Martin D28 (1969): Why I Love It

[@locngo]

The sound is out of this world Tony. It sent a shiver down my spine. What a lovely gift from a loving family member. So precious.

[@Frankensmile]

Tony, you are truly a great storyteller. I really enjoyed listening to this video. Thanks for this inspirational video,

[@TonyAckerman]

Hello, Farhad. It's so nice to hear from you. I love your playing, and have shared the Satie with my wife, who is now also a fan. You have also made me more aware of the Greenfield guitars -- I want to have someone make me my final "dream guitar" (I say "final" because, at age 70 there's not a whole lot of time or money to have more than one more), a 7-string with fan frets, and because of your videos I think he might be the one. If you live in Europe, I would love to meet you sometime and share guitar talk -- when we can travel again. Be well, Tony

[@Frankensmile]

@@TonyAckerman Thank you so much Tony. Great pleasure to hear you like my stuff :). Michael is a great guy and a true guitar passionate individual. His guitars are quite expensive though. I bought mine used with some trades involved. It will be a pleasure to meet you some day if you ever come to Sweden.

[@THELAPTAPPINGGUY]

D28 is not only King of American music, but also worldwide music ✨

[@SimoneOrtisi]

This is a really wonderful and interesting video. You have a way of speaking that relaxes and attracts attention at the same time ☺️

[@radenadiapati2062]

Wow! What a fantastic story! And that D28 (and the Lowden too) sounds amazing!

[@ladukie69]

Thank you very much

[@maltesetony9030]

I have a '63 D-28. Wonderful.

[@dcallan1]

I loved the lecture. Beautiful and thanks for sharing.

[@al7381]

Hi Tony. Fabulous playing . Fantastik story. I agree , every guitar has a soul. my first Martin was an IR 1969, brand new.

[@Magnum_Opus_Music]

Hello Tony great and informational video. Thank you! You tuned in 432hz? Natures frequency? Thanks and havr a wonderful day 🎶🍀

[@cindykatchur5754]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. You touched on all of the components of a guitar’s make up. You speak with the love and passion that only a guitar player would know and feel with these instruments. Thank you for your video.

[@kotaoshio]

I feel your video and the way you narrate soothing. As does your music. Thank you sir

[@TheAccidentalTroubadour]

I love how you communicate the experience of the guitar rather than the technical traits. The latter is important but never the whole story. I was born in 1969 and its always been on my mind to one day have a guitar from that year enter my life. I agree with you about what a guitar is to its current possessor. But I tend to use the word stewardship instead of caretaker. Bless you. Watching this vid was a special experience. And your hymn to the blues is so measured and natural at the same time. Lovely musical fragment indeed.

[@abozzone]

A beautiful video! Love it!!! Thanks! Love my 2022 D28

[@saikatchowdhury7376]

I recently found your channel and now I can't stop myself from watching all of your videos. Your words convey nothing but sheer wisdom. Much love from Bangladesh.

[@kensettle3184]

Thank you for sharing your great Martin D-28 companion with us!

[@OfficialDPTheRealDeal]

Nice! I’m buying a 1949 D18 next week! I’m so excited ! I loved your video !

[@pauldockery1747]

Thank you sooooooo much!

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Clicked on this and ended up watching whole thing...which is rare on YT! Great stuff.

[@mociunpictures]

Sitting in California listening to my old buddy. What a delight!

[@kennyrin]

very informative thank you very much

[@Ukedc259]

Beautiful. The D28 manages to combine the clarity of the lowdon, but somehow throw in the bubbling drone of pipes underneath. It’s an extraordinary sound, made all the more extraordinary by your hands. Thank you for your videos. Inspirational.

[@TonyAckerman]

Hello, Ukedc! I want to thank you for all your positive comments. They show me that there are folks out there who really appreciate the depth of music -- that it's not only about sounds on an instrument. Be well,Tony

[@Ukedc259]

@@TonyAckerman thank you so much.

[@markv.5962]

that thing resonates well. beautiful. i have a 72 d-18 that sounds similar

[@garlandthomson7501]

Just bouht mine. Im so happy to enjoy the adventure. Love this video. Thank you brother!

[@susanroycroft89]

Don here from Hamilton NZ on my Wife's tablet (Susan) absolutely loved your explanation, very good description, many thanks 😊

[@aindriubradleymarshall6226]

Real soul and wisdom, thank you Tony...

