Martin

This model, like most from Martin's Standard Series, has been "re-imagined" for 2018, and as such, there are new features to distinguish it from its forbearers. Three that are principal include its neck, body trim, and top bracing.

The HD-28 is now fitted with Martin's Modified Low Oval/High Performance Taper neck. First introduced in Martin's Performance Series guitars, this neck, with its slimmer overall shape, has become the default choice for the new Standard Series guitars. The "Low Oval" feature means that the profile of the back of the neck is changed - its mass is reduced slightly producing a contour that is very hand friendly. And the "High Performance Taper" refers to the neck's more parallel shape transitioning from lower to higher neck positions. With a wider 1 3/4" width at the nut and narrower 2 1/8" width at the 12th fret, the overall feel going from low to high is more uniform. Additionally, the strings are now spaced closer together at the bridge - 2 5/32". The combination of these features, plus the neck's sleek satin finish makes this guitar's playability remarkably smooth and comfortable.

With respect to its appearance, the new HD-28 still features Indian rosewood back with rosewood sides and a Sitka spruce top with aging toner and Herringbone purfling, but the stark white celluloid formerly used for this model's body bindings, fingerboard bindings, heel cap and end piece have all been replaced with a warm "Antique" white celluloid. This a new feature lends a very appealing vintage flavor to the guitar's overall appearance.

And, to enhance its sound even more, the X-brace on this re-imagined HD-28 is now forward shifted. This design, borrowed from Martin's Vintage Series guitars, in combination with the use of scalloped top braces, relaxes the instrument's top in the area where its bridge is coupled. This strategy can liberate more of the string's vibrational energy and, therefore, can improve the voice of a guitar. In the case of this guitar, we applaud Martin's choice to re-position the X-brace in the "pre-war" fashion, for this new HD-28 now shares qualities of sound for which its "Vintage Series" cousins are celebrated - namely increased power, depth, and color.

• Dreadnought Body Size
• Solid Sitka Spruce Top
• Scalloped Forward-Shifted X-Brace
• Solid Indian Rosewood Back and Sides
• Multi-Stripe Rosette
• Gloss Finish
• Select Hardwood Neck
• Ebony Fingerboard
• Diamonds and Squares Long Pattern Fingerboard Inlays
• East Indian Rosewood Headstock Veneer
• Modified Low Oval Neck Carve with High Performance Taper
• Satin Neck Finish
• Ebony Bridge
• Nickel Open Gear Tuners with Butterbean knobs
• Faux Tortoise Pickguard
• Bone Nut
• Bone Saddle
• 1 3/4” Nut Width
• 25.4” Scale Length
• Ply Hardshell Case