I did a hands on between a D-35 and HD-35, and I was blown away with the extra bass oomph from the scalloped bracing HD-35. My personal preference, but what sealed the deal for me on the HD.
I've owned a D-28 for a couple of years now and I have had the chance to play on a HD-28 on a few occasions, but after some comparison I really think this heavy weight shootout comes down to preference. I really like my 2013 D-28 because it is loud, clear, and fairly well balanced. This comes in handy for the singer songwriter who plays weekly at gigs and is looking into doing some home studio recording. The D-28 is just a solid, well rounded, dreadnought guitar. I can't think of a bad thing to say about it. On the other hand, the HD-28 is very similar to its counterpart but with a little more bass response and a few added overtones. I like playing open chords on an HD-28 because the added fullness just fills the room. So in my opinion the D-28 seems slighter more punchy and tight, whereas the HD-28 seems more boomy and full. Again, they are both amazing guitars and I am blessed to be able to own one.
@voukis6 it is an impossible question to answer. it's all personal preference. the D18, and D45 could be in that list too. We make these videos to help you make your decision. Hope they help. Give Tony a call at the store if you need more insight. (406) 587-4761.
Both great guitars and you can’t go wrong with either. I have the HD-28 and am completely satisfied. The bass response is deeper than the D-28 and the HD features slightly more volume. Does the listener appreciate the difference? No, not really. Does the player? Yes, probably so.
I'll have to go with the HD28 for my favorite of the 2 guitars. Recently I went to a local music store called randy's music. I had been researching different martin d28s on youtube. I couldn't find one that I liked. I played a martin hd28 with a sun burst finish. I could immediately hear the difference in the sound. Before I bought my own martin d18, I couldn't really hear all the subtle differences in tones of different martin guitars. If you can't hear the differences when listening to videos on youtube, then you'll really have to play some martins for yourself. When you get a martin guitar of any type, you'll never regret it.
When I bought my HD28 years back, I'd gone in for a D18. Store only had the HD28. I still have some regrets given I didn't get what I'd gone in for then over the years so many folks saying the 18 better "more recorded" topped by the D models being more "used by the stars". But really, I think they;re all similar enough plus recording techniques make a huge difference. In the end I only use the HD28 when I need to be heard. I use a J-45 for sweet tone and a Martin parlor for brilliant crisp attack...and change when I get bored. That's the significant tone differences to me.
I mostly pick in a band setting and the D-28 fits in a mix better. It cuts thru with no problems and fits in with vocals better. If I was at home picking fiddle tunes all day, I might pick the HD-28. If I had only one guitar to do it all, it would be mahogany D-18.
I've played both back-to-back in several music stores. It all comes down to bass. If you like bass that overshadows the mid and upper register, the HD28 is for you. If you want a much more balanced sound between registers, the D28 is for you. Having said all of that, though, I ended up buying a couple Alvarez Yairi guitars from the 70s because I found the sound to be as good or better than the Martins I've played. I own a J45TV and a D18. I find that I play the Alvarez guitars much more than the others. To each his own, though.
I had my D28 modded to HD28 specs - scalloped bracing, popsicle brace removed, bone nut, bone saddle, bone pegs, waverly tuners. I have to tell you, it sounds as good as any Martin I have ever played. Look up Bryan Kimsey if you have a chance, he is a genius at modding Martins.
I actually prefer the standard braced non-scalloped D-28. The Hd and the "Modern Deluxe" D-28's have too many (that's right) overtones competing for my ears. But, strings make as much difference as the model differences, so that would be handy to know.m . This is an older video, so maybe they are non-coated on both?
My brand new D28 (definitely NOT from Music Villa) cane the other day. It just did not "feel" right somehow. I adjusted the truss rod, shaved the saddle (that appeared unusually high), tried another saddle (Tusq) that I happened to have, lowered a hair.. That was almost right, but still I knew something was still wrong. I ordered a new Martin compensated bone saddle - identical to the ones in all D28's from the factory, and while I was putting it in the slot dislodged a shim!! A shim in a brand new 26 hundred dollar guitar! I removed the shim, added some more relief to the neck, and now I seem to be in business. There had to be a reason the tech at the retailer put the 1mm wooden shim in the slot. The only reason I can think of is an incorrect neck angle, or possibly the nut isn't quite right. What do you think?
The neck appears to be set slightly angled downward, so that the the tension of the strings will take years .longer to pull the neck up - thus causing the postponement of the need for a neck reset (under the guarantee). This makes the guitar stiff to play with medium strings, as I found out over several days. I then tried medium/lights on it, but too much tone was lost that way. I sent the guitar back to where I bought it for a refund.
Nice to hear the actual difference. Thought it was only a visual difference. You are very nice to listen to. I'm not sitting and being annoyed by this review. Lot's of reviews can be a drag to go through. But you have something special :-) Dunno what it is. But thx for ofc! And thumbs up from me.