[@RobynAnglin]

Absolutely 💯 beautiful

[@tipp55]

Tony, that was a really lovely video. It has everything...great insights into the D-28, so well expressed, and some sublime playing. I really enjoyed watching and listening.

[@ccorujo]

Beautiful video, the way you talk about the guitar it just demonstrates your infinite love for music and for the craft. Thank you above all for sharing this with us. I've been searching for a guitar for quite a while and just here I've learned a lot.

[@JforJonas]

Best review I've ever seen

[@Swift2001]

Thank you so much. I loved the way you thought about being a musician. Falling in love with a guitar. I have. I played from 14 on, never practiced, just strummed, and played at the Winter Carnival! In my late 20s, I just had my crummy guitar. A friend loaned me a Gibson. Don't know what, model It had f-holes, you could go electric. with them, but I didn't care. Because of the quality of the guiltar, I could play on metal.. With a pick, I figured out melodies. Pick and chord sequentially. I spent a six weeks playing every day. A burglar came in, and I caught a a glimpse of him running away on the roof! So back to the Yamaha. My friend got a Martin. He had been like me, but better, but now he played the whole part on the records. Me, I still had fun at parties, playing with friends. I left the guitar behind, haven't touched one in 20 years. But I'm going to get the best one I can. I sure have a kind of sad romance with guitars in my life. And I finally want to learn some music theory, and actually lean to play well enough to make that Martin sing.

[@zeerakkhan7140]

It's so informative to listen to you!

[@mschafft2521]

What an inspired review, thank you sir!

[@stever3206]

Hi Tony - I now consider you a friend - through your wonderful and comforting videos. We share a fellowship and a mutual love for the souls and voices of our guitars. I currently have: 1943 Martin 0-18; 1965 Martin D-21; 1945 Gibson J-45 Banner; 2018 Lowden S35c; 2012 Santa Cruz 1929 00; 2016 Bedell OM Milagro Brazilian- not a bad line-up though it’s time to possibly sell a few.... I would Love a Manouk!!! As you played your D-28 my kids came into the room and remarked how beautiful the tone was - that’s a tribute to you and your lovely guitar AND my kids’ ears!! Keep these videos coming. They certainly calm me during these extremely stressful times. You are loved. Steve / NJ US

[@TonyAckerman]

Hello, friend Steve! Thank you for your lovely message. I would love to play your guitars, such a nice, rounded collection. When I think of my instruments, I realize that I didn't really choose my instruments -- they chose me! Each one is so connected to a certain time in my life, like the Papazian which I bought after I lost all my other instruments by stupidly leaving them in a car overnight, and the connection to the maker, who was the first person to tell me about the massacre of the Armenians in Smyrna, from where he fled at age 3 in 1918, and onto the adventure with my classical teacher, etc., etc, -- or to selling a lovely grand piano to buy the Lowden, and taking the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty to find the Lowden at Mandolin Brothers . . . I could go on and on, as I'm sure you could! I'm about to set up my pages on Patreon, where there will be a space for a live "Guitar Talk", so I hope we meet there! In the meantime, check out my most recent video, "Home, Sweet Home -- On My Five Guitars"; I'm sure it will speak to you. Be well, my friend!

[@G72727]

Fantastic video !

[@Georgian2go]

I really like the introduction music to each Video. I learned something interesting about the D28 and the sound has a tranquilizing effect on me and I enjoy the rich sound of it. This might be weird to say but there's something in you, that reminds me of my grandfather who used to be a a composer and pianist (and head of the Georgian conservatory and piano teacher).

[@shred5]

That Martin does sound amazing. Punchy, full and well defined and rings out all day! Also, my favorite capo is the shubb deluxe with the wheel. The retracting wheel helps allow you to set the capo size just right to keep the guitar perfectly in tune.

[@OfficialDPTheRealDeal]

I love the scalloped sound this guitar is straight braced and large rosewood bridge plate

[@bruceward1074]

What a delight, you've expressed so many ways I feel about my 66 D28, and the similar way in which you bring out the tone of the guitar, and how you love drop D- I could have done a similar video (but not as well as you have done!)

[@bngbraz2]

You're a neat guy with a definite soul yourself...Love my 3 Martin D-28's, all different, all unique, but all really good guitars. I love my D-18 as well. Good guys to have around....and I'm with you on the acoustical love versus the electrical guitar disdain...ok, that's a little strong.

