Martin D-28 vs. HD-28: Worth the Extra Investment?

[@AcousticShoppe]

Vote for your favorite! kzbin.infoUgkx8fi7ROGobq4k5_T-M1NSfTXfjI_wf7i7

[@ErinBlueBird]

For me the D-28 is the winner. It packs a punch and is more focused while the HD is scooped and in some instances gets muddy. From what I hear with good monitors. Love this comparisons keep them going 🤟

[@R.L.Humpert]

@@ErinBlueBird I think they’re both amazing guitars as I have both. Maybe it’s the video quality but in person if you have both and play each, the HD is just more powerful and sounds like a rocket ship. D28 maybe for picking but I play mostly rhythm and the HD is always my go to. But when it comes to Martin they’re all great.

[@Brianemersonpt]

HD-28 owner here. I love my HD but I've gotta say when I listen to these D vs HD videos I find myself slightly preferring the sound of the D-28. They simply sound sweeter to me, likely because of the retained mid range from not having been scalloped. The D-28 is so beautifully balanced and natural sounding.

[@Mrsournotes2]

My vote is for the HD28 but not by much. Thanks for doing this John and Jeremy!

[@R.L.Humpert]

Absolutely. The HD 28 is the most amazing guitar I have ever played. It is so powerful and yet you can play it like any single note guitar style. The sound is unreal and mine is Addy top and it’s just so Good That my other guitars sit a lot. Nothing sounds like the HD28. I mean Martin is superior to Any brand and it’s not close. But the HD28 is rocket ship.

[@NickGee1000]

It surprises me to say this, but in this comparison, I prefer the D-28. Of these two specific guitars I find the D-28 brighter overall and he HD-28 somewhat muted--my first reaction was actually "constipated"--but only slightly, except when fingerpicked. When fingerpicked I couldn't detect an appreciable difference. Disclaimer: my high frequency hearing is deficient.

[@joshuahendrickson4854]

I’d rather pay the extra money for the hd28. I played both guitars at my local music shop. I love the touch of extra bass the scalloped bracing gives the hd28. The regular d28 is nice but just not the guitar for me. I mostly do strumming and not a lot of lead work so the hd28 would be a great choice for my kind of country and bluegrass gospel playing. I don’t have an hd28 now, but a Yamaha fg830 CE. I have done as much upgrading to my guitar as I possibly can, with ebony bridge pins, a bone nut and saddle and elixir medium gage 1356 phosphor bronze strings. It really does have a great sound!!!

[@johnwashburn3793]

I honestly cannot remember ever playing a Martin D-28, or anHD-28. I probably would buy the HD-28. I typically play mahogany with Adirondack (red spruce). I do have a couple of older rosewoods (a Japanese D-35 type Alvarez '70s and an '82 Washburn Tanglewood with cedar top) I have been enjoying my E-40 TC OM and play it often (thank you), along with my Martin's and all of the above.

[@westcoastrey3679]

Hey there Chapmans, thanks for the awesome videos this year, really appreciate it. Today's comparison was a much better way by taking the time to play each guitar back to back completely rather than the past where you swapped them every few seconds. I actually liked them both. Great video and Thank you.

[@lilycat1694]

I agree, this demo was very well done.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much for watching and for the feedback, it's nice to know!

[@raddiamond7329]

HD-28 for me ! I just bought one after watching this video. THANKS for the comparison. It helped me make my final decision.

[@OpenDGuitar]

My first Martin was the 1980 HD28. I ordered. Martin catalog…drooled over it for months. Saved up $816, and bought it (after playing four of them). It wasn’t the guitar of my dreams, but it set me on the right path.

[@WoodworkerDan]

Great video. The way you played the guitars gave a good representation of their tonal qualities. I strongly prefer the HD 28.

[@rossmuir4609]

FWIW, there's a slight difference in the stereo bias of the recordings which throws things a little - might be down to where each instrument's sound originates from perhaps; so having said that they both sound good with neither being obviously better. If you're wanting to purchase I'd suggest it's best to personally play before deciding. Cheers, Ross

[@gzackerman]

Everyone will have their own favorites, and there is no wrong answer. That said, I am personally partial to the HD28, which is why I bought one.