I personally will have to go with the martin hd28. I've played one at a local store called Randee's Music and it is an amazing guitar. I'm currently saving up for it. I've even got a go fund me page which might help me raise some money.
hey ashton gilmour, what do you know about the inconsistency from instrument to instrument with Martin? I'm looking at ordering a D28 online but I'm a bit nervous for this reason
I'll go for the D-28! Sounds rawer, more powerful, much better for bluegrass IMHO - which is what I'm looking for: the punchy, powerful sound of the lower strings when played really hard with a flat pick.
big difference. I agree the hd28 has a deeper, boomier sound that I like better. that sculptured bracing is definitely allowing the top to resonate more/better on the hd28. thanks
There are more than a few notable luthiers who think herringbone purfling is more than just an aesthetic difference. Anyway, an update of this comparison would be terrific.
Honestly, I can hear the difference. But I love them both. The D-28 is a little more raw sounding and the HE-28 is juicier and richer sounding. Both amazing, heavenly sounds. Wish I could own both.
Great review!! They both sound great. I'd love to hear them in person to get the full effect. Don't forget that if your listening to this video through headphones or through speakers you'll get some different tones depending of what system you have. It's always best to try them out for a while before making a choice. I personally have never met a Martin I didn't like. :)
I'm a Gibson guy all the way but man these both sound great!! Never could I imagine myself playing a Martin, BUT I found a pretty good deal on a HD28, so I came to this video and several others to hear the difference. (The guitar is online so I can't play it if I decide to buy it) they both sure do sound great. I'm looking at 2 guitars. Both guitars are priced the same and both are in great condition. Do I go with a 2008 Gibson Advanced jumbo (has LR Baggs anthem pickup) or try something new and go with the 2011 Martin HD28 (no pickup) I can't make up my mind. Haha 🤘 I
I can't decide which is better. Might help if I played them both myself side by side, but, even then that is not always easy to decide. sometimes different isn't necessarily 'better,' just different.
@Acoustic Letter Would you guys at all be willing to do another comparison video for these two gorgeous guitars? I want to get an HD 28 but part of me wants to wait til I actually get to at least play the 28. Can you guys demo more songs so that we can hear more of the two back to back? Thanks!
Thank you for you're comparison video. Best I've seen, on the subject. I've always preferred my straight D-28. Your Video confirmed my choice, to my ears. To each his own. Thanks again! Great job.
I loved my standard D28 but it just wasn't as loud as i expected. As a bluegrass player i kept feeling like i was being drowned out. So i never understood why people always say bluegrass players prefer the standard braced D28. Yea it sounds fantastic but lacks sheer volume needed when you got a Gibson Mastertone Banjo to stand up to. I ended up discovering the best kept secret in Bluegrass which is the GIBSON ADVANCED JUMBO. It is the loudest acoustic guitar i have ever had the pleasure of banging on. Of course its the ONLY gibson you want bring to a bluegrass jam, anything less won't cut it
I played a d-28 at the shop and I liked it. Then I played and hd-28 and I loved it. Then I played an hd-28v and I fell head over heels for it. So now it's in my bedroom right next to my bed where i play it for as many hours out of the day that I can.
@musicvilladotcom thanks for the review, i want to buy a martin...a Dmartin please tell me for you , what is the best??? d28 , hd28 , hd28v , d35 , or hd35???? thanks nikos
I have a 2008 D28 and one of my regular playing buddies has a 2014 HD28. To anyone who thinks there isn't a difference, play them both side by side. It's exactly as Tony describes. The HD28 is more resonant, and has more growl on the bottom. It's a subtle difference, for sure, but it's noticeable side-by-side. The D28 is still a very responsive instrument with plenty of bass in its own right, and again, as Tony said you need to figure out your playing style. I play all kinds of stuff and often tune down, and the bracing handles that well. I play a lot of finger style and I also like the way that sounds. I didn't choose my D28 against other Martins, in part because I thought it was perfect (much better than the J-45 that I thought I wanted) and I was at my budget limit to boot. If you can't hear a difference between these two guitars you might want to question why you would consider either of them, given the premium over the cheaper models.
The D28 and/or the HD28 are completely different animals than a J45. the J45 has it's own voice...think Jackson Browne or a lot of Neil Young stuff. Generally speaking, those who like a D28 dont much care for the J45 as their primary guitar and vice versa.
You are most likely done ordering and all that, but i got a D28 from the internet (a risk i know) and it turned out to be one of the best sounding guitars i have ever played. Though i must admit, there is much variation in the sound of the D28s that i have played, and some are certainly better than others. Hope all went well, and that you found a good guitar.
HD 28 for me I never payed much attention to bracing but it does make a difference. No guitar has as full and robust a sound as a Martin HD 28. Although I've played a few Guilds that I thought were close.
