Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $3,027
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin D-28". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar has been the preferred choice of countless legendary musicians, offering a unique blend of deep, resonant tone and powerful projection. This iconic dreadnought guitar serves up an enticing cocktail of classic tonewoods, with a solid spruce top for impressive projection and note clarity and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides for a well-balanced tonal range.
The D-28 is renowned for its ability to enhance vocal timbre and deliver articulate midrange frequencies, airy highs, and a robust low end. This guitar's dynamics are expressive, allowing you to unleash your fury or shift into soft chords and arpeggios seamlessly. It has been revered as the "tone cannon" by discerning guitarists for its ability to produce classic rich tones and powerful projection, perfect for both stage and studio performances.
In addition to its sound, the D-28 also boasts impressive playability. Its satin-finish, slim "High Performance Taper" neck is designed to thrill players who like to explore the full range of the fretboard. The guitar's easy playability can inspire new techniques and uncharted artistic territories.
The Martin D-28 strikes a balance between old-school aesthetics and modern features. Its vintage vibe is accentuated by an aged toner top, antique-white binding, and open-gear tuners. But this is far from a nostalgia piece, as the guitar is equipped with modern features such as a forward-shifted, non-scalloped X-bracing that produces punchy, balanced midrange frequencies.
Key Features:
- Iconic dreadnought design and tone from Martin
- Solid spruce top for amazing projection and great note definition
- Forward-shifted bracing pattern for optimized soundboard vibration
- Solid East Indian rosewood back and sides for a well-balanced tonal range
- Modern neck profile for improved comfort and playability
- Vintage appointments include open-gear tuners, aged toner top, antique white accents, and faux tortoise pickguard
- Square-taper headstock with solid East Indian rosewood headplate stays true to Martin's heritage
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | Standard Series D-28 Satin |
| Finish | Amberburst, Natural |
| Year | 2023 - 2024 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Rosewood |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Brown, Natural |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Satin |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Martin D-28 |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Sides Material | Rosewood |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
-
What type of wood is used in the construction of the Martin D-28?
-
The Martin D-28 features a spruce top with rosewood back and sides, offering a rich and balanced tonal quality ideal for various music styles.
-
How many frets does the Martin D-28 have?
-
The Martin D-28 is equipped with 20 frets, providing a versatile range for both rhythm and lead playing.
-
Is the Martin D-28 suitable for fingerstyle playing?
-
Yes, the Martin D-28 is well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to its balanced tone and responsive dynamics, making it a favorite among fingerstyle guitarists.
-
Does the Martin D-28 come with a pickup system?
-
No, the Martin D-28 does not include a built-in pickup system, maintaining its traditional acoustic sound.
-
What is the neck material of the Martin D-28?
-
The neck of the Martin D-28 is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm tone and comfortable playability.
Videos
Acoustic Letter
Martin D28 vs D18 - Review and Comparison
Reviews
PROS
-
Renowned for its articulate and thunderous sound, suitable for various music styles
-
Simple yet elegant design with high-quality materials, no unnecessary embellishments
-
Wide fretboard offers unique playability, reminiscent of a sitar
-
Consistently praised for its beautiful and balanced tone
-
Durable and well-crafted, making it a lifetime instrument
-
Rosewood back and sides contribute to its distinct, rich sound
-
Arrives well-tuned and set up, ready to play out of the box
-
Enhances player's skills by requiring precise fretting
-
PlekPro setup option enhances playability and smooth fretting
-
Suitable for both high-level performances and personal enjoyment
CONS
-
High action out of the box may require professional setup
-
Not the easiest acoustic to play for beginners due to fret precision demands
-
May distract from other responsibilities due to its captivating nature
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-28.
Setup and maintenance
-
Older models pre-1986 may require caution due to potential costly neck resets without adjustable truss rods.
Source -
Keeping a D-28 in 40-60% relative humidity improves its sound; it can become muddier in high humidity.
Source -
A specific issue noted is loose body binding on newer Martins, which can be addressed under warranty if purchased new from an authorized dealer.
Source
User experience
-
Some users find the D-28 to be harsh but prefer it for its ornate aesthetics and slightly different sound flavored by rosewood.
Source -
A 1992 HD-28 could be appealing for its age if in good condition, offering a potentially broken-in sound.
Source -
After 15 years, a D-28 owner reported their guitar's sound improved annually, indicating a long-term tonal evolution.
