Martin HD-28 Review
Martin HD-28
submitted 12/21/2009
|
Submitter |
brokepick (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Used |
Year Purchased |
2009 |
Price Paid |
1600 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
Martin solid spruce/solid East Indian Rosewood, scalloped X brace, dovetail neck joint dreadnought. All these characteristics come together to produce the famous Martin sound. Distinctive loud, broad spectrum, well balanced authoritative tone from the low E on up. Well rounded tone that sounds great strummed, flatpicked, or fingerpicked. Some might call it boomy and bassy. Perhaps not a totally ideal flatpicking lead guitar, because of that, but it makes up for that in that it sounds great in any situation. It can hold its own anywhere in the hands of someone who knows how to light it up. (not necessarily me BTW) |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
I bought it used. It had obviously been well set up by a previous owner. I can't speak for the original setup. My understanding is that Martin guitars come new with a slightly high action. It is assumed that a new guitar should be set up to suit the new owners preferences. The high settings facilitate doing this easily without having to replace a nut or saddle. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
Aside from the scratches and imperfections that were obviously made since the guitar was new, I can find no fault with the fit and finish. The year model I have came with the black plastic pickguard. (my preference would be a tortoise type.) |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
|
The chrome enclosed tuners work smoothly. The nitro lacquer finish is perhaps not the most durable finish, but it has held up nicely on this example. The bridge pins are plastic, but they seem to be original, and are still in good condition. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
Martin warrants new guitars to the original owner for lifetime. Since I am not the original owner, the guitar does not have a warranty. Still, Martin customer service has been very helpful and accommodating to my inquiries. No one I know has anything bad to say about Martin customer service. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
The bridge pin holes are straight, and the pins are tapered. I would prefer tapered bridge pin holes. I would also prefer a slotted bridge and unslotted bridge pins.
Oh, and the standard 640 thermoplastic case seems substandard for a guitar of this quality. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
|
The Martin HD-28 is probably second only to the D-28 in popularity and sales. Of all the guitars I've owned, I bonded with this one the quickest. This is a lifetime keeper. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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