Martin Dread Throwdown : Martin D18 vs D28 vs HD28 :
Вставка
- Опубліковано 1 лип 2019
- Martin Dread Shooutout
D18: Sitka Spruce Top, Mahogany Back and Sides
Strumming 0:01 Flatpicking 1:10 Fingerpicking 1:57
D-28: Sitka Spruce Top, Rosewood Back and Sides
Strumming 3:06 Flatpicking 4:19 Fingerpicking 5:05
HD-28: Sitka Spruce Top, Rosewood Back and Sides,
Strumming 6:43 Flatpicking 7:52 Fingerpicking 8:34
Recorded with Shure KSM32, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, Logic Pro, no additional processing.
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A much needed comparison - much appreciated.
Thank you very much !
Great no-nonsense review. Covers everything very well. Three great Martin dreads.
My preferences: 1: the D-28 2: the D-18 3: the HD-28
Woah,
One of the best comparisons I've seen. Keep up the good work.
To me they all sound great and balanced well! The subtle strengths:
D-18 slow finger picking is so nice and mellow.
D-28 clarity crispness of each note, opens up on the flat picking jam
HD-28 clarity of each note crisp and clear especially on finger picking.
The D18 is just so “in your face”, it cuts through and isn’t really too heavy in the low end or top end. All 3 sound killer, but man D18’s just do it for me.
Not even a contest for me either.
No way hose b.
mahogany brother, mahogany ❤️
@@Steven-Duffy maybe for you, but not for me man. If they Yamaha does it for you, then awesome. We all like different things so it’s not about one guitar being better than the other. If they both sound good, then great. I’ve had my D18 for 4 years and it’s the most inspiring instrument I have it have ever had and it just keeps getting better. No need to try and swing me to the Yamaha side or make me question my purchase. You do you man.
@@Steven-Duffy i agree with robby. unfortunately every yamaha ive heard sounds like a toy compared to my D18, and the yamahas FEEL like toys, or like beginner guitars to my hands.
allll but this ONE epiphone texan i found, it sounds and feels pretty similar to my d-18 so i use it as a backup. (both are sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides so makes sense)
Wow this was awesome as always thank you!!
I’ve played all three. And for me the D-18 gets my money every time. I also own a twelve fret slot head CEO-5 Martin from 2002 and its a beauty as well. 🤠
Great comparison one of the best if not THE best! Great stuff 👍
Thanks for tuning in Gareth.
hd 28 rings so fine to my ear
The D18 is so mellow and balanced. Such a beautiful sounding instrument
Great stuff. I have a D18 and HD28. Both great but for consistently hitting the spot inside of me the D18 always delivers. In this video upload all these axes are equally ferkin awesome to my ear.
Love them all a lot but, for me, the D28 stood out with it's great projection mixed with great balance.
Correct. Biased as I have one, but correct all the same. :)
D18
Strumming 0:01 Flatpicking 1:10 Fingerpicking 1:57
D-28
Strumming 3:06 Flatpicking 4:19 Fingerpicking 5:05
HD-28
Strumming 6:43 Flatpicking 7:52 Fingerpicking 8:34
D18 sounds charm of mahogany
D18 gives woody subdued warmth. Love it.
As a blind fellow who couldn't see which one was being played and having trouble deciding between the D-18 and D-28 for myself, bless you for this.
To be clear, I meant the timestamps. Very helpful!
Mighty fine picking, Ian!
Thanks my friend :)
Ian you make every guitar you play come alive bro. Sincerely 👊🏼
Wonderful about flawless playing they all sound great
D28 for me, balanced and clear but all 3 sound great and have their strengths.
My pick is the D18. Love that box.
Nice comparison!! I love Martin tone the best. They all great. D18 is lots of mid range, D28 is transparent and punchy tone and HD28 is boomy and punchy.
Nice display of tones
Great video and great sound quality. I'd vote for D-18 as my favorite.
Thanks for the kind words Chris. Can't go wrong with a d18.
I own a D-18 which I hold as the standard to all other guitars, the HD sounds like it has some brighter highs. No doubt all three are amazing and what a treat to hear them. If I could add to my collection I believe it would be the HD. I just feel very fortunate own at least one of these beauties !!
