings on her the best. Thank You Martin!! Great Guitar!!

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

I fell in love with a HD-28V in Dallas but didn't buy it, I didn't know how sweet that one was. So I searched again at home. Funny how each guitar is unique. My HD-28 sounded good but not great. I tried a set after set of strings based on what the kids at the store suggested. They seem to love the tinny sound. The guitar didn't sound WONDERFUL until I put Martin 80/20's on. I have yet to hear such a pleasant sound from any guitar. I can't tell you how nice this guitar sounds. It isn't fast and really can't play rock but I can't make it sound bad. Downside is it is fragile, expensive, the nitro finish is delicate. Get the Martin cleaner and use it often. If you get sunscreen or any other goop on it you have to remove it right now.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

For the money, the HD28 is one of the best fingerstyle guitars going, with or without picks. I've played a D41, the OMC, and many other Martins, Guilds and Taylors. This is an outstanding guitar.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

Your kids will fight for it when your dead. The probate lawyers' fees and costs incurred in the forthcoming legal battle will be 10x the cost of the guitar, but one of your kids will be thrilled, and he'll/she'll have the unconditional love of the greatest guitar on earth to keep him/her company when the Christmas cards stop coming from the disgruntled ex-siblings.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

I've had my HD-28 for a month or so, and play it for an hour or so every day. Every time I pick it up and strike a chord it amazes me. It truly is a great guitar. I was on the fence for a while - trying a wide range of guitars. But once I had played the HD-28 I was determined that this was the guitar I wanted. Compared to Gibson I find the Martin more dynamic in the mid-range and not as "rumblin'" in the lower registers as the Gibson can be if you play it hard. It's also softer than the Taylor, which to me sounds too crispy throughout. All in all - this is my guitar for life. After having played Takamines for years the HD-28 took my playing to a new level.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

I lost my dear mom to lymphoma this past October and during her 3 year battle I had become extremely down about life. When I received some money she had left me, I went to Guitar Center and asked the guy to get me down the best sounding guitar they had. He handed me a Martin HD-28. I strummed an E chord along with a couple of blues runs and knew right then and there that this was going to be a gift from my mom to work through my emotions and get me back to being excited about music again, which was something she told me she wanted me to do in her last hours. I knew nothing about Martin gtrs and had not done ANY research on the differences of any of them. All I knew was the way it made me feel when I hit that E chord. I have felt that same feeling every single day for the last 9 months and can say that I've found happiness and my muse, in my Martin HD-28! It pulls songs out of me left and right, and to me, that's what I want in a guitar.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

I shopped and played guitars for 3 months before buying the HD28. It has the volume, rich tone and playability I was looking for. I considered Gibson and Taylor which are both fine instruments. Nothing in the price range matched the overall tone and volume. My Son and I both use this guitar. It sounds great out of the box and required no special set up.It's great for Beatles, James Taylor, Neil Young etc.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

Just returned home from Guitar Center in Lancaster, PA with my brand new, just arrived from the factory HD 28. She was still in the box, Dan V. the store manager unpackaged her and we both were awestruck by her beauty when we opened the case. She was detuned from the factory so I tuned her up and struck the first D chord and she shimmered with the sweetest sound. I proceeded to strum through chords all the way down to G and I was in 7th heaven. After so much obsessing and researching and reading and youtube reviews I finally had her in my hands. I finally got her home and had the chance to really look her over, this guitar is flawless and the rosewood grain and color is absolutely stunning. The herringbone trim and ebony and spruce top are something to see. I am relatively new (3+ yrs) to guitars but a lifelong music lover(to the power of 10). Had I only picked it up earlier in life...but better late than never. I am looking forward to years with my Martin and I'm sure she'll only sound better as the years pass. With that said I can thank all who gave such favorable reviews and put so much info on the web about the HD 28. I played some Martins before my purchase tonight and new I would end up with one. I think all you other Martin owners out there can understand my intense joy at this moment. God bless America and The CF Martin Company!!

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

There's a reason why people say the HD-28 is the best sounding Martin guitar. Clear, crisp trebles, Deep rich bass. And chimey mids that don't get lost in between. Excellent note separation, sustain and projection. I own 7 Martin's. The HD-28 is my favorite. It's the ultimate Martin dreadnought. It's the one you dream about. THE guitar for life.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

This guitar is absolutely timeless. It is the classic dreadnaught acoustic guitar. I bought my at GC seven years ago and I can't get over it. I've bought and sold many many guitars but this one just sticks around because it's amazing. Good for all types of music, built to last, and I swear the tone just keeps getting better! This guitar is worth the investment. Couldn't be happier.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

I bought a HD28 a month ago. It is out of this world! It sounds like a rosewood Martin should. There's a sweet chime to open chords and each note is clear and distinct; the bass notes are deep and powerful but the middle and treble notes aren't overwhelmed in the least. And the volume! For years I've been playing a wonderful Larrivee OM model that is mellow and soft, and all of a sudden I have this dreadnought that is much, much louder by any measure. I'm learning that I need to develop a subtler, gentler strumming technique, not unlike what one might use on an electric guitar. But when I fingerpick it's nice to call on that volume with just the slightest increase in plucking pressure. I guess that's in part due to the medium gauge strings that came with the guitar, I've been playing lights on my OM. The woods used in Martins the past few years are supposed to be the best in decades and of course the craftsmanship is superb. No need to get it set up, out of the box the action felt good to me. All and all it is a joy to play this guitar. Can you tell I like it?

