Buying the Perfect Martin D-28: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Martin D-28

Overview

The Martin D-28 is one of the most iconic acoustic guitars ever created, prized by professional and amateur musicians alike for its rich tone and unmistakable sound. This buying guide will provide an in-depth look at the Martin D-28, from its history and construction to the many factors to consider when selecting the right D-28 for you. We'll guide you through the process of choosing a year of manufacture, wood type, and accessories, as well as offer insight into the best way to purchase a Martin D-28. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, this guide will help you find the perfect Martin D-28 for your playing style and sound.

Key features

  1. Body Construction and Design: Martin D-28 guitars are renowned for their distinctive and iconic dreadnought body shape and distinctive X-bracing pattern, which provides the guitar with an outstanding level of resonance and sustain.
  2. Sound: The Martin D-28 produces a warm, round tone that is well-suited for a variety of musical styles, from folk and country to blues and jazz.
  3. Playability: The Martin D-28's neck profile is designed for easy playability, and the guitar's action and intonation can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.
  4. Materials: The Martin D-28 is constructed with solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, which give the guitar its unique tonal properties.
  5. Hardware: The Martin D-28 is equipped with high-quality, durable hardware, including a rosewood bridge, Grover® tuners, and nickel-plated frets.

See the most popular Martin D-28 on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Tone and Volume: The Martin D-28 has a rich, loud and clear tone, giving it a bright and dynamic sound.
  • Versatility: The Martin D-28 is known for its great versatility, allowing players to use it for various genres of music.
  • Durability: The Martin D-28 is made with high quality materials, making it very durable and able to withstand regular use.
  • Playability: The Martin D-28 has a smooth and responsive neck which makes it easy to play.
  • Value: The Martin D-28 is a relatively affordable guitar for its quality, offering great value for money.

Cons

  • Price - Martin D-28 is an expensive guitar, typically priced around $3,000 which may be too much for those on a budget.
  • Weight - Martin D-28 is a heavy guitar, weighing around 5-6lbs, which may be too heavy for some players.
  • Neck Width - At 1-11/16”, the neck width of the Martin D-28 is somewhat narrow for larger hands, and may be a concern for those with larger hands.
  • String Gauge - Martin D-28 comes with light gauge acoustic strings which may not be suitable for some players who prefer heavier gauge strings.

Best alternatives

  1. Gibson J-45 - A classic acoustic guitar with a rounded back for a warm sound.
  2. Taylor 814ce - An acoustic-electric guitar with a bright and airy tone.
  3. Fender CD-140S - A dreadnought guitar with a balanced sound and great projection.
  4. Yamaha LL6 - A guitar with a deep and quiet tone, perfect for fingerstyle playing.
  5. Guild D-55 - A high-end acoustic guitar with a distinct sound and great dynamic range.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Strings for Martin D-28 - Strings made specifically for Martin D-28, which are made of phosphor bronze and come in light, medium, and heavy gauges. Pickguard - A pickguard designed for Martin D-28 that has a rectangular shape and fits the body shape. Capo - A capo designed for Martin D-28 that fits over the fretboard and keeps the strings in place when you play. Picks - Picks designed for Martin D-28 that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Bridge Pins - Bridge pins for Martin D-28 that are made of ebony and help to secure the strings to the bridge. Tuners - Tuners specifically designed for Martin D-28 that are made of chrome and help to keep the guitar in tune. Pickup - An optional pickup for Martin D-28 that amplifies the sound of the guitar. Cases - Cases designed for Martin D-28 that protect the guitar from dust and other elements.

Common questions

  1. What is the price range of Martin D-28? The Martin D-28 typically retails for around $3,000 - $4,500 USD.
  2. What are the body and neck materials of Martin D-28? The body of the Martin D-28 is typically constructed from solid Sitka spruce and solid mahogany, while the neck is usually made of solid mahogany.
  3. What is the scale length of Martin D-28? The Martin D-28 has a scale length of 25.4 inches.
  4. What type of guitar strings is best suited for Martin D-28? Martin D-28s are usually strung with 80/20 bronze strings, though medium gauge phosphor bronze strings can also be used.
  5. What type of fingerboard material is used on Martin D-28? Martin D-28s typically feature ebony fingerboards.
  6. What kind of nut and saddle material is used on Martin D-28? The nut and saddle of the Martin D-28 are usually made of bone.
  7. What type of bridge is used on Martin D-28? The Martin D-28 is typically equipped with a solid ebony bridge.
  8. What type of electronics, if any, are included on Martin D-28? Martin D-28s are typically sold without any pre-installed electronics.
  9. What type of finish is used on Martin D-28? Martin D-28s usually feature a high gloss finish.
  10. What is the warranty offered on Martin D-28? Martin D-28s usually come with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.

Trivia

Martin D-28s have been popular instruments since the 1930s. In fact, in the 1960s, George Harrison of The Beatles famously used a Martin D-28 to record "Yesterday" and "Here Comes the Sun". According to an article by Premier Guitar, Harrison was gifted the guitar from the legendary guitarist, Clarence White of the country rock band, The Byrds. White originally purchased the guitar in 1967 and played it on the Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo recording sessions. The guitar was later sold to a close friend of White, who then gave it to Harrison as a gift. This gift of an iconic instrument from one remarkable musician to another is certainly an interesting story that could make potential shoppers smile. Source: Premier Guitar

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.