Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $4,109

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "HDC-28E Martin". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Martin HDC-28E is where vintage elegance meets modern innovation, offering musicians the revered Martin tone with contemporary enhancements. Crafted in the USA, this dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar combines a solid Sitka spruce top with East Indian rosewood back and sides, ensuring a resonant and balanced sound that’s both bold and nuanced. The guitar’s forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing, inspired by the "Golden Era" of Martin guitars, contributes to its rich and complex tonal output, capturing the essence of classic dreadnoughts.

The HDC-28E is equipped with the Fishman Aura VT Enhanced pickup system, which faithfully reproduces the guitar’s natural acoustic character, capturing every nuance of your playing whether you’re strumming aggressively or delicately fingerpicking. The Modified Low Oval neck, with a 1-3/4" nut width, provides a smooth and comfortable playing experience across its ebony fingerboard, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

Visually, the HDC-28E maintains its classic appeal with features like herringbone top trim and traditional zigzag backstripe. Its aesthetic is further complemented by antique white binding and vintage Golden Era bracing pattern. This guitar is a true workhorse, ideal for a variety of musical styles such as bluegrass, folk, and acoustic rock, whether on stage or in the studio. The HDC-28E promises not just a guitar, but a tradition of excellence in your hands.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top with East Indian rosewood back and sides
  • Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing for enhanced tonal richness
  • Fishman Aura VT Enhanced pickup system for superior amplified sound
  • Modified Low Oval neck shape for comfort and playability
  • Ebony fingerboard with diamonds and squares inlay pattern
  • Traditional herringbone and zigzag purfling for a vintage look

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood East Indian Rosewood
Top Wood Spruce
Finish Gloss
Body Bracing Scalloped Forward Shifted X-bracing
Binding Antique White
Neck Wood Select Hardwood
Neck Shape Modified Low Oval, High Performance Taper
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Inlay Abalone Diamonds & Squares Long Pattern
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25.4"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Bone
Bridge Material Ebony
Tuning Machines Nickel Open Gear
Electronics Fishman Aura VT Enhance
Strings Lifespan 2.0 92/8 Phosphor Bronse, .013-.056
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of wood is used in the construction of the Martin HD-28E?

The Martin HD-28E features a spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, providing a rich, balanced tone with excellent projection.

What is the neck profile of the Martin HD-28E?

The neck of the Martin HD-28E has a modified low oval shape with a high-performance taper, offering comfortable playability and easy access to all frets.

What electronics are included in the Martin HD-28E?

The Martin HD-28E is equipped with the Fishman Aura VT Enhance electronics, which provide natural acoustic sound amplification and enhanced tonal options for live performance.

Is the Martin HD-28E suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Martin HD-28E's scalloped forward-shifted X-bracing and responsive tonewoods make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering clarity and dynamic range.

What type of case comes with the Martin HD-28E?

The Martin HD-28E comes with a hardshell case, providing robust protection for the guitar during transport and storage.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Martin HDC-28E Standard Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Martin HDC-28E Standard Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Martin HDC-28E Standard Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Martin HDC-28 E by Guitar Gallery

Martin HDC-28 E

Guitar Gallery

Guitar Gallery

Video thumbnail for The Martin HDC-28E at Maury’s Music by Maury's Music

The Martin HDC-28E at Maury’s Music

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for Gary Roberts Demo of Martin HDC-28E Acoustic Guitar by Gary Roberts

Gary Roberts Demo of Martin HDC-28E Acoustic Guitar

Gary Roberts

Gary Roberts

Reviews

PROS

  • Rich, balanced tone that impresses unplugged and when amplified

  • Non-intrusive electronics make it gig-ready with minimal adjustments

  • Fishman Aura pickup system provides a natural, mic-like sound

  • Lightweight case that accommodates humidipaks

  • Simple, elegant design without unnecessary embellishments

  • Exceptional action and playability for both acoustic and electric players

  • Built to last as a potential heirloom piece

  • Highly versatile for various playing environments and genres

  • Beautiful aged toner finish enhances its classic appearance

  • Great for recording, seamlessly integrating with existing tracks

CONS

  • Plain appearance may not appeal to those seeking decorative features

  • Inconsistent neck paint finish reported by some users

  • Factory strings may feel rough; replacements recommended

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about HDC-28E Martin.

Features and functionality

  • The HDC-28E includes a factory-installed LR Baggs mic system, offering a versatile acoustic-electric setup within a reasonable price range.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners highlight the HDC-28E's scalloped herringbone D28 cutaway design, making it suitable for players who value access to higher frets.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The HDC-28E is compared to the SPJC16RE for those seeking a similar cutaway experience, suggesting the latter for less "bling".

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding a K&K pickup is a common practice for those desiring acoustic-electric capabilities without purchasing an "e" model.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express satisfaction with the amber finish on the HDC-28E, noting its aesthetic appeal and functional versatility.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Jeremy Zucker uses HDC-28E Martin

Jeremy Zucker

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post from April 24th, 2017, Jeremy is seen playing a Martin HDC-28E acoustic guitar.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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