I own an HD and it is a CANNON! If I'm playing with others, I almost always strum with the side of thumb or it just blows everyone out. It made me fall in love with the guitar all over again. BUT, my next one will be the D18. If I hadn't gotten such a deal on the HD, I would've gotten the 18. I'm not a jealous man but I do envy you my friend...keep on picking"!
This shootout is done very well. Thank you. Someone made a comment that the D-18 bass doesn’t stand out as much as people say it does. Well it actually is more present, what’s happening though is the D-18 being more balanced? Gives the auditory illusion of less bass, when in fact it is a stronger and more direct bass signal. I have used many D-18’s, D-28’s and several other Martins in the studio. I have heard this same comment before so many years ago I did an experiment t
Very cool, thanks for sharing with us.
I love the sound and look of the HD-28. I don’t think you could go wrong with any of these though. I own a J-40 and an HD-28 but I want to add a hog to the mix one of these days!
Message part 2. In the studio, using several different Martins, I only recorded the low E string. On all counts, except for one 1939 D-28, the D-18’s were far stronger on the bass response. It is because of the softer Mahogany wood. It’s an easy mistake to make. I have made it myself. Hope this helps.
😊
I thought I wanted a D-18 but that D-28 just blew me a way.
very useful! Thanks!
The HD has more depth and woodiness and a similar piercing flatpicking sound to the regular D-28, so I would chose the D-18 for general strumming but the HD for bluegrass flatpicking.
All are great flavors. I prefer the standard D series. Something about the tonality of standard X braced, non scalloped Martins that appeals to my ears. Thank you.
I love them all. The D-18 is warmer, D-28 brighter with better sustain, HD-28 sounds the same to me as the D-28. Next do a D-35 vs D-45 comparison please.
Awesome channel and content. My ONLY request is to edit the videos and put each guitars section right after each other so we can immediately discern any differences.
Thanks, trying to edit all new videos this way
Best shootout of these guitars on the internet :)
Thanks for the kind words Joey.
@@ianmeadows6351 what's your favourite out of the three?
@yumpladukfoo ???????????????????????? lazy af lol
D-18 has the best sound to my ear. Not by a lot though. But just enough clarity in the mahogany to sing past the Rosewoods
Hi,
Which do you prefer D-28 or HD-28?
Thanks
Prefer the rosewood 28's - either one. If I'm parting with money, the straight braced D-28 standard would do just fine.
My son has a D-18GE, I have a D-28 Marquis. Both are fantastic.
Two phenomenal instruments!!!
I have an HD-28 and a D-18 and here’s what I’ll say. They’re both fabulous guitars. If you want a loud and responsive guitar, the D-18 is your friend. If you want a flat picking guitar and you want each note to be clear and clean then the HD-28 is your friend.
Strumming sounds pretty damn good on the HD28 also
@@williamrehl6520 agreed
Even though you stated the order of playing and have a list of the timestamps, perhaps a momentary screen label when each one is played so the viewer doesn't need to reference elsewhere. Thanks. Great job as always.
True, I don't exactly have an eagle eye but dark binding on the 18, off-white binding on the 28, and notice the dots change to diamonds and square pattern on the herringbone d28, hope that helps
J'adore le son cristallin des guitares Martin 👏👍🎶🎶
funny, i just bought a d-18e, amazing instrument, but now having played it a while i wonder if i'd prefer the d-28, especially when playing with others. d-28 cuts so clear....
sell to me, perhaps?
I want to love the D-18 due to how mellow and warm it sounds, but it also sounds kind of dull/muted. Like there is a blanket over the tone.
@yumpladukfoo I love my HD-28 and it's gotten better as its aged. I just finally said to hell with it and I am happy enough with my classical when it comes to a warmed toned acoustic. I was always searching for that "magical" warm steel string but I got tired of chasing the dragon I guess.
Change strings
Hey there, so what’s the difference between the HD28 and the HD28 V?
Thanks
BTW- The recording was great. Mic sounded good, and no additional processing really helps! 👍🏼
All three are nice !
