Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $3,052
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
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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.
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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
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What type of wood is used in the construction of the Martin D-28?
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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.
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How many frets does the Martin D-28 have?
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The Martin D-28 is equipped with 20 frets, providing a versatile range for both rhythm and lead playing.
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Is the Martin D-28 suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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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.
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Does the Martin D-28 come with a pickup system?
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No, the Martin D-28 does not include a built-in pickup system, maintaining its traditional acoustic sound.
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What is the neck material of the Martin D-28?
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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
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Renowned for its articulate and thunderous sound, suitable for various music styles
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Simple yet elegant design with high-quality materials, no unnecessary embellishments
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Wide fretboard offers unique playability, reminiscent of a sitar
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Consistently praised for its beautiful and balanced tone
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Durable and well-crafted, making it a lifetime instrument
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Rosewood back and sides contribute to its distinct, rich sound
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Arrives well-tuned and set up, ready to play out of the box
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Enhances player's skills by requiring precise fretting
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PlekPro setup option enhances playability and smooth fretting
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Suitable for both high-level performances and personal enjoyment
CONS
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High action out of the box may require professional setup
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Not the easiest acoustic to play for beginners due to fret precision demands
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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
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Older models pre-1986 may require caution due to potential costly neck resets without adjustable truss rods.
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Keeping a D-28 in 40-60% relative humidity improves its sound; it can become muddier in high humidity.
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A specific issue noted is loose body binding on newer Martins, which can be addressed under warranty if purchased new from an authorized dealer.
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User experience
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Some users find the D-28 to be harsh but prefer it for its ornate aesthetics and slightly different sound flavored by rosewood.
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A 1992 HD-28 could be appealing for its age if in good condition, offering a potentially broken-in sound.
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After 15 years, a D-28 owner reported their guitar's sound improved annually, indicating a long-term tonal evolution.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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A D-28 with Elixir custom light strings can be mellowed for acoustic rock, broadening its versatility beyond bluegrass.
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Features and functionality
Comparisons
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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.
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The D-35 offers a more enveloping and complex sound than the D-28, described as having its own reverb and blooming notes.
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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.
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A player found the D-18 to have more mids, preferring it over the D-28, which they felt sounded thin in their hands.
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The D-28 is compared to Mexican cinnamon: bold and forward-tasting, while the D-35 is subtle, sweet, and earthy, indicating tonal differences.
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Value and pricing
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Be cautious when buying new models as retailers might discount 2024 models; ensure purchase of a 2025 for updated features.
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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
Liam Gallagher is seen playing a Martin D-28 acoustic guitar in a studio setting, as shown in a photo shared by harryandliamdaily on Instagram.
In this video source, you can see Marcus Mumford with a Martin D-28. He was also mentioned on the Martin Guitar Ambassador page. The July edition of Guitar Buyer has an article on Marcus' guitars and setup and includes two Martin D-28s are called "Mary-Kate" and "Ashley".
Buddy Holly is seen using what appears to be Elvis Presley's alternate Martin D-28 guitar in a rehearsal photo, alongside his Fender Stratocaster, Bill Black's bass, and DJ Fontana's drums, as documented by Scottymoore.
In the YouTube video "TOP 20 ROCK ANTHEMS OF ALL TIME," Rick Beato plays a Martin D-28 acoustic guitar at the beginning.
According to the Martin & Co. website, James Valentine uses this guitar as one of their Martin Ambassadors.
''I only remember a Martin D28 and his Spanish guitar – that is not to say he did not have others.'' - Robert Kirby (wrote arrangements for Five Leaves Left and Bryter Layter)
"It's hard to think of a single guitar that I would save. The guitar with the most sentimental value for me is my 1953 Martin D-28. It belonged to my father and he gave it to me. I've played it on every record I've ever made - probably the most notable song I played it on is She Talks To Angels."
At 3:59:18 in the video "The Collection: Director’s Cut, Part One" on Gibson TV, Charlie Starr showcases his 1950 Martin D-28.
Stephen Stills is pictured with a Martin D-28 acoustic guitar, featuring a vertical logo, as seen in a photo from Performing Songwriter.
Stills first obtained a Martin Herringbone D-28 after the success of Buffalo Springfield's hit single, "For What It's Worth" (https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/Tips_From_the_Top_The_Making_of_Buffalo_Springfield_Again):
I had just enough money from ‘For What It’s Worth’ to get that Martin - and a Ferrari. ... ‘Bluebird’ was the first song I used it on. Of course, vintage Martins didn’t cost the moon back then, either.
The guitar, either a 1935 or 1937 model, had its headstock replaced with that of a D-45. He continued to use it for the remainder of the 1960s. It appeared on a collection of demos titled Just Roll Tape, as well as the first Crosby, Stills & Nash album. However, it was stolen from Stills' Colorado cabinet in the 1970s (https://www.mwe3.com/archive/pastfeature/featureStephenStills07.htm).
RS: Can you remember what acoustic guitar you used recording the Just Roll Tape tracks, or is that nit-picking?
SS: No, I remember it quite well because, somebody walked into my cabinet in Colorado and walked out with it while I was out for the night. But it was a 1935 D-28, a herringbone and someone had taken and put in the D-45 masthead on the pick guard and somebody stole that many, many years ago. I made the first CSN and then I got my D-45 which sounded just as great. But that original D-28, it’s out there somewhere. And there’s nothing like it because someone put the D-45 headstock on it, you know the way that’s it written? On a D-28, so it’s very unique. So, if anybody spots it, someone stole that out of my cabinet in Colorado in the ‘70s!
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
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