[@stephenhenion8304]

Somebody in Bluegrass, Hal Wylie once said to me...." Get one of these" as he held up HIS D28....and I finally did.... a 2014 Custom. WOOOWWWW 🎵🎶🎵

[@Magnum_Opus_Music]

2014 much different than a Martin from the 60's brother. Enjoy your new instrument 👍

[@johnboyle3884]

Great info for us all

[@fernandita4170]

Hello Tony, nice guitar, good vibes, congratulations and thank you very much, what is your favorite mini-size electro-acoustic? Which one could you recommend as a life partner? Best regards, love and peace.

[@el34glo59]

All I want is a 60s vintage d28. But prices jumped out of my range now unfortunately

[@andorrasrevenge1683]

I would not mind a long form video for all of your 5 guitars, maybe paired with a specific piece of music that it brings out the inspired sound from the instrument. I love it when an instrument becomes a partner in making songs rather than a part of a collection. Cheers Tony!

[@goplad1]

I recently purchased a 1969 Martin D-28 and I love it. Classic tone and easy to play. It feels like it belongs cradled in my arms. Interestingly I have never played a Taylor guitar I loved despite the fact that Taylor's are beloved by many. I'll take a Martin over a Taylor any day of the week.

[@Hotbopnroll]

Super video

[@chanpeter3608]

Hi Master Tony, I like your expression about d28 and your five guitars story very much. Especially , it was so touching about your sister to buy the 1969 d28 . Could you explain why Martin d45 not the king of American guitar ? Could you explain? I like vintage Martin guitar very much. Thanks a lot. Peter Chan

[@chanpeter3608]

Thanks a lot

[@RealGoldRealWealth]

Tony thank you for such an interesting and informative story on the D28. Your love of each guitar speaks volumes to some of us who agree with you that Spirit is the differential essence of each one. As an Australian I would be delighted to know your thoughts on where Maton guitars (perhaps the S808) would rank on your list of favorites.

[@markzuckerberg7472]

Hi, Warren -- thanks so much for the nice note. I have never played a Maton (would love to), so I can't respond to your question, only to say that if Tommy Emmanuel plays it, it must be the best! I love listening to Tommy get that beautiful sound out on the slow songs, like "Over the Rainbow". Be well, Tony

[@jasper_north]

The first one on KZbin that talks about the shoulder and playing standing up. Wow. So it’s not only me. I understand now. Is the D18 also less curvy? I play it also standing up.

[@Hotbopnroll]

Your caotic version of nine pound hammer is amazing!!

[@Dragon_rls]

The Tele came first my friend, but Strats are my favorite guitars, and believe me, I play all "dem" Old guy guitars.

[@blucheer8743]

The Martin dreadnought guitar is like a orchestra is a box!

[@lespaul1755]

A great guitar! I love the warm rich tone. Only thing is the body's a little big for me. That's why I got the 000-28.

[@jasper_north]

Tried Elliot Capo?

[@guitarmaned5884]

Great video! I was wondering whether you're using Light or Medium gauge strings here? Also, what mic are you using? Thanks :)

[@thomasrusso4506]

I could listen to this gentleman talk and play all day and all night long

[@billdedrick1914]

Great job.. Love that 69 D28 what strings were used? Brand/gauge/type? Is the low E .055" or .056"?

[@TonyAckerman]

Hi, Bill, again! I have for a long time gotten my strings from Daniel Mari, a New York maker now in his nineties, who was from the family that produced La Bella but he went off on his own and has (had? I'm not sure if he is still active) a small factory in Queens. Strings are medium gauge, .013-.055.

[@billdedrick1914]

@@TonyAckerman Are those strings still available? Are they P.B. or 80/20?

[@canyondonk]

Hi, Tony. Lovely video. Would you mind sharing with me what microphone you used there?

[@gimpyjwilliams]

can you tell me what pick you use?

[@TheGrasspond]

Very nice presentation!! Much to my surprise I didn't care for the lowden tone. I probably wouldn't have noticed it without the comparison. Went back and listened again. Too strong to say I don't care for the lowden. It sounds woodier (if that is a word). I think your martin either has standard or rear shifted braces as well as un-scalloped. At least it sounds that way. Not a bad thing at all. Just a tighter, punchier tone than forward shifted and scalloped.

[@flash8051]

You are correct, and I agree regarding the Lowden...nice but I prefer the Martin sound (I'm biased, also own a '53 D-28 😉) The Martin would not have scalloped braces and would be standard location (not forward shifted).

[@zeerakkhan7140]

Martin guitars should hire you to advertise their guitars. 🙂

[@johnrobertpalomo4283]

What strings do you use on your d28?

