Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $3,395
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
Add artist
According to Uberproaudio, Ray LaMontagne previously used a Martin HD-28 before transitioning to primarily using Bourgeois guitars.
In the performance of "Don't Forget Me" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, Maggie Rogers is playing a Martin HD-28, as seen in the video published by BBCRadio1VEVO on YouTube.
See the Martin website: www.martinguitar.com/players/john-moreland. He is one of the Martin Guitar Players, it states ‘John Moreland's preferred Martin guitar: HD-28’.
"Pete’s main acoustics have been a Martin HD-28 or a Larrivee, but recently he’s been working with Robbie Brown, of Legend, designing “…the ultimate Pete Anderson acoustic guitar,” which is going to be called the Delta Bomber."
In this blog post, Anssi Kela confirms that he uses the Martin HD-28
Then I noticed a Martin HD-28 on the wall. I looked at the price tag: fourteen grand. Absolutely insane. But I had to try it, of course. And that was an expensive mistake. I played one chord and immediately went: “Holy shit…” In the end, the investment was worth every penny. I began writing new songs with my new guitar, and these songs eventually formed my solo debut album Nummela. I finally learned the art of storytelling in song format and found my own voice as a songwriter. The Martin provided the framework for the change.
In an interview with GuitarPlayer, Ricky Byrd stated that he uses an '87 Martin HD-28 in his studio.
In a YouTube video titled "Dave Stamey Corporal's Lament (unreleased)" by Dusty Vaquero, Dave Stamey is seen playing a new-production Martin HD-28 guitar. This video was filmed at J.M. Capriola's in Elko, Nevada, and produced with permission from the artist.
Caleb Stine's primary guitar for practice and live performances is a 1976 Martin HD-28, as evidenced by a post on his Instagram account, @calebstinemusic. The post includes the hashtags #martinhd28, #fingerpicking, and #acousticguitar, and shows the guitar with a hole worn through the top from heavy play wear.
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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