If your patient and look around you can find HD28 that is balanced really well. Most are real boomy and not balanced real well. But if you go to a big store and play ALL the HD28s in stock there is usually one that is balanced really well. Might have to play 10 of them to find it but when you do it's worth it !
@voukis6 i say d28, it will last a long time and serve you well. the hd28 has weaker "scalloped" bracing, and theres no doubt that weaker bracing will eventually lead to bending/warping and decreased guitar value. the d28 is something you can pass down generations
Were these both new guitars when this was recorded? Can't believe how great the D-28 standard sounds. People always say they need to open up a bit, but if that one's new, it sounds awesome right out of the box. HD-28 is neat, but nothing beats the D-28 for me.
Played a dent n' scratch HD at a guitar center in Austin..... oh my goodness it sounded so good, but I couldn't justify someone elses scratches on my guitar. I wouldn't care if I put a gash in the front (like the one I played), but for the same price I picked up a new D28, and I've never been happier. Still, I wouldn't turn down a HD28.
hopefully this isn't an annoying question. i need to buy a nice guitar, nice enough to stay consistently in tune all the way up the neck. ive done research but i havent been able to actaully play on any other guitars then a taylor 214, and some other taylors. i am willing to spend enough money to buy a 214 specifically ce, my range is like $1000 possibly higher up to 1500. instead of traveling i thought asking an actual person would help me find my new guitar , and the right one for me.
I played my friends Taylor folk electric guitar and now I want an acoustic nylon string electric guitar for an old woman with a wrist that hurts playing guitar lately. do you have any suggestions for me?
what guitars do you suggest? are there any guitars that you want to get rid of for 1000-1200 ? i want to get a guitar i will love and be able to impress myself with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have noticed this on every D-28 I have ever seen. My D-28 has a very dark neck and a dark wavy grained back. I have been to the Martin factory five times and always the HD-28's are lighter in colour and seem to have tighter grain on the back. The D-28's always have nicer looking wood on them. Perhaps this is how Martin offsets the cost of the herringbone trim and extra labor to scallop the braces on the HD's.
+51MontyPython Here are 2 links that will show pictures of the two different bindings.... I think these pictures will give you an idea of the difference... acousticletter.com/shop/martin-d-28-natural/ acousticletter.com/shop/martin-hd28-music-villa-custom/ -Chad
Exactly the kind of video I was looking for. A back to back demonstration to contrast tonal differences. Thanks. Hey, If I might inquire; I have an inexpensive acoustic, and I've always heard that heavier strings have a better tone, but I'm wondering if maybe this particular guitar would be better suited for lighter gauge. Would you say that some acoustics might actually have a more well rounded tone with lighter strings? I know, stupid question.
Gonna get shit for this but I own a D, a hd, 56 gibson cw, 56 00-18. I bought a A braced Martin "Custom"( Think they were 2004-2007 guitar center special D16) with Soild Rosewood b/s that is a superior tone machine. Everywhere I take it people want to buy it. Scoop one up before they get popular. ONE more thing...if you record...a standard D-28 without the scallops will make you much happier.
The scalopped bracing on the HD is nice! Boomy! They all sound good though, not 2 thousand dollars good, but they sound nice. I scored an old HD 28 from the 80's for 1200.
D-28 has that killer classic dreadnaught sound, but the HD-28 sounds even more alive and open! I bet the HD-28 would be better for singer song writers that have a smaller voice. Amazing!
i have an hd-28...boy that baby has incredible bass response....love the feel and sound of it....i somehow ended up with one where they spacing of the grain is actually further apart than normal...man it sounds great....most folks tell me that tighter grain is better but I'm not sure whats better or not all i know is that it sounds amazing.....i think if you want more of a the highs to come out the d28 is probably more your flavor though
How bout a similar demo for OMs & dove tail vrs. bolt on.....etc. I think you did a nice job of this Man! A natural and people person. I get the feeling from just watching you working out the D28s, that you're a straight shooter! Good Luck with the Shop. you'll draw a lot of traffic & create interest in your shop....I think.
Martin guitars are just brilliant. They sound good and just play amazing, it is a pity a can't afford one or would get one. But I might get the DCPA4. Is the D28 an Electro Acoustic. Can you plug it in???
According to the Martin website, both these guitars have "standard X scalloped" bracing. The only difference between the two is that the HD has "forward shifted" bracing. What's up with that?
does anybody know of a list that correlates guitar shapes and models to the style of music they are good for? Many of these videos refer to that but as a beginner I don't know which go with which. Anyone?
