Martin D28 vs HD28 vs HD35 - What's the Best Rosewood Martin Dreadnought?

Today it's the ultimate Rosewood Martin Dreadnought battle featuring the D28 vs HD28 vs HD35… Which one sounds best to your ears?? These 3 guitars are very similar except for slight changes in the bracing. Do you think it makes that much of a difference??
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[@reinaldoreyes5631]

Excellent video. I did the exact same comparison a few years back. Took the HD35 home.

[@svenklabunde]

I just wanted to thank you guys for all those videos you did over the years. It’s always been very informative and a lot of fun. Always, before I buy a new guitar I look through your library of videos. Wish I could order from you guys, but no shipping to Germany. One day I’ll visit Montana and stop by Music Villa - for sure. Merry Christmas to both of you!

[@ronuyeyama4020]

This video came out at a perfect time. My brother and I are looking at the difference between the hd28 and hd35. The hd35 sounds really boomy but still articulate and crisp.

[@robmurrah3224]

Most people are saying the HD's are better. They do sound more brilliant but notice in the section starting at 10:00, the D28 has the most clarity. With the HD28 and especially the HD35, you can barely even hear those hammer ons.

[@ExtremePlantGrowing]

I bought a D 28 before really understanding the differences, but I am not disappointed. I love my D 28. I play mostly finger style

[@calvincooper2669]

Same here. I got my D-28 without even knowing there was an HD-28. I thought the D-28 was Martin’s flag ship guitar. I have zero buyers remorse. I absolutely love my D-28. I play mostly Leo Kottke covers. It’s a 2018 D-28 and it’s has done awesome for me.

[@Gratefulman1965]

I am a firm believer that tone is subjective. To my ears the HD-35 is the one I would choose. Even though I’m a D-18 person.🎶

[@johnwbanjo]

I’ve had a D-18 for 25 years and absolutely love it. Of these three I’d take the HD-28.

[@richardjones4882]

HD 28 for me....just! Always look forward to these guys' reviews whatever guitars they chose. They come across as being really good friends. Quinton is an excellent player and Paul knows knows the technical details. Love it sometimes when Paul looks a little miffed when Quinton plays or talks over him....

[@ellisagutierrez9574]

The HD35 really grabbed me by the ears! I like the balance of the tone. I first thought that my ears would go for the D28. Cool!

[@GoblinDiplomat]

They are all incredible, but the punchiness of the D28 is the best to my ear. All the hammer-ons and runs just pop right out on the D28 but get lost on the other two. I wish you had a D35 to throw into the comparison as well.

[@williamcole9040]

READ MY REVIEW RE. THE D35 REIMAGINED…IT MAYHELP.

[@johncrane6673]

Wow, the differences really "popped" at the end of the video. One of the most informative guitar review videos I have ever watched. I search my inbox every day for another Acoustic Letter review. Thanks for the time and effort required to make this happen. BTW, I too am a big fan of scallops!

[@paullanier8280]

After travelling to multiple music stores that featured many hundreds of instruments, I had it narrowed to about 20 various models but dreadnought shape moved three to the lead voices. Then I quit playing and comparing and asked sales folks to play them as I stood back thirty feet. Then a non descript HD28 won out for my ear preference.

[@dionst.michael1482]

Always loved those big ole HD 35's. Can't beat that big bass response. My Dad has one. I've always preferred guitars with a bound fretboard board as well. Such a clean and virtually inexpensive extra on an already qualify instrument.

[@texhaines9957]

Very nice comparison for "stock" Martin Rosewood back & sides dreadnought. Yes there are higher numbered Martin's BUT try one or more of the Music Villa Custom Shop guitars...I really like them. Thanks Paul and Quinton

[@ThomasAMorgan]

Thanks, guys! I'm in the market for an upgrade and am leaning toward the HD-35. So cool...

[@ryanbloom1738]

D28 has snap that is why I bought one.

[@jjmuni]

I really like the Pickguard from the HD-28, soundwise to me it is the winner too.

[@lilycat1694]

Really happy I went with the D-28 Standard recently. Has plenty of bass and seems more balanced.

[@NoahSBarnes]

Best guitar reviews on KZbin - legends! Really love that HD-35, it sounds very similar to my Guild D-55.

[@seaniliffe]

I had a dilemma of what guitar to buy next, I ended up