[@teddyboy9116]

How much was your first D28?

[@TonyAckerman]

Around $250 -- in 1963!

[@stever3206]

Hey Tony! What’s the guitar in between the 12-string and the Manouk??? Not sure if I’ve seen that one??? Didn’t catch it in the 5 guitar video. Thanks. Love Steve

[@TonyAckerman]

Hello, Steve, again -- you have a sharp eye! The "mystery guitar" was made by Prague luthiers Libor Kobrle and Petr Stehno. They now work independently. It's a nice, quirky guitar (note the huge soundhole), but doesn't come up to the balance and range of my "top five", and the neck is even narrower than the D28. I may feature it some time, just to give thanks to Libor Kobrle, who has maintained all my instruments for almost thirty years.

[@Stoffendous]

How long do you do with one set of strings Tony?

[@callmeic]

Tony did your d28 have any top cracks that were repaired? How common is that issue?

[@TonyAckerman]

Yes, it has some top cracks, a couple severe, repaired I don't remember when . . . I don't know how common this is, but I have had my guitars in some very dry places and I'm not consistent with my humidifiers.

[@callmeic]

@@TonyAckerman did you find that impacted the tone in any significant way?

[@callmeic]

@@TonyAckerman thanks for your reply by the way!

[@ggrahman9371]

D28....the king american guitar.....👍

[@chumstik]

hey Tony, is that the D'Addario NS Capo Pro or D'Addario NS Capo Lite you're playing?

[@billdedrick1914]

What flat pick and thickness were you using?

[@TonyAckerman]

Hi, Bill. I've had this question before, and truly was a bit ashamed to answer it because I'm not really a flatpick player, more fingerstyle -- I even sometimes just use cut-up old credit cards! Mostly I have always played with quite thin flatpicks, like Dunlop Tortex .70's. BUT, in my latest video, "Home, Sweet Home -- On My Five Guitars", I just happened to use a much thicker pick (1.5) that a friend left in my studio, and I just loved it, it gave a much rounder tone (check out the Martin D28 sound in "Home Sweet Home"); so from now on, I'm going to use the 1.5! Be well, Tony

[@peterstephenson9887]

@@TonyAckerman the sound of that D28 on Home Sweet Home is how an acoustic guitar is meant to sound, in my opinion.

[@Batso17x]

@@TonyAckerman Wow! Thank you! Your insight is spot on and your skillful finesse is exemplary. I'm hooked! Banjo finger picks don't do justice to the tone, so I use the Alaska Pik for their material and comfort - they fit under the fingernail.

[@peterpigna9505]

La miglior chitarra al mondo

[@BrianWMay]

As a D-28 owner myself, I completely agree with your observations. My 'comfortable' guitar is my 000-28, but it doesn't come close to the dreadnought for tone. Thank you for this video.

[@hashachache]

There was this folk-rock band, Pentangle, if you fitted a capo to your guitar, they would have sacked you. A Guild is what one of their guitarists had, I think the "opera" shape & it sounded like nothing I've ever heard again, you would have to have heard it to believe it, if you had heard it in the 60s & were remembering it now, you'd be wondering if it was supernatural or something........unfortunately, Bert Jansch smashed it in a drunken fit......yet it must have, at some point, been sitting in the Guild workshop, amongst a rack of guitars all equally made, the same woods, etc. And I still think, how did one single guitar out of a production line, sound mysteriously beautiful & different?

[@lush462]

Brazilian rosewood! :)

[@bobaldo2339]

I agree. The D-28 deserves to be called the "king". Nothing sounds better to me live - especially an old one. There is some truth that a J-45 is easier to deal with in the studio. By the way, to my ears, the Lowden sounds tinny compared to the D-28.

[@blucheer8743]

The Martin dreadnought guitar is an orchestra in a wooden box!

[@markv.5962]

you should call your channel guitar caretakers sound good

[@vasocreta]

Tony and Bob Ross could have had a show together.

[@TenWilder0]

It's a gorgeous guitar for sure, but I still think I'd prefer a D-45. I played an early 70's D-28 not long ago and fingerstyle it didn't impress me much. As soon as I strummed it however, it was absolutely magic.

[@francoisseurin1396]

Lowden to boxe sound

[@bzaden]

Ladies find yourself a man that loves you like Tony Ackerman loves his d28

[@nieverainmaker384]

Atkinks

[@billyhuynh6554]

the best acoustic D28 guitar