[@McPickin]

Nice review overall. I have had both guitars in the past and enjoyed them both. I find the HD, while a bit crisper and more articulate, can also be a bit "Woofy" over driven tonally. Confirmed with other players and my own multi guitar testing over time. Both are great but your ears will tell you things especially when you can compare live. I have a Botique Frank Harlow #5 Herringbone which has the power and articulation of the Martin HD without the woof. Frank said to me that Martin would like to know what he (Frank) did to create his version. It's a secret. I love it. I also have a 1980 Blueridge BR7S which is pretty amazing in its own right, powerful without the woof tones. Martin told BR to cease making the model due to D41 infringement concerns, so BR engineered changes into what is now the BR160. The BR7S is a bit dryer sounding than my Harlow but like the Martins, a great tone altogether. I'm lucky to have what I have and still enjoy checking out others guitars. G.A.S is eternal, FYI. One last thing to point out to you Chaps (Chapmans) I feel the guitar when I play it, not just hear it. I pay attention to how the tones feel when playing the guitar, with variable dynamics considered. This is not mentioned in your review, and yes its subjective, but still a factor when a player assesses a guitar(s). When you play certain guitars, you know they stand out for having the "It has it" factor, or kind of "has it", or down to lesser degrees where a guitar may not "have it" at all. Most folks understand this and may not value this fact as much as others, but it is a factor as to how the guitar presents itself, which is the SUM of the Whole of how the guitar was planned and made, regardless of the name on the guitar. Again, thanks for your review. Dan in Michigan

[@mikehopper1674]

Can you do a video comparing the HD28 to the D18?

[@Skier_202]

I usually prefer the HD, but in this comparison I prefer the D-28! I think my 2010 HD-28 would win this contest though, mine has a little more mid-range...

[@gam1471]

I'm a bluegrass flatpicker. I've owned examples of each over the years (seven in total), and for me the D-28 has much more power on the top strings, particularly the B and E. As an example, I recently owned a 2012 HD-28, which had gorgeous creamy bass notes - but was weak on the top notes. I now own a 2006 D-28 which has rearward shifted bracing. The balance across the strings volume-wise is excellent, and for me it has a bright ring to its tone that the HD-28 doesn't. One thing though; I don't like the so-called 'aging toner' - it looks yellow to me, nothing like a nice mellow aged nitrocellulose finish! It doesn't take long for nitrocellulose to lose the brand-new look (only a few months).

[@Yorkie285]

D-28 wins by far

[@kimhalley8950]

Just got a D-28…exactly what I was looking for!

[@TheLukeBarnes]

The scalloped bracing of the HD-28 makes a world of difference. You will find that many other boutique builders are using scalloped bracing in models that are considered some of the best sounding instruments made today. In my opinion it is always worth the extra money. HD-28 all the way!

[@dennispurdy3533]

You must have changed the sound set up because the D28 sounds worlds better than the HD. The D is more articulate and louder, the Hd sounds somewhat muffled by comparison. If your mic and sound editing was the same for both then the D28 killed the HD28.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Everything was setup the exact same so you can decide which you prefer, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@jaepark8922]

@@AcousticShoppe. Not true. You lost volume on the right speaker on the HD28 playback. Listen to it using headphones. The sound shifts left from the center going from D28 to Hd28.

[@llf6188]

I appreciate this video and your expertise on these fine instruments.

[@tjstevens001]

The D28 has the fuller sound!

[@billann8834]

At 21:44 the D-28 has more clarity than the HD-28. Do they have the same strings? Note I have an awesome D-28, but still at 21:45 the maybe brighter? tone of the D28 appears more clear than the HD-28 when played back to back?

[@AcousticShoppe]

They do have the same strings, yes

[@mightymustache6949]

Personally, when I played a D28 and an HD28 I preferred the straight bracing.

[@Chance-ry1hq]

D-28 when I’m playing bluegrass, or country. HD-28 when I’m playing folk, or soft rock. I actually prefer the bigger fuller sound of the HD-28, but that D-28 has that bluegrass sound which I also like.

[@ericsmith7287]

I think it depends on what your situation is. If a small band or just solo stuff, I prefer the D-28, but would want the HD-28 to cut the mix of a bigger band.

