Martin: D28 Marquis

Submitted by 15bassman on 5/19/2009

Where Purchased: Greenville Guitars, Greenville, NC

Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: 3200 ($US)

Sound

I already own a 40 year old D28, so my expectations of a new box were already high. Right out of the case this guitar had the punch I was looking for and enough volume to stand up to any banjo in the bluegrass world I play in. It doesn't quite have the bottom end that my old 28 has, but then it's not 40 years old yet either. The forward X pattern bracing and Adirondack top makes a great combination. It is by far the most balanced new guitar that I have played. It mic's well in a live performance setting and I have no trouble being heard on lead breaks. My old 28 is getting a deserved break nowadays.

Sound Rating: not rated

Setup

The 1 3/4" string set and modified v-neck took some getting used to, but after about a week, my old 28 felt foreign. The action was great from the factory and there was plenty of room on the saddle to lower the action...plus the availability of an adjustable t-rod should help too. The Gotoh Nickel Open-Geared Tuners w/ Butterbean Knobs are smooth and effortless.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

From the diamond pearl inlays on the fretboard to the herringbone trim, this guitar is a beautiful work of art. The tortoise style pickguard is a throwback to the '30s model this guitar emulates. While the back and sides receive standard high gloss polished finish the top is polished gloss w/ aging toner.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

No problems so far on the tuners.

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

Got the Martin Lifetime Warranty for being the original owner. Haven't had to use it.

Customer Service: 5

Components

Did I mention Adirondack and X forward shift bracing already? Oh yeah, I did. Well it's worth mentioning again, so remember those features.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I tried several dreadnaught guitars by Martin and others before settling on the Marquis. Some were rosewood, some mahogany, but all with scallopped bracing. All of them were great guitars, but none seemed to satify my desire for balance, volume. While many great luthiers are building great guitars, I also wanted something that I felt I could get some resale value from if the need arose.

Overall Rating: 10