I tested the martin d28 and hd28 for me there is no comparison contrary to what could let believe the video. The handle is much easier to play the much more balanced and more precise sound. It was 10 years ago I wanted to buy D28 and I took hd28 for me the difference was enormous pleasure to play and its incredible on her hd28
I found that the HD28 has more punch and bass, at least in the ones I've played the last 5 years. However I did play a few much older D28's that sounded better than both new.. all Martins play and sound different. So my advise is to play as many as you can.
HD-28>D-28 I've sold more HD-28s than D-28s or D-18s for that matter. Although the D-35 and HD-35 are close seconds, their 3 piece backs and thinner bracing haven't caught on but only with a select few. I prefer the sonic qualities of the HD-35s, I love the extra bass and clearer high-end from the scalloped bracing and 3-piece back; only the best guitars are scalloped, I believe. We had a saying at the shop that the "D-28 is the Hillbilly Stradivarius." I can't tell you how many people I've met whom, when they bring their instrument in they explain this is the most expensive thing they own. I live in KY so go figure :)
A little difference in volume as stated, both good sounding. But more demo would be useful. In my experience differences become greater as you explore range with different style. I've played multiple members of the same model which at the start sound similar which express dramatic difference to discriminating ears after more playing. Would be interesting to hear how each compare to a mahogany body D-18.
I had an HD 28 from the 70's. Best sounding, yet turned into the worst playing guitar, because I got it just out of high school and I still lived with parents who had a swamp cooler instead of air conditioning, and the guitar didn't have an adjustable truss rod. It got sent back to Martin twice then I sold it or traded it in (can't remember to who). The Martins now are made with adjustable truss rods except for the Authentic models, which are made pretty much exactly as they were made back in the day.
D28 = has higher highs, sparkle, shows mistakes more. Great chime and punchier. HD-28 = smoother. covers mistakes more and is even, a sliver muted in a nice way. I have the DC-28 2008 cutaway. Thank for comparison vid. Very worthwhile.
@voukis6 but im pretty sure the hd28 would last you 50+ years as long as you dont bang it around. so it really comes down to personal taste. in my opinion: hd28 = more treble(defined notes, harmonics, but it could be lost in the mix...could) d28 = more mid (notes are balanced, always audible over your singing voice)
It is a matter of personal taste of course, buy the one you like the sound of the best, but try out the HD28V - that one takes the HD28 a bit further, more bass, maybe more volume; they all sound richer, louder and a little less twangy with age too.
You must have found the best D28 that the store had. I've never found a regular D28 that sounded good. HD series guitars though have been just the opposite. Every one I've picked up has been sweet.
thinkpol Yeah I agree. I more of a fan of extreme scalloped bracing on mahogany backed guitars. The d28s open up beautifully. Unless it's a hybrid bracing like the 16 series. I like them oath rosewood
I bought a Martin HD 28 6 years ago because of his video...and I never regret it ! Thanks dude !
I did a hands on between a D-35 and HD-35, and I was blown away with the extra bass oomph from the scalloped bracing HD-35. My personal preference, but what sealed the deal for me on the HD.
I've owned a D-28 for a couple of years now and I have had the chance to play on a HD-28 on a few occasions, but after some comparison I really think this heavy weight shootout comes down to preference. I really like my 2013 D-28 because it is loud, clear, and fairly well balanced. This comes in handy for the singer songwriter who plays weekly at gigs and is looking into doing some home studio recording. The D-28 is just a solid, well rounded, dreadnought guitar. I can't think of a bad thing to say about it. On the other hand, the HD-28 is very similar to its counterpart but with a little more bass response and a few added overtones. I like playing open chords on an HD-28 because the added fullness just fills the room. So in my opinion the D-28 seems slighter more punchy and tight, whereas the HD-28 seems more boomy and full. Again, they are both amazing guitars and I am blessed to be able to own one.
2:52 non scalloped d28 vs 3:30 scalloped d28hd
@voukis6 it is an impossible question to answer. it's all personal preference. the D18, and D45 could be in that list too. We make these videos to help you make your decision. Hope they help. Give Tony a call at the store if you need more insight. (406) 587-4761.
Both great guitars and you can’t go wrong with either. I have the HD-28 and am completely satisfied. The bass response is deeper than the D-28 and the HD features slightly more volume. Does the listener appreciate the difference? No, not really. Does the player? Yes, probably so.
I'll have to go with the HD28 for my favorite of the 2 guitars. Recently I went to a local music store called randy's music. I had been researching different martin d28s on youtube. I couldn't find one that I liked. I played a martin hd28 with a sun burst finish. I could immediately hear the difference in the sound. Before I bought my own martin d18, I couldn't really hear all the subtle differences in tones of different martin guitars. If you can't hear the differences when listening to videos on youtube, then you'll really have to play some martins for yourself. When you get a martin guitar of any type, you'll never regret it.