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

The Martin HD28 is a fantastic guitar! Martin quality, all solid woods, great tone. It has beautiful rosewood sides and back, mahogany neck, and an ebony fretboard. The herringbone trim really sets this guitar apart! The Gotoh chrome tuners are tight, and it comes with a nice hardshell case to protect your investment. This guitar sounds wonderful! It has that ringing Martin tone, deep lows and sparkly highs. And boy does it cut through the mix! You don't have to worry about getting drowned out by the banjos! A great guitar for a great price.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

I've had mine for about a year now. The finish on the top is beginning to have a more aged toner look. i like that much better than the white look of the new finish. The tone is why i bought this guitar. I play at folk jam sessions and bluegrass jam sessions. I have been offered Taylors and Collins guitars as trade for my HD28. NO DEAL! This guitar's volumn is wonderful, it's tone is wonderful, it's sustain is for days on end. I would have prefered the V style neck; but the low profile neck is alright. I have big palms and short fingers. I changed my nut, saddle, and bridge pins to fossilized walrus ivory about a month after i bought this guitar. man, what an improvement in sound, looks better too. I wish that this guitar was offered with the V neck and either aging toner or a sunburst top. I'm a sucker for sunburst tops. If you purchase this guitar you will be extremely unhappy with your other guitars, so don't buy it unless you are willing to feel like a foll for wasting your money on other guitars that you have bought and for doing without the best for so long.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

I purchased my HD28 a several months ago and dont want to put it down. I still can't beleive the sound. I tried several different strings for it. So far the Martin SP+ 80/20 light gauge is the one for me. The Martin Bluegrass 80/20 light/med. hybrids are a close second but i like the sound of the bronzed E&B strings on the SP+. They also have good life. I play every day and i get 3 to 4 weeks before the tone start falling off to where i have to replace. Be sure to wipe the guitar down after playing because your arm will leave a haze on the finish but it polishes out ok. I have several other fine guitars but i just let them sit now. After you hear and play this one the others sound cheep.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

I've been playing a long time and performed with my D-28 that I bought new in 1970. Unfortunately I traded it off in the early 80's and have kicked myself ever since. So I bought a HD-28 at GC recently. When I first looked at it, I found the neck had a slight belly bow and the stings were too high off the fret board. The guys at GC adjusted the truss rod and got the neck straight and lowered the saddle to get the string height correct. The guitar now plays easily and sounds perfect. I have never owned an acoustic which plays with such clarity and sustain from string to string. You can strum a chord and it will continue to ring many seconds afterwords. I was surprised that the top finish was not as smooth as glass. You can see and feel the grain in the spruce but all the Martins I looked at where that way. No complaints with the rose wood. It's just beautiful. I own a few high end guitars but the HD-28 is truely the class of them all. It sounds so clear that it immediately makes you a better player because you'll want to hit each string correctly and get the full affect of what this guitar can do. You won't want to muddle your way through a song. I highly recommend this guitar and am very proud to own a Martin again.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

Over the years I have owned many guitars, including other lower priced Martins that got me hooked on Martins. After many years on my wish list, a few weeks ago I was finally able to purchase the guitar of my dreams, a Martin HD-28 . If you have ever played a Martin, you will know what I mean when I say, I love this guitar. It has brightened my life to the max as this guitar makes even me sound great as it produces its sweet Martin sound with each chord I play. Strummed or finger picked, it does not get any better than this Martin HD-28. A special thanks to Joey at the GC Port St. Lucie store - I highly recommend Joey for help with all of your guitar needs.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

A couple months ago i finally purchased my Martin HD-28..It sounds awsome..great tone.awsome action..and it looks great..Best investment i ever made.I have many different guitars from Taylor to Gibson and a couple Takimine's...and like the headliner says..IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

I own a lot of guitars, including a Martin DM which was my pride and joy. I always took care of it, cleaned it after ever playing, and was very careful with it. So much trouble that I found myself playing my cheaper guitars more, especially outside, sitting on my front steps, etc. I bought an HD-28 and the sound is nothing short of INCREDIBLE. I cannot put it down. I play this baby everywhere, including my front yard, back yard, my office, everywhere. You just cannot put this axe down. In fact, some of the other reviews on this site say the same thing. Trust me, it's a bit expensive but even searching for used HD-28's, the price was the same - or MORE. Cannot go wrong going to GC and buying one of these.

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

I purchased my Martin HD-28 last year in November after much research, playing and youtubing. I will be the first to say its hard buying guitars when you're looking in this price range theirs more factors that you can't look at when standing in a guitar center acoustic room ie string gauge and brand and acoustics of a room. I told the employee that i got this guitar from that their was a chance i could bring it back. I wanted to take it home first get comfortable with this guitar, put better strings on it and hear it through my studio microphones. After all that is what the 30 day period is for right? Well long story short(er) I slapped some red brand strings on which were recommended by a friend who plays a J-45 and it sounds brilliant, full, and incredibly well balanced. Depending on the style of music you're playing setup does matter so first impressions aren't the way to go completely and I've tried several different string brands on this guitar. Martin Factory recommends Martin Brand SP's at medium gauge. Thats what i have on now and its a lot Crisper of a sound better for blending into a band i would say. Anyway i hope this helps on purchasing this great piece of...wood

Comments about Martin Standard Series HD-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic:

Yep, it's mine....and it'll stay mine forever....2 years now and I just keep falling in love again.... :}