Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $3,401
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin HD-28". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Product Description:
Step into the world of timeless craftsmanship and rich tonal quality with the Martin HD-28, a dreadnought acoustic guitar that perfectly embodies the essence of iconic acoustic sound. Embracing the legacy of the legendary D-28, the HD-28 is crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, giving birth to a vibrant, balanced tone that resonates the classic Martin sound.
The HD-28 Standard continues the tradition of the scalloped X-bracing pattern, introduced in the 1930s, delivering rich bass, ringing trebles, and a quick response. Its modified low oval neck ensures effortless playability, blending vintage character with modern comfort, and making complex chords and fingerstyle playing a breeze.
This guitar is not only a joy to play but also a sight to behold. Its vintage-inspired appointments, including herringbone trim, diamond fretboard inlay, and polished East Indian rosewood, lend an opulent yet understated elegance. This guitar is truly an heirloom, destined to create music for generations, growing richer in tone as the tonewoods mature.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides.
- Classic scalloped X-bracing pattern for rich bass and ringing trebles.
- Modified low oval neck for effortless playability.
- 1 ¾" nut and 2 5/16" string spacing ideal for complex chords and fingerstyle playing.
- Vintage-inspired appointments for visual appeal.
- Produces a bold, balanced voice suitable for any musical genre.
- Built to improve with age as the tonewoods mature.
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | Standard Series HD-28 |
| Finish | 1933 Ambertone, 1935 Sunburst, Natural |
| Year | 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Rosewood |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Brown, Natural, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Martin D-28 |
| Model Sub-Family | Martin HD-28 |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Martin Standard Series |
| Sides Material | Rosewood |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin HD-28?
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The Martin HD-28 features rosewood for the back and sides, which contributes to its rich, resonant tone and strong bass response, ideal for a wide range of musical styles.
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How does the bracing of the Martin HD-28 affect its sound?
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The Martin HD-28 uses scalloped X-bracing, enhancing its projection and adding a distinctive tonal complexity with a balanced blend of warmth and clarity.
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Is the Martin HD-28 suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Martin HD-28's balanced tone and responsive dynamics make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, providing clarity and articulation across all strings.
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What is the neck profile of the Martin HD-28 like?
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The Martin HD-28 features a Modified Low Oval neck profile with a High-Performance Taper, offering comfortable playability for various hand sizes and playing styles.
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Does the Martin HD-28 come with any electronics for amplification?
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No, the Martin HD-28 does not come with built-in electronics, emphasizing its pure acoustic sound. However, aftermarket pickups can be installed if amplification is needed.
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What kind of finish does the Martin HD-28 have?
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The Martin HD-28 features a gloss finish, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also protects the wood while allowing the guitar to resonate freely.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
Martin HD-28 Acoustic | CME Gear Demo | Alex Chadwick
Reviews
PROS
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Deep, rich bass with balanced mids and highs
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Exceptional craftsmanship with no visible glue drops
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Stunning vintage aesthetics with herringbone trim and snowflake inlays
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Effortless playability with modernized neck shape
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Loud projection without needing aggressive strumming
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Notable tonal purity without electronics
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Unique ebony fretboard and bridge coloring
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Highly percussive, suitable for various playing styles
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Continues to improve in sound quality over time
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Holds tune exceptionally well
CONS
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Tuning pegs may require initial tightening
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Potential issues with fret spurs and binding alignment
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Finish can ding if not handled gently
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Initial tightness requires time to open up
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin HD-28.
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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A suggestion is made that the 2025 D-28 with scalloped bracing might sound better for less money, but lacks herringbone aesthetics.
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The 2025 D-28 with new bracing is described as louder but tinny, lacking the bass of the 2024 HD-28.
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A few users prefer mahogany guitars like the D-18 for vocal accompaniment, citing that they blend better with human voices due to less treble brightness compared to rosewood.
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The HD-28's midrange scoop is more pronounced than the D-28, leading to a fuller but not necessarily louder sound.