When I bought my HD28 years back, I'd gone in for a D18. Store only had the HD28. I still have some regrets given I didn't get what I'd gone in for then over the years so many folks saying the 18 better "more recorded" topped by the D models being more "used by the stars". But really, I think they;re all similar enough plus recording techniques make a huge difference. In the end I only use the HD28 when I need to be heard. I use a J-45 for sweet tone and a Martin parlor for brilliant crisp attack...and change when I get bored. That's the significant tone differences to me.
I mostly pick in a band setting and the D-28 fits in a mix better. It cuts thru with no problems and fits in with vocals better. If I was at home picking fiddle tunes all day, I might pick the HD-28. If I had only one guitar to do it all, it would be mahogany D-18.
give me a call at the store (406-587-4761) and we'll work through the inconsistencies and nervousness. we have some stellar D28's in stock. -Tony
Couldn’t pick between the D-35 and the HD-28 so I got both
I tried d35 too bass-y for me..
Wish I had that much money
Uh...how fkn rich are you?!
Can you get me one then 😭
Would love it if you guys updated this comparison to your current format.
I've played both back-to-back in several music stores. It all comes down to bass. If you like bass that overshadows the mid and upper register, the HD28 is for you. If you want a much more balanced sound between registers, the D28 is for you. Having said all of that, though, I ended up buying a couple Alvarez Yairi guitars from the 70s because I found the sound to be as good or better than the Martins I've played. I own a J45TV and a D18. I find that I play the Alvarez guitars much more than the others. To each his own, though.
Hi. what microphone are you using in this video? Thanks
I had my D28 modded to HD28 specs - scalloped bracing, popsicle brace removed, bone nut, bone saddle, bone pegs, waverly tuners. I have to tell you, it sounds as good as any Martin I have ever played. Look up Bryan Kimsey if you have a chance, he is a genius at modding Martins.
I actually prefer the standard braced non-scalloped D-28. The Hd and the "Modern Deluxe" D-28's have too many (that's right) overtones competing for my ears.
But, strings make as much difference as the model differences, so that would be handy to know.m . This is an older video, so maybe they are non-coated on both?
My brand new D28 (definitely NOT from Music Villa) cane the other day. It just did not "feel" right somehow. I adjusted the truss rod, shaved the saddle (that appeared unusually high), tried another saddle (Tusq) that I happened to have, lowered a hair.. That was almost right, but still I knew something was still wrong. I ordered a new Martin compensated bone saddle - identical to the ones in all D28's from the factory, and while I was putting it in the slot dislodged a shim!! A shim in a brand new 26 hundred dollar guitar! I removed the shim, added some more relief to the neck, and now I seem to be in business. There had to be a reason the tech at the retailer put the 1mm wooden shim in the slot. The only reason I can think of is an incorrect neck angle, or possibly the nut isn't quite right. What do you think?
The neck appears to be set slightly angled downward, so that the the tension of the strings will take years .longer to pull the neck up - thus causing the postponement of the need for a neck reset (under the guarantee). This makes the guitar stiff to play with medium strings, as I found out over several days. I then tried medium/lights on it, but too much tone was lost that way. I sent the guitar back to where I bought it for a refund.
Of all the videos I wanted to see some fingerpicking in... Oh, well. Say, are the guitars used in this video forward shifted or standard X bracing?
For picking and soft nail brush-strumming, you recommend the D18 or the D28...and what about a Sinker?
9 years later....HD28 for me. I love mine.
Nice to hear the actual difference. Thought it was only a visual difference.
You are very nice to listen to. I'm not sitting and being annoyed by this review. Lot's of reviews can be a drag to go through. But you have something special :-) Dunno what it is.
But thx for ofc! And thumbs up from me.
I personally will have to go with the martin hd28. I've played one at a local store called Randee's Music and it is an amazing guitar. I'm currently saving up for it. I've even got a go fund me page which might help me raise some money.
hey ashton gilmour, what do you know about the inconsistency from instrument to instrument with Martin? I'm looking at ordering a D28 online but I'm a bit nervous for this reason
both amazing, the hd is just that much better. imo
Which would you prefer? Is one better for flat picking?
Exactly, Tony. Best comparisons on the internet.
This video makes me buy a Martin HD 28 6 years ago...never regrets it !!!
I'll go for the D-28! Sounds rawer, more powerful, much better for bluegrass IMHO - which is what I'm looking for: the punchy, powerful sound of the lower strings when played really hard with a flat pick.
big difference. I agree the hd28 has a deeper, boomier sound that I like better. that sculptured bracing is definitely allowing the top to resonate more/better on the hd28. thanks
The D28 had more volume or projection I thought anyway ,both were dreamy. Wanna give me one ? great demo ,the dog was too smart to want to work .
The D28 sounds perfect to me...Th HD28 is great but there is something a bit too big in the sound for my taste.
There are more than a few notable luthiers who think herringbone purfling is more than just an aesthetic difference.
Anyway, an update of this comparison would be terrific.
