Martin Guitars Custom Shop HD-28

Sonic Evaluation

Normally, our D-28s and HD-28s come with Sitka or Adirondack spruce tops, but this serial makes a profound argument for Engelman's spruce supremacy! It has fresh, exciting flavor of dreadnought tone that compels you to play creatively and get inspired. Though it still packs that traditional boom and oodles of volume we expect from a Martin, it trades a little bit of that acoustic thunder for a heaping dose of richness and complexity. You can still hear the fundamental clearly, but it's draped in a gorgeous sheen of sweet, lush overtones. As a result, this is one of those guitars where a G chord sounds like...well, more than a G chord, somehow! Somehow, it manages to stay balanced and clear, even when using complex voicings.

Frequency wise, the bass response is massive and woody, and the low E will rattle your ribs and make your liver quiver. The midrange packs a surprising punch, and the trebles are sweet and sunny. Lead lines have plenty of presence, and this serial's rich voice imbues them with lots of power. Sitting and strumming chords is also such a joy that I just sat and played the same progression in the open position for like five minutes because it sounded so dang good (sorry, coworkers!). Even simple progressions sound gorgeous thanks to this serial's massive overtone presence. Coupled with the piano-like qualities of the attack, it makes for a marvelous playing experience. Speaking of which, it's also responsive enough to work wonderfully as a fingerstyle guitar.

All in all, this HD-28 is an incredible example of Engelman spruce's tremendous power, and I have no doubt you'll love it as much as I did!