Source -
A user noted that the D-18 and D-28 are less comfortable for long practice sessions due to their size, especially for smaller players.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
A D-28 with Elixir custom light strings can be mellowed for acoustic rock, broadening its versatility beyond bluegrass.
Source
Features and functionality
Comparisons
-
The D-28 is described as having lush, full chords and scooped mids, making it a preferred rhythm instrument over the D-18, which is noted for its drier, punchier tone.
Source -
The D-35 offers a more enveloping and complex sound than the D-28, described as having its own reverb and blooming notes.
Source -
2025 D-28 models feature "golden era" scalloped bracing and 1.75" nut, contrasting with pre-2018 models which have straight bracing and 1.69" nut.
Source -
A player found the D-18 to have more mids, preferring it over the D-28, which they felt sounded thin in their hands.
Source -
The D-28 is compared to Mexican cinnamon: bold and forward-tasting, while the D-35 is subtle, sweet, and earthy, indicating tonal differences.
Source
Value and pricing
-
Be cautious when buying new models as retailers might discount 2024 models; ensure purchase of a 2025 for updated features.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 9 Reviews and 48 Ratings
84
The greatest guitar ever
I like this sound and its predictability, the simplicity of the game, but I am very worried about the upper top that it will go cracks
222
My pride and Joy.
I fucking love this guitar. I bought it two years back and it is everything I wanted in an acoustic tone. It is a stunningly crafted instrument, I find myself staring at it when I'm not playing it. In all honesty not the easiest acoustic to play. It punishes you for bad fretting precision (but that just teaches you to play better in my opinion). But the tone...oh god the tone. I always wanted a big tone that wasn't super bright and this guitar delivers in spades. I stuck a Baggs Anthem pickup on this guitar and it sounds awesome even through my Orange. Best of all I feel like this guitar has made me into a better player.
26
Sounds better with practising
With the new 2017 D-28 Model released,I paid more attention to the new & old comparing. I surely like my 2016 D-28 better, I've changed the EJ16 strings and found a more balanced voice than MSP7100, which sounds deeper and more bass in it.
106
61
Hands down the best.
I have a 1997 D-28 and it cannot be beaten. Warmest and most balanced tone I've played.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo, John can be seen playing a Martin D-28 for the promo for 'Hello Goodbye'.
"1970 Martin D-28. First year using Indian Rosewood. This guitar was my main acoustic guitar for the early part of my career. You can really hear it on the Studio Verion of 'India,'" says Joe Bonomassa, on his website.
In the Premier Guitar article titled "J Mascis: Unplugged and Unfazed – But Not Unfuzzed," J Mascis is noted for using a Martin D-28 acoustic guitar.
Mike McCready of Pearl Jam fame shows how the 2013 song 'Sirens' was made on his old 1974 Martin D-28
In this Instagram post, O’Brien is seen playing a Martin D-28. He confirms the model in the comments.
Someone asks, "Beautiful perspective of your guitar, Ed! Is that one a Martin?"
To which he replies:
Yes a Martin D-28
"For his touring acoustics, Young has been relying on a trio of Martins, all equipped with Cragg’s stereo FRAP (Flat Audio Response Pickup) transducers: the 1968 D-45 used to record much of 1972’s Harvest; “Hank,” an early Forties D-28 formerly owned by Hank Williams; and a second D-28 that Cragg tunes to what Young calls “A# modal” [low to high: A# F A# D# G A#]," reads this article.
Chris uses the D-28 throughout their AHFOD tour; Indian rosewood on the sides of the guitar with a Sitka spruce top (which is factory stock) ; stickers are on the guitar to represent their era (AHFOD): pickguard is removed
Dick Boak, lone-time Martin employee, says, in this interview, "For MTV Unplugged, [Bob Dylan] did a performance with a D-28. He performed at Bangladesh with Leon Russell with a D-28."
In this screenshot from a transcript of a Guitar Player article from May 2000, Twisted Roots. (musician Beck discusses the recording of Midnight Vultures), Beck talks about owning a 1938 Martin D-28:
Many of Beck's electric guitars are no-name, but he also owns various Schecters (including a Hellcat he recently broke onstage in a fit of rock-star abandon), a Silvertone, a Harmony, a Danelectro, and an early-'60s Carvin. His one luxury is a 1938 Martin D-28 acoustic.
"I've got piles of acoustic guitars that are just hanging by a thread," he admits. "But I always liked Martins, and when I made a little bread, the first thing I did was go out and buy my D-28. Once you put a guitar through pedals and all these different contraptions, the sound isn't really precious to me anymore. But the sound of my '38 D-28 is all-time--it's the rich tone of all the great folk records. You just put any mic on that guitar and it sounds unbelievable."