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The HD-28 is noted for better bass response, making it more suitable for singing players needing to fill out the sonic spectrum compared to the D-18.
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The D-35 offers a unique blend with dreadnought body and 000-style bracing, appreciated by fingerpicking enthusiasts.
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The OM-28 offers better treble clarity and sparkle for fingerpicking compared to the dreadnought models.
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Value and pricing
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Discounts up to 20% are reported on 2024 models, with some claiming they're hard to find due to increased demand.
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User experience
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The 2024 HD-28 is praised for its "huge" sound, with a friend commenting it sounds like it has an amp inside.
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Some players find the "reimagined" HD-28 to have a hazy sound when strumming, suggesting exploring older models or considering a reimagined D-28 for strumming clarity.
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Some owners report significant sound variation between individual HD-28 guitars, suggesting the importance of trying multiple units before purchasing.
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Build quality
Features and functionality
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Some users prefer the 2024 HD-28's herringbone binding and diamond fretboard markers over the standard dot markers on the newer models.
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Other
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There's a sentiment that individual Martin guitars can vary greatly in sound and quality, highlighting the importance of playing multiple units to find the right one.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 12 Ratings
Artist usage
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This guitar was played by James and is being auctioned off to benefit Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation. It is seen in use in this Rolling Stone article about the charity.
The auction decription reads:
Martin HD28 Guitar Played by James Hetfield & Autographed by Metallica Own the actual Martin guitar played on stage by James Hetfield during the inaugural All Within My Hands Foundation Helping Hands Concert & Auction!
The guitar will be autographed by all four members of Metallica immediately following the performance.
The HD-28 includes many of the options guitar players and collectors prize in historic Martins. A Sitka spruce top with East Indian rosewood back and sides, all wrapped together in Martin’s classic herringbone inlay.
Chris Martin used the Martin D-28 throughout their A Head Full of Dreams tour; in the picture, the D-28 is seen without a pickguard with stickers in relation to their A Head Full of Dreams era
Taylor Swift is seen playing a Martin HD-28 during a surprise live performance of "Shake it Off" at the Tight End University's "Tight Ends and Friends" afterparty in Nashville, TN on June 24th, 2025.
" Cesar Diaz, Bob’s guitar technician in the nineties acquired many stock and Custom Martin guitars for Dylan and thanks to Dick Boak from Martin & Co. we can see the specifications asked for his guitars like the Spruce Top Specified...Thinline Goldplus Acoustic Pickup System...and their serial numbers!!!!.. between august 25th and the end of september 1992 Cesar paid for 5 Martin guitars...
INVOICE August 25th, 1992 Payment in full has been received from Cesar Diaz (representing Bob Dylan) 473 North Courtland Street East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 for the following: 1 each Martin HD-28 with Case Serial # _______________ Sunburst Top PAID IN FULL / CHECK (Diaz Amplifiers) Thanks to dick boak Artist & Public Relations, Limited Editions, Exhibitions and Archives C. F. Martin & Co. (The Martin Guitar Company) Web: www.martinguitar.com or: www.dickboak.com"
Dirty South often comes up with ideas and chords for his tracks by strumming on a guitar. In a video he can be seen playing an acoustic version of the song "Phazing" on a Martin HD-28 acoustic guitar.
Ben can be seen playing an HD-28 in this image. The herringbone trim on the side of the guitar is what can verify this as the HD-28.
Premier Guitar shows that Jason plays a Martin HD-28E Retro acoustic guitar. Source.
Guitar.com: What kind of acoustic guitar do you write on?
Loeffler: I have a Martin HD-28. It's a newer one. I like it a lot because I tune down, and it has a large soundhole on it, so it doesn't sound as "woofy."
“My HD-28 is solid. We have no problem endorsing Martin guitars, because they are great!” - Valentine about his Martin HD-28.
Album Usage
The Martin HD-28 has been featured on the following albums:
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 HD-28, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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