[@maxwellfan55]

Surprising. Having owned and loved my HD28, my instinct was always going to go for the herringbone. On this demo (nicely put together boys), I'd take the D28, great balance between bass and treble, lovely sustain plus sufficient volume. This HD too wooly around the bass and mids, but man, do these guitars vary from one instrument to another. I'm old now, still love the sound but finding these big boys less attractive for playability.

[@JoeMasse-e4b]

The D28 sounds crisper and articulate punching tone, the HD sounds much quieter and less dynamic

[@StoryNSong]

I play smaller body guitars (except for my 12-string) but if was I looking for a dread, the HD-28 would really do it for me.

[@PamBrooks-n8v]

I own an HD28 and my mandolin player owns a D28. Both are beautiful but he and I agree that my HD28 is richer. I bought mine new back in 2005 and he bought his in 2006. I also sold high end guitars and I still enjoy the sound of the HD28 just a little more but would never turn away a D28. I guess it’s preference at this point.

[@markinmemphis]

Love my HD28! For the money, they’re hard to beat.

[@robertnewell5057]

Honestly, given the base price of each, the upgrade is trivial - under 7% of the purchase price and equivalent to a Starbucks capuccino every working day for 5 weeks in the UK! Same with the D35 and HD35. It's a matter of taste. I have an HD35 because I prefer the sound. If I was buying it today, I'd be happy to fund the differe nce by missing a few coffees. Great detailed discussion, though. Very interesting you think the HD is more of a flatpicker. I almost exclusively fingerpick my HD and for song accompaniment you cannot beat it because of the more open bass to support the voice - it isn't an easy call, though.

[@livingadreamlife1428]

I have a HD-28 and my teacher has a D-28. He’s a professional player for 50 years. Hands down, we both agree that the HD sounds more balanced and simply offers better overall tonal quality than the 28. Both are great, but for those deciding between these two specific guitars, the HD is worth the additional investment.

[@billdedrick1914]

Herringbone trim continued and ended in 1946, not 1944. Forward shifted bracing ended in late 1938, scalloped bracing ended in late 1944. 1-11/16" nut widths began in 1939 not in 1940,. Adjustable truss rods began in 1985. It would have been much more comparable if you had played the same tunes/chords on each model to really ascertain the differences in tone, depth, resonance, bass, mids and volume/punch.

[@dynasgitarrer6236]

The HD-28 sounds smeared in the bass register and kind of muffled, almost like it had to much growl. The D-28 sounds clearer, but still full - a clear winner for me. Or maybe my preferences comes from being so used to hear the D-28 sound of the 60s 70s and 80s.

[@ancienttech4636]

The D-28 sounds fuller and more resonant to me.

[@joeysanguine3596]

Happy to subscribe❤😊

[@ahg1358]

I'm not generally a fan of Martin guitars although I own 1 . The HD has a much warmer tone , closer to the Gibson range that I can't replace ! Good intent though .

[@jacksondemarre8057]

The D-28 had better projection and bass but the HD-28 sounded a little more opened up. I’d say the D-28 sounds better because I always look for a good bass response in guitars.

[@FernandoPaul]

The D-28 has a rawer, free, rounder, more dynamic sound. It has more midrange, so it sounds more "in your face," like it has more volume. The HD-28 is more scooped, controlled and compressed, with more sub-bass and a nice shimmer in the highs. It lacks midrange, that's why it sounds quieter (and thinner on single-note licks). Both are great, but I prefer the D-28.

[@donmason3382]

I have an HD 28 and I know it sounds better than most other guitars but on this particular video, the D2 eight does sound better

[@darrells1806]

I’m very surprised to say this, but in this comparison and listening to both guitars on my iPad speakers, there’s a definite and distinct difference between the two. In this comparison, I must say the D 28 wins with me.

[@bryancollins6796]

In this video, the D-28 sounds better to me. However, when I've done back to back comparisons myself, the HD-28 always wins.

[@darrells1806]

Let’s do a D 18 then a D 18 Authentic 1937 and then a D 18 Authentic 1937 aged. That would be another awesome comparison.

[@tomehCanada]

As an observation and possibly another area for comparison is how "recorded" sound versus live is for each?