Honestly, I can hear the difference. But I love them both. The D-28 is a little more raw sounding and the HE-28 is juicier and richer sounding. Both amazing, heavenly sounds. Wish I could own both.
d28 win!
Thanks for putting this together, great demo both great hd did it for me though.
I have the HD 28 and absolutely love it!!!
I have an Epiphone that sounds partly close to hd 28 , Id take the d28 for the Martin sound no other brand can touch
Great review!! They both sound great. I'd love to hear them in person to get the full effect. Don't forget that if your listening to this video through headphones or through speakers you'll get some different tones depending of what system you have. It's always best to try them out for a while before making a choice. I personally have never met a Martin I didn't like. :)
I'm a Gibson guy all the way but man these both sound great!! Never could I imagine myself playing a Martin, BUT I found a pretty good deal on a HD28, so I came to this video and several others to hear the difference. (The guitar is online so I can't play it if I decide to buy it) they both sure do sound great.
I'm looking at 2 guitars. Both guitars are priced the same and both are in great condition. Do I go with a 2008 Gibson Advanced jumbo (has LR Baggs anthem pickup) or try something new and go with the 2011 Martin HD28 (no pickup)
I can't make up my mind. Haha 🤘
I
I can't decide which is better. Might help if I played them both myself side by side, but, even then that is not always easy to decide. sometimes different isn't necessarily 'better,' just different.
I've played both and own the HD-28 I enjoy playing the HD more because of how powerful the bass notes are.
Caleb Smith
Have you played it next to a Blueridge by any chance?
@Acoustic Letter Would you guys at all be willing to do another comparison video for these two gorgeous guitars? I want to get an HD 28 but part of me wants to wait til I actually get to at least play the 28. Can you guys demo more songs so that we can hear more of the two back to back? Thanks!
hd28 has more power. But on d28 there is some fret buzz or something else... (to my ears) great video from Tony, every time. My favorite guy
Thank you for you're comparison video. Best I've seen, on the subject. I've always preferred my straight D-28. Your Video confirmed my choice, to my ears.
To each his own. Thanks again! Great job.
I loved my standard D28 but it just wasn't as loud as i expected. As a bluegrass player i kept feeling like i was being drowned out. So i never understood why people always say bluegrass players prefer the standard braced D28. Yea it sounds fantastic but lacks sheer volume needed when you got a Gibson Mastertone Banjo to stand up to. I ended up discovering the best kept secret in Bluegrass which is the GIBSON ADVANCED JUMBO. It is the loudest acoustic guitar i have ever had the pleasure of banging on. Of course its the ONLY gibson you want bring to a bluegrass jam, anything less won't cut it
Guild D 50 can own most Gibsons or Martins in volume and cutting through a group. Best kept secret in the Bluegrass world.
I played a d-28 at the shop and I liked it. Then I played and hd-28 and I loved it. Then I played an hd-28v and I fell head over heels for it. So now it's in my bedroom right next to my bed where i play it for as many hours out of the day that I can.
@musicvilladotcom
thanks for the review, i want to buy a martin...a Dmartin
please tell me for you , what is the best??? d28 , hd28 , hd28v , d35 , or hd35????
thanks
nikos
Thanks! What kind of strings does it have?
Hi! Please can you tell me the name of the last song you play, the country music
I'd like to learn it and I am looking for the sheet
Thanks
At 2.56""
I have a 2008 D28 and one of my regular playing buddies has a 2014 HD28. To anyone who thinks there isn't a difference, play them both side by side. It's exactly as Tony describes. The HD28 is more resonant, and has more growl on the bottom. It's a subtle difference, for sure, but it's noticeable side-by-side. The D28 is still a very responsive instrument with plenty of bass in its own right, and again, as Tony said you need to figure out your playing style. I play all kinds of stuff and often tune down, and the bracing handles that well. I play a lot of finger style and I also like the way that sounds. I didn't choose my D28 against other Martins, in part because I thought it was perfect (much better than the J-45 that I thought I wanted) and I was at my budget limit to boot. If you can't hear a difference between these two guitars you might want to question why you would consider either of them, given the premium over the cheaper models.
nice
The D28 and/or the HD28 are completely different animals than a J45.
the J45 has it's own voice...think Jackson Browne or a lot of Neil Young stuff. Generally speaking, those who like a D28 dont much care for the J45 as their primary guitar and vice versa.
Neil Young almost always plays Martin acoustics. He plays a D28 and a D45.
You are most likely done ordering and all that, but i got a D28 from the internet (a risk i know) and it turned out to be one of the best sounding guitars i have ever played. Though i must admit, there is much variation in the sound of the D28s that i have played, and some are certainly better than others. Hope all went well, and that you found a good guitar.
HD 28 for me I never payed much attention to bracing but it does make a difference. No guitar has as full and robust a sound as a Martin HD 28. Although I've played a few Guilds that I thought were close.