Album Usage
The Martin D-28 has been featured on the following albums:
There She Goes
The La's (2025)
The Making Of Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake (2025)
Talkin to the Trees
Neil Young (2025)
One of These Days
Sam Bush & Cris Jacobs (2024)
Los Bunkers (MTV Unplugged)
Los Bunkers (2024)
Poor Davey
Cris Jacobs (2024)
Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent
Lewis Capaldi (2023)
northern songs
carter c (2023)
Live in Anvers
Alex Chilton (2023)
Albatross (Arranged by Anna Rice)
Peter Green (2023)
the things i love and why i love them
carter c (2022)
scary words
carter c (2022)
Feudalist Tarts [Expanded]
Alex Chilton (2022)
Use Your Illusion (Super Deluxe)
Guns N' Roses (2022)
Crooked Tree
Molly Tuttle (2022)
everything i do alone i want to do with you
carter c (2021)
Wild Dreams (Deluxe Edition)
Westlife (2021)
'wave goodbye to the ghost'
carter c (2021)
i would drive a million miles just to hear your voice
carter c (2021)
i think yr a rabbit
carter c (2021)
ride (alternate acoustic)
carter c (2021)
Blacktop Run
Sonny Landreth (2020)
Volume 2
The Bouncing Souls (2020)
Quarantine
Blink-182 (2020)
Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent
Lewis Capaldi (2019)
The Beatles
The Beatles (2018)
Anthem Of The Peaceful Army
Greta Van Fleet (2018)
Trouble Maker
Omer Netzer (2017)
A Head Full of Dreams
Coldplay (2015)
Quite a Feelin'
Barna Howard (2015)
Vendredi ou les limbes du pacifique
Romain Humeau (2015)
Tutta d'un fiato
Benji & Fede (2015)
Looking Too Closely
Fink & Fink (2014)
Hard Believer
Fink & Fink (2014)
Dark Arc
Saintseneca (2014)
This Is Amazing Grace
Phil Wickham (2013)
The Ascension
Phil Wickham (2013)
Babel
Mumford & Sons (2012)
In the Mountain in the Cloud
Portugal. The Man (2011)
The Emitt Rhodes Recordings (1969-1973)
Emitt Rhodes (2009)
Just Roll Tape - April 26th 1968
Stephen Stills (2007)
Songs from the Crystal Cave
Steven Seagal (2004)
Live In Chicago
Ween (2004)
American Life
Madonna & Madonna (2003)
Avalanche
Matthew Good (2003)
Time Changes Everything
John Squire (2002)
The Ballad Of Ramblin' Jack
Ramblin' Jack Elliott (2000)
Midnite Vultures
Beck (1999)
Pilgrim
Eric Clapton (1998)
Load (Remastered)
Metallica (1996)
MTV Unplugged (Live)
Bob Dylan & Robert Zimmerman (1995)
Use Your Illusion I
Guns N' Roses (1991)
Use Your Illusion II
Guns N' Roses (1991)
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes (1990)
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths (1986)
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths (1985)
The Smiths
The Smiths (1984)
Cat's in the Cradle / Vacancy
Harry Chapin (1974)
Court and Spark
Joni Mitchell (1974)
Raw Power (50th Anniversary Legacy Edition)
The Stooges (1973)
You Don't Mess Around With Jim
Jim Croce (1972)
Bryter Layter
Nick Drake (1971)
Ram (Archive Collection)
Paul McCartney & Linda McCartney (1971)
American Pie
Don McLean (1971)
If You Could Read My Mind
Gordon Lightfoot (1970)
McCartney
Paul McCartney (1970)
Abbey Road (Remastered)
The Beatles (1969)
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash (1969)
Magical Mystery Tour (Remastered)
The Beatles (1967)
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley (1956)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin D-28, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation5 alternative and related items for Martin D-28, curated by the Equipboard community.
$1,100.00
The Martin Shenandoah series were assembled in Martin's Pennsylvania factory using parts fabricated in Japan. The D-2832 is equivalent to the normal D-28 with Rosewood back and sides.
$2,200.00
$3,500.00
The Martin D-28S is a variant of the D-28 with a slotted headstock, produced in various forms from 1964 through 1992.
$695.97 - $699.00
More Martin Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Gear Guides
Most Popular Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
julianwolf2Gear IQ 13060
-