[@rorymcclellan3740]

Just curious what exactly was meant by "not /truly/ forward shifted" as the top bracing was described to be in the case of the Eastman e20d?

[@jeffbeliew6568]

D 28 is much punchier and has more volume for lead. HD has a smoother balanced tone and better rhythm playing

[@BulldoggerJK]

Hey! The tone sample changed. I was just going to sit down to learn the first part and it wasn’t there!! What gives?

[@dalesearcy5734]

Is the term Bone derived from the guitar having Herringbone binding?

[@gam1471]

Yes. One British dealer (Replay Acoustics) even has a section on its website called 'The Boneyard' which features various herringbone Martins.

[@thomasmorro9332]

What mics are you using for the guitars? What PA or amp are you using?

[@AcousticShoppe]

We use Ear Trumpet labs and we go through a Midas MR18 into Cubase.

[@slpc30]

O love that Martin tone!!

[@kotla671]

Which of your guitars do you most prefer to play?

[@Joe-m6p6b]

The mothership of all Dreadnoughts. I bow my head. Thanks C.F. Martin!

[@stakeyohex2694]

D28 for me

[@Voxguitarsrock]

I love them both. But cant afford either. Guess i will stick to my Dreadnought jr and my Norman b70. Cheers!

[@roloah27]

I know Martin is Martin, will be the first of a lot. Can you guys enlighten me about this old question, d28 vs e20d? I know they are different, but can Eastman be mellow or dark similar to a Martin or it’s more bright as an Alvarez?

[@AcousticShoppe]

The Eastman is going to be a more bright/modern sound, but I wouldn't say it's similar to an Alvarez, we would compare it more to a Bourgeois. Since Eastman's purchase of Bourgeois, they have been leaning more towards that sound with that they have learned from Dana Bourgeois' team.

[@RRW276]

I was looking at old Sweetwater magazines from 2020 and 2018. It’s crazy how much the prices have gone up (I’m seeing that Biden sticker/meme that says ‘I did that!’ with that fool’s Cheshire Cat-grin 😢). But anyway, I prefer the D-28 over the HD-28, but I do like the Heringbone inlay, which is most of the HD model really. I have my eye on a 70s D-35.

[@DionSt.Michael]

I’ve always liked Martin acoustic guitars. I just wish they were consistent. Not a brand I would ever purchase sight unseen. Lol! I’ve played just as many duds as I have amazing Martin’s.

[@gam1471]

It's been my experience over the years that even two guitars of the same model can sound different when played side by side. I suppose it's because wood density and stiffness for example vary. Definitely a good idea to play before buying!

[@DionSt.Michael]

@ Yamaha is the only builder I’d feel comfortable purchasing without actually sitting down and hearing one. Their consistency and quality control is unequaled in my opinion.

[@Bixll09]

When comparing the 2 guitars, playing the same tune might be a better idea. Holy smokes.

[@78ramcharger53]

I have two D28's but i like the HD better so i need to switch one out lol.

[@vspvince]

Excellent video... Thank you again for what you do! I preferred the HD-28... it had more clarity and that sustain... Wow

[@christopherpisz9474]

The d28 sounded clearer. The hd28 was so booming that it muddled the sound.

[@dvdhnnmn]

D28 all the way. It’s clear, rich, and punchy.

[@R.L.Humpert]

Put some Daddario strings on it and it’s even more power and beautiful.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

EB aluminum bronze and give them 3/4 days to settle/played in it you want volume' pronounced attack' better string to string definition and sustain. They're overly bright at first but after played in the best strings I've used so far.

[@R.L.Humpert]

@@BryanClark-gk6ie have you used them on an HD28 or any other Martin? I’d love to try them. As it is the ones I use are 18 bucks a pop and I am really bad and lazy at changing strings so I pay my friend 25 bucks every time. I also have a 000-18. I have tried Martin strings and other but never EB.