I'm happy to be able to hear these back-to-back-to-back. The D-28 comes off just a little too harsh, and the HD-28 seems to have a nice chimey sound kind of like a 12-string. But the D-18 just sounds so good to me and that's what I prefer out of the three. Maybe it's because I have basically a poor man's D-18 and I've gotten to really like that spruce and mahogany sound.
Hii @derelict fields , Can u suggest bit cheaper value for money option compare to D18 🙏😊
@nandish patel I've heard that Eastman, Larrivee, and Recording King have very good D-18 alternatives. I have a less expensive Martin (Cstom D Classic Mahoney) which is pretty good, too.
@@derelictfields first of all Thank you and Love from India ☺️.
I tried Breedlove guitars i founded it kinda Good one. (Though im not a professional or pro player, being just a mediocre with high taste ! ☺️)
The ones u mention are not available here in india, heard it for the 1st time :/ im a bit of fingerstyle player but looking for versatile one for life time keeping.
I cannot rate these guitars in order. They are all superb in their way as are all the Martin standards. The HD speaks to ME the most because of its expansive, rounded sound with added headroom. I have an HD35, and you can play that as quiet or loud as you like and it will never quit or distort. My friend has an 18 and it's also a beautiful guitar and breaks up in an elegant way at higher volumes. I cannot comment from first had experience on the 28, but on this showing it is closer to the 18 than the HD. Great test with lots of attention to keeping the playing similar between the guitars!
There's no clear winner to me Robert. It's all personal preference, or rather what tool fits best for the song...
Even though it isn’t the prettiest of these 3, and the most “affordable” as well, the D18 projects so well. The others sounded muffled or “constrained” compared to the D18.
It’s a cannon for sure.
Mids and highs excellent on all three. Bass gets better with price. 😉
I wonder which one would sound best in a mix to me.. My guess is that the D28 is better in a mix than a D18
HD-28 just seems more pleasing to my ear. All sound great in their own right though
Ian I’m torn between the HD28 and D28, for a solid all round great strummer and flat picker. I hear mixed reviews on the HD, which is your preference?
Honestly I’m an om guy but have strummed both and really liked the d-28 standard alottt
Ian what strings do you use for d18 gere?
Goodness that hog sounds awesome!!
All three are wonderful sounding acoustic guitars. However, their descriptions are not quite correct, or complete. They appear to be from Martin's "Re-imagined" series (post-2012 or thereabouts). The "butterbean" tuners are the give-away. It's useful to check out Martin's website for the specifications of each model. There you will find that:
(a) The D-18 has SCALLOPED, forward-shifted X-bracing
(b) The D-28 has non-scalloped FORWARD-SHIFTED X-bracing
(c) the HD-28 has both scalloped and forward-shifted X-bracing
The bracing position has a significant influence on a guitar's sound. Notwithstanding, all three are fabulous instruments. Whether you'd hear their subtle differences when they're played among other instruments (e.g. in a bluegrass band) is another matter.
That D18 is soooo sweet! You’re a great player man. So what year and nut widths are these. I love Martin but can only play 1 11/16” nuts
I’m trying to find an acoustic where it has a greater string spacing because most feel like the strings are really close together and very hard for me to play. Is this why you say that the 1-11/16 is preferred for you?
I bought the 2028 D28 Modern Deluxe, great instrument
D18 is sweet and elegant, lead you into nostalgic feelings.
beautiful! u are the best! what strings were used on the guitars?? thank you!
thanks Chris. D'addario EJ16s unless otherwise noted.
I favor the D18. It has a better low end and is loud. The D28 and HD28 very nice too.
I’m a huge D-18 fan. But WOW. That HD-28 is powerful
D18 for the win.
Absolutely fabulous demo my friend!!!! are they gauge 13's you have on those beautiful instruments?
Those are actually all 12's Eddy. Phosphor Bronze Daddario
@@ianmeadows6351 Cheers Ian!!! they sound excellent!!!
Whenever I listen to a D18 vs D28, I always really like both and possible the 18 better... But when *I* play them for myself, I always greatly prefer the 28. Makes choosing between them tough!
I think it's because the D-18 has a certain clarity in the mid-range that makes it record so nicely. The D-28 has a lovely complexity and richness in the bass that makes it sound so nice to hear live. At least that's my experience.