If your patient and look around you can find HD28 that is balanced really well. Most are real boomy and not balanced real well. But if you go to a big store and play ALL the HD28s in stock there is usually one that is balanced really well. Might have to play 10 of them to find it but when you do it's worth it !
@voukis6 i say d28, it will last a long time and serve you well. the hd28 has weaker "scalloped" bracing, and theres no doubt that weaker bracing will eventually lead to bending/warping and decreased guitar value. the d28 is something you can pass down generations
we'll throw it on our work list. stay tuned...
Were these both new guitars when this was recorded? Can't believe how great the D-28 standard sounds. People always say they need to open up a bit, but if that one's new, it sounds awesome right out of the box. HD-28 is neat, but nothing beats the D-28 for me.
Played a dent n' scratch HD at a guitar center in Austin..... oh my goodness it sounded so good, but I couldn't justify someone elses scratches on my guitar. I wouldn't care if I put a gash in the front (like the one I played), but for the same price I picked up a new D28, and I've never been happier. Still, I wouldn't turn down a HD28.
hopefully this isn't an annoying question. i need to buy a nice guitar, nice enough to stay consistently in tune all the way up the neck. ive done research but i havent been able to actaully play on any other guitars then a taylor 214, and some other taylors. i am willing to spend enough money to buy a 214 specifically ce, my range is like $1000 possibly higher up to 1500. instead of traveling i thought asking an actual person would help me find my new guitar , and the right one for me.
I played my friends Taylor folk electric guitar and now I want an acoustic nylon string electric guitar for an old woman with a wrist that hurts playing guitar lately. do you have any suggestions for me?
what guitars do you suggest? are there any guitars that you want to get rid of for 1000-1200 ? i want to get a guitar i will love and be able to impress myself with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@27theassman Jack-shit (jack russell / shih tzu). his name is Bonsai.
is there any reason the rosewood on the d28 is alot darker than the hd28's pairing of rosewood? i prefer the darker shade in the d28
I have noticed this on every D-28 I have ever seen. My D-28 has a very dark neck and a dark wavy grained back. I have been to the Martin factory five times and always the HD-28's are lighter in colour and seem to have tighter grain on the back. The D-28's always have nicer looking wood on them. Perhaps this is how Martin offsets the cost of the herringbone trim and extra labor to scallop the braces on the HD's.
+Mike Brady What's the difference between the herringbone trim of the one and the trim of the other?
+51MontyPython Here are 2 links that will show pictures of the two different bindings.... I think these pictures will give you an idea of the difference...
acousticletter.com/shop/martin-d-28-natural/
acousticletter.com/shop/martin-hd28-music-villa-custom/ -Chad
Exactly the kind of video I was looking for. A back to back demonstration to contrast tonal differences. Thanks. Hey, If I might inquire; I have an inexpensive acoustic, and I've always heard that heavier strings have a better tone, but I'm wondering if maybe this particular guitar would be better suited for lighter gauge. Would you say that some acoustics might actually have a more well rounded tone with lighter strings? I know, stupid question.
I'm a sucker for scalloped bracing:)
Your reviews on guitars are always great. Please give the review on martin d28 modren deluxe
Coming soon!
Gonna get shit for this but I own a D, a hd, 56 gibson cw, 56 00-18. I bought a A braced Martin "Custom"( Think they were 2004-2007 guitar center special D16) with Soild Rosewood b/s that is a superior tone machine. Everywhere I take it people want to buy it. Scoop one up before they get popular. ONE more thing...if you record...a standard D-28 without the scallops will make you much happier.
The scalopped bracing on the HD is nice! Boomy! They all sound good though, not 2 thousand dollars good, but they sound nice. I scored an old HD 28 from the 80's for 1200.
D-28 has that killer classic dreadnaught sound, but the HD-28 sounds even more alive and open! I bet the HD-28 would be better for singer song writers that have a smaller voice. Amazing!
i have an hd-28...boy that baby has incredible bass response....love the feel and sound of it....i somehow ended up with one where they spacing of the grain is actually further apart than normal...man it sounds great....most folks tell me that tighter grain is better but I'm not sure whats better or not all i know is that it sounds amazing.....i think if you want more of a the highs to come out the d28 is probably more your flavor though
The HD28 wins. Classier. Wider, deeper tone. More of a players guitar.
How bout a similar demo for OMs & dove tail vrs. bolt on.....etc. I think you did a nice job of this Man! A natural and people person. I get the feeling from just watching you working out the D28s, that you're a straight shooter! Good Luck with the Shop. you'll draw a lot of traffic & create interest in your shop....I think.
Martin guitars are just brilliant. They sound good and just play amazing, it is a pity a can't afford one or would get one. But I might get the DCPA4. Is the D28 an Electro Acoustic. Can you plug it in???