[@R.L.Humpert]

@@BryanClark-gk6ie I don’t really like tinny high bright strings but on an HD 28 is can be ok since they’re very bass oriented.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

@@R.L.Humpert Have them on my girlfriend's HD-28' She's mostly a finger picker. More volume/ better string to string definition without wound strings sounding too bright... good even balance. I'm mostly a BG flat picker play lead in a couple bands Use them on my D-18. Same results. What got me started using them years back was.... playing my takamine ean-10c cedar top acoustic. Love that guitar but wouldn't cut through the mix on lead breaks' too dark sounding. Problem solved with the EB aluminum bronze strings. Only thing is if you do decide to try them' yes they're very bright at first, Give them a couple days to settle in' according to how much you play' usually 12/14 hours. Another thing I like about them' they last longer in-between string changes compared to other brands without loosing tone once played in a couple days. No I'm not sponsored by EB. Just my own personal experience/onion. Lol.

[@oklahomachris6298]

Why do the tops of these guitars look like two different shades of color wood. The upper part looks lighter than the bottom?

[@AcousticShoppe]

It's called Runoff and it occurs just naturally in the tree as it grows, not every slab is going to be the exact same color throughout it. It's just a reflection of the light off of the wood and doesn't change the tonal properties at all, but that's why those sides look different!

[@oklahomachris6298]

@ it looks like two pieces put together and both guitars looked that way so I was just wondering if it might be to get a profile or something. Thank you!

[@virtualobject]

When people ask me to like and subscribe before I even watched the video, it's kind of like putting the cart before the horse. I'm here because I'm interested in the topic, so Let me watch and decide for myself. Reasonable ?

[@MatthewCuda]

Martin is still overpriced. However, I do agree the gap is closing. I also like Martin”s road series. I love my d-10 sapele. It has very round notes with pleasant overtones. For less than a grand.

[@roloah27]

If you play a d18 or d28 and after that you play a d10e, you may find a little less “full” on the d10e. I played a d18 and a d10e on my local guitar center and feel that that specific d18 was dead, muffed and thin, but still a little more “room filling” sound on the d18, any secret about the d10e? Maybe changing the pins or the saddle. I don’t know, I can’t make my mind it’s either the d10e or trow myself on a blind folded order with a e10d from Eastman.

[@gam1471]

Consider this though: you're buying a guitar built from the finest timbers and made by a legendary maker. Maybe not overpriced after all? 😊

[@johnarneson5057]

I think the HD-28 sounds much better.

[@jaysmith734]

D-28 all the way.

[@ilexopaca437]

Screech... skid... crash, full stop!!! Did these guys just suggest that it's somehow embarrassing to own a Martin? You lost me. That's my best friend you're talking about. I can't even begin to explain how many great musicians, miscreants, and scumbags have tried to swindle me out of my 1983 D18. Literally, they hear it once and they go mad with envy. All guitars are different from one another - you must play and listen to it before buying. Don't buy a guitar you haven't -played first or listened to. Keep it simple and trust yourself.

[@dividedbytimestudios]

Humpty Dumpty was 28 when he had a great fall…….

[@lhvent]

The HD 28 sounds better

[@R.L.Humpert]

Sorry there’s no boutique guitar that sounds this good. I don’t care if it’s a factory it’s still made with quality and I mean go to their factory and you’ll know.

[@BulldoggerJK]

That’s insane. They pump out 140,000 guitars a year. They aren’t even close to a boutique guitar. I’ve played martins my entire life. I bought 4 Atkin in the last year. No Martin can touch them. My old Martin I played for 30+ years will never come out of the case again. They’re not in the same league.

[@78ramcharger53]

​@BulldoggerJK some people just don't understand.

[@russellr1509]

I am not sure that is true at all , they make a good guitar and if you want a D28 sound then buy a D28 , but there are many guitars I would put above them to my tastes, I would also say that build quality wise they are good but not without issues , one thing that always bugs me with Martin's is the big variances in bridge thickness , I have seen a few brand new that in my opinion that needed a neck reset. You would never see that from the likes of Atkin , Bourgeois or Boucher. That said at the price point and if you are looking for the Martin sound then in the USA they are a great guitar. In Europe more expensive and very poor warranty.

[@mvp019]

I'll put my Collings D2H up against either of these. That said, my Martin OM-42 Custom Shop is my favorite guitar.

[@BulldoggerJK]

@ Collings is top of the line. Collings are so consistent. Never picked up a dud. I feel like I have a Collings by proxy with Atkin. Atkin is a Collings fan. Custom shop Martin definitely should be on boutique level.