I skipped from the strums on the d28 back to the d18 and the 18 is miles more my sound.
I love the presence of the high mids on the 18 much more and find 28 is more low mid focused.
I just sold my seagull which was spruce and wild cherry and I’d say it’s more like the 28. Obviously not as good but it’s more rounded and hoping to find something like the 18 at lower price for now
DSS-17...Gives all three a run for their money..awesome guitar✌️
Hi, great comparison but my "ear memory" can't really remember very well what the previous guitar sounded like when you switched to the next. It would have been easier if you let's say strum the same chord on all three guitars back to back (I know this would have required way more editing work). And then as you switched playing style and chord progressions and played each guitar back to back. I used to help beginners buy guitars by lining up 5 guitars of various brands, body styles, woods, and of course price range. I would tell them to close their eyes and I would play the same exact song/chord progression, hopefully with the same pressure and have them choose without having their eyes discriminating. I tried to make sure they I didn't play them in the same order so they wouldn't know which was which.
I've been asking this for weeks. I really hope he does this.
try them in person. that d18 will grab you bigtime.
Eye opener! D18 all the way.
What year model is that D18? If it's 2012 or later,(and it looks and sounds like it is), it has forward shifted, scalloped bracing.
It's a 2019, you're absolutely correct on that. That was my mistake! I will edit the description.
The 28 is just so clear and chimey
how if its completely mid scooped like it should be with rosewood. the d18 is the most mid range bright of the bunch simply cuz of mahogany
if anything d28 and any rosewood acoustics always sound muddy. d18’s are more bright and clear because mahogany has a more even EQ than rosewood
D28 for me! great comparison!
Thanks from korea south^^
All 3 sound fantastic. The D-28 is the sound of Hank Williams. He played a 1941 D-28.
Great demonstration! I shows very clear the differences between mahagon back and sides and rosewood back and sides. The rosewood always gives this smiley face eq form, since the mahagon gives more "vintage" (more mids) sound. Thanks for this video! I have Guild CO-2 with mahagon back and sides and I like it very much for what it is. I hope some day I will lay my hands on some good dreadnought guitar with rosewood back and sides.
Thanks for watching Mihail. Rosewood is a beautiful tonewood for sure!
Hello Ian, thank you for your demonstration and I would like you to give me some opinions on Martin D28 and Guild D55. I am about to choose one from these 2. I found some videos in youtube comparing the 2. Honestly, I don't have good ears to distinguish them nor am I a good guitar player in terms of skill. However, I still want to have a high end guitar. It seems that Guild D55 will cost more than Martin D28.
Hi Benny. Both of these guitars are excellent, you can't really go wrong. The D55 may be the choice if you like a little more bling. It's dressed up more then the D28. At this level, I'd say it's whatever one you're more drawn to!
@@ianmeadows6351 Thank you so much for your advice. You are so nice.
I have just given you a little support and shared with you my joy of buying a new guitar Guild D-55.
Hi Benny RIP Richie Havens plays a guild 55 sounds good
Played a d18 yesterday and a d28 too walked out with the d28.
I would need time with all 3 plus a D35 and then decide. Unfortunately, most of us have to decide in a guitar shop and no matter how easy-going the shop, it's not the best environment for such a choice. Maybe the answer is to own each for a few months, then sell and buy the others in turn. After a year, think back and decide which one gave you most pleasure. Buying used would reduce any loss in value.
Any idea why they never introduced a D18 with straight braces to complement the straight braced modern d28? When the d28 was first introduced in the 30s it wasn't called the hd28 it just had those specs. I find it curious. The fairest comparison is the d18 and hd because they both have scalloped braces, would be so curious to hear a straight braced d18
Interesting question! No idea though. I'll ask around
@@ianmeadows6351 awesome thanks! I know there's no substitute for playing in person but when that's not possible this is definitely one of the best channels for a reference point
I'm surprised. I've always preferred rosewood guitars in general and D28's in particular. But man...that D-18 sounded spot on. Great highs/lows, good on strumming, flatpicking, and finger picking (although I think the finger picking wasn't it's strongest suit). The D-28 sounded a little tubby/boomy to me, although I've always found them to be full and lush. Not in this comparison.
i tried the d 18 and d28. that d 18 will grab you for life. change strings is its too mellow, or stick with stock mediums.
