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Average Price: $4,200
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Description
The Martin D-28S is not just an acoustic guitar; it's a piece of music history. Revered for its rich tonal quality and robust craftsmanship, this guitar is a tribute to Martin's legacy of excellence. Featuring a slotted headstock and a 12-fret neck design, the D-28S offers a captivating blend of vintage charm and modern playability. Its sound is rooted in the harmonious pairing of Indian Rosewood back and sides with a Sitka Spruce top, delivering a full-bodied resonance that has inspired generations of musicians.
Whether you're strumming chords on a porch or recording in a studio, the D-28S stands out with its iconic dreadnought shape, offering a powerful projection and a balanced tone. This guitar is well-suited for both flatpicking and fingerstyle playing, making it a versatile choice for any guitarist seeking an instrument that sings with both clarity and depth. The one-piece mahogany neck ensures a comfortable and smooth playing experience, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly over the fretboard.
Favored by legendary artists like Paul McCartney and Joni Mitchell, the D-28S is more than a guitar; it's a partner in your musical journey. Let its timeless sound inspire your next creative endeavor.
Key Features:
- Slotted headstock with 12-fret neck design
- Indian Rosewood back and sides
- Sitka Spruce top
- One-piece mahogany neck
- Dreadnought body style
- Renowned for balanced tone and powerful projection
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | D-28S |
| Finish | Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 1964 - 1992 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Rosewood |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Natural, Orange |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Martin D-28 |
| Model Sub-Family | Martin D-28S |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Martin Post-War Era |
| Sides Material | Rosewood |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin D-28S?
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The Martin D-28S features rosewood for the back and sides, which contributes to its rich and resonant tone, making it a favorite for both strumming and fingerpicking styles.
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Is the Martin D-28S suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Martin D-28S is well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to its wide fretboard and responsive tone, providing clarity and depth in each note.
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Does the Martin D-28S come with a pickup for amplification?
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No, the Martin D-28S does not come with a built-in pickup, making it a pure acoustic instrument ideal for traditional acoustic performances.
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What is the neck material of the Martin D-28S?
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The neck of the Martin D-28S is made from mahogany, offering stability and a warm tonal quality that complements the overall sound of the guitar.
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How many frets does the Martin D-28S have?
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The Martin D-28S is equipped with 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and facilitating both rhythm and lead playing styles.
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Is the Martin D-28S a good choice for bluegrass music?
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Yes, the Martin D-28S is an excellent choice for bluegrass, thanks to its dreadnought body shape and powerful projection, which can cut through a mix of instruments in ensemble settings.
Videos
SylvanMusicSC
1969 Martin D-28S 12 Fret
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-28S.
Mods and upgrades
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An LR Baggs M1 pickup was added to a D-28 for easier amplification, suggesting this as a popular upgrade for live performance.
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User experience
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Players often recommend trying multiple D-28 guitars, as sound and vibration can vary significantly between units.
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Some owners found the D-28 harsher and more challenging due to its longer scale, preferring the 000-28’s overtones and comfort.
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After 15 years, an owner reports their D-28's sound continues to improve, noting emotional attachment due to personal history with the guitar.
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Despite owning other guitars, users often prefer their 12-fret models, emphasizing the D-28S's playability and tonal richness.
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The guitar's sloped shoulder and wide neck make it a distinctive choice among other 12-fret guitars, favored by players over more conventional models.
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Features and functionality
Comparisons
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The 000-28 is noted for being more balanced and suitable for fingerstyle, while the D-28 excels in volume and bass, especially for band settings.
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Some owners prefer the sound of a D-35 over the D-28, describing it as having a more enveloping and complex sound, especially for solo playing.
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An owner compared the D-28 to a Gibson J-45, noting the J-45 as a very different guitar worth considering at the D-28's price point.
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Owners compare the Martin D-28S 12-fret with models from Martin, Collings, and Santa Cruz, highlighting its unique appeal among high-end acoustics.
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Value and pricing
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A user found a vintage pre-lawsuit Takamine remarkably similar to a Martin, suggesting a cheaper alternative for under $500.
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Build quality
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Reports of modern Martin guitars having issues with binding detaching over time; noted as a common problem with newer models.
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Setup and maintenance
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