According to the Martin website, both these guitars have "standard X scalloped" bracing. The only difference between the two is that the HD has "forward shifted" bracing. What's up with that?
are all the martin d 28 handcrafted?
I love your reviews. Thanks very much
does anybody know of a list that correlates guitar shapes and models to the style of music they are good for? Many of these videos refer to that but as a beginner I don't know which go with which. Anyone?
This might not be exactly what you want, but might help... ua-cam.com/video/JUOZvCE8rgI/v-deo.html
I tested the martin d28 and hd28 for me there is no comparison contrary to what could let believe the video. The handle is much easier to play the much more balanced and more precise sound.
It was 10 years ago I wanted to buy D28 and I took hd28 for me the difference was enormous pleasure to play and its incredible on her hd28
Wow, the D28 sounds a lot better for me.
Thanks for the review Ashton Gilmour
Which did the player prefer?
I found that the HD28 has more punch and bass, at least in the ones I've played the last 5 years. However I did play a few much older D28's that sounded better than both new.. all Martins play and sound different. So my advise is to play as many as you can.
Both sound Great, I'll take one of each.
Both great, I preferred the D-28 from this...the highs seem more pronounced but still balanced.
HD-28>D-28
I've sold more HD-28s than D-28s or D-18s for that matter. Although the D-35 and HD-35 are close seconds, their 3 piece backs and thinner bracing haven't caught on but only with a select few. I prefer the sonic qualities of the HD-35s, I love the extra bass and clearer high-end from the scalloped bracing and 3-piece back; only the best guitars are scalloped, I believe. We had a saying at the shop that the "D-28 is the Hillbilly Stradivarius." I can't tell you how many people I've met whom, when they bring their instrument in they explain this is the most expensive thing they own. I live in KY so go figure :)
Tony, I'd not seen this review before now, and I made the same joke about the pickguard in my Martin review! haha
Do you know if Beatles, I should say John and Paul, were playing D-28's or HD28's in India and on the White Album, etc?
+NVprods They played D-28s, the HD-28 wasn't introduced until the mid 70s.
both John lennon and Paul McCartney also played gibson J45's :-)
Thanks
A little difference in volume as stated, both good sounding. But more demo would be useful. In my experience differences become greater as you explore range with different style. I've played multiple members of the same model which at the start sound similar which express dramatic difference to discriminating ears after more playing. Would be interesting to hear how each compare to a mahogany body D-18.
HD is more mellow, not as loud but warmer. I like the bass from it.
I had an HD 28 from the 70's. Best sounding, yet turned into the worst playing guitar, because I got it just out of high school and I still lived with parents who had a swamp cooler instead of air conditioning, and the guitar didn't have an adjustable truss rod. It got sent back to Martin twice then I sold it or traded it in (can't remember to who). The Martins now are made with adjustable truss rods except for the Authentic models, which are made pretty much exactly as they were made back in the day.
I have played both, but the BEST guitar I have ever played was an HDV 28...sweetest ever.
D28 = has higher highs, sparkle, shows mistakes more. Great chime and punchier.
HD-28 = smoother. covers mistakes more and is even, a sliver muted in a nice way.
I have the DC-28 2008 cutaway. Thank for comparison vid. Very worthwhile.
@voukis6 but im pretty sure the hd28 would last you 50+ years as long as you dont bang it around. so it really comes down to personal taste. in my opinion:
hd28 = more treble(defined notes, harmonics, but it could be lost in the mix...could)
d28 = more mid (notes are balanced, always audible over your singing voice)
My opinion would the same as yours. The HD 28 is more bassy. Two beautiful guitars.
The scalloped bracing, will gain a little more in the low mid/bass frequencies.
It is a matter of personal taste of course, buy the one you like the sound of the best, but try out the HD28V - that one takes the HD28 a bit further, more bass, maybe more volume; they all sound richer, louder and a little less twangy with age too.
You must have found the best D28 that the store had. I've never found a regular D28 that sounded good. HD series guitars though have been just the opposite. Every one I've picked up has been sweet.
Man that D28 sounds great.
Thanks man. Based on your demos, the HD is clearly superior
I have a 1995 HD-28 with a black pick guard. I wonder why. I guess I should contact Martin.
For me HD28 sound a bit better but D28 sounds more like typical Martin sound which is more familier.
So I was really digging the HD28, but then when I looked up the price I was like "OH HELL NAW"
Wow, I thought the D-28 sounded WAY better than the HD-28. Both sound great but the HD-28 sounds muddy and not as bright.
Yeah I too thought the D28 rang ,was tone city.
thinkpol Yeah I agree. I more of a fan of extreme scalloped bracing on mahogany backed guitars. The d28s open up beautifully. Unless it's a hybrid bracing like the 16 series. I like them oath rosewood