What strings bring used?
D'addario EJ16
all 3 fantastic...are all 2019 models? and which was your fave?
Yeah, all three are 2019. I'd say I'm partial to the D18... But If I could have it my way I'd have a D-18 and an HD-28. Tools for different jobs!
Mahogany- piano sound, rosewood - harpscihord sound.
In a previous video I thought the HD sounded a bit mushy but in this video it sounds smooth and buttery, my favorite of the 3.
Thanks for dropping by Steve, the HD is a great guitar for sure
D18 so precise and clear, sounds so right with that reverb
No reverb on here! Recorded direct with no processing.
@@ianmeadows6351 yes, i was pertaining to the natural reverb sound that the D18 produced.
Just bought a D-28 sunburst l hope l like 🙂
I bet youll love it Jeff, they are awesome.
Just ordered one yesterday!
Eu queria encontrar um violão com a sonoridade diferente mas até hoje não encontrei o único que eu encontrei foi o Takamine gd11 porque ele não tem tanto agudo como os demais
Are these all the “reimagined” models??
Yes they are
It’s all about the back bracing
D28's you can feel in your body, HD28 are a little too bassy for me
Ride on man
I get ear fatigue from the rosewood, not the hog like someone mentioned. Too complicated. I could listen to a D18 for hours on end. That said, rosewood adds great interest and punch when you need it!!! So thhey are all fantastic...just get one of each
Exactly. One of each sounds just right.
Do the same comparison with the same guitars 35 years in the future.
Martin magic
you got that right Eric!
The HD28 is where its at. Truthfully, its a pickers guitar, but in the right hands (yours) reigns supreme even in the finger pickers realm. That said, its very unforgiving to the lesser skilled players, but rewards hansomly to the skilled ones.
cant go wrong with an HD28 Wayne. Thanks for tuning in.
Can't go wrong with any Martin.
OK, I feel silly asking this, but how are we supposed to know which is which? I don’t see him changing guitars there’s nothing written across the video? He’s obviously not talking :-) so how do I know which is which please🙏🏻🙏🏻💫❤️🥰
What use string...???
D'addario EJ16
@@ianmeadows6351 thanks......🙏
I have an HD-28. I bought it because of the overtones and how it rings like a bell when fingerpicking, which is mostly what I love and play. But man, that D-18 sounds incredible. If I bought one, I’m not sure how I’d decide which one to play. First world problems, I know!
Having both just means you can rotate between the two! They're all good in their own way
D18
I have an HD28 but I like the sound of Hog so D18 to me sounds best
Liking that he but all very nice
I think you got an exceptional D28 here, the three I tried wouldn't have held a candle to the HD28 I played.
griphos5 d28s are straight braced and hd28s are scalloped. They’re very different sounding.
griphos5 they were very different to me when I played them. And actually the modern deluxe series are actually more heavily scalloped like the Golden Era series were. So supposedly the more scalloping the more movement of the top but when I played a d28md next to a stock hd28 I preferred the hd28. But the good news is that is why Martin makes so many models, because we all hear differently.
@@Griphos The D18 is mahogany back and sides where the 28's are rosewood.
they all sound acousticy to me..
So was there a winner?
Yes, there was a winner! All three are exceptional guitars with great tone. I would want the D-18 if I was playing lead in an acoustic band. I really like the D-28's balance of tone between the lows, slightly scooped mids, and treble top end; with amazing overtones that don't get muddy. I would want the D-28 if I was singing and needed an acoustic guitar for the accompaniment. The HD-28 has everything the D-28 does but with a fuller bass response; it has bass you can feel. I would want a HD-28 for playing with a full band, if I'm not playing just lead guitar only.
So the winner is: Everyone that plays acoustic guitar! Martin has something for every type of player. Some people prefer other brands to Martin, but Martin does cover everyone nicely. I have a D-28. I chose it because it fits best with the kind of playing I mostly do. I would take a D-18 (my next planned purchase), or a HD-28, or D-35 in a heartbeat. They are all wonderful guitars, and I appreciate Martin making them at a high level of quality while never losing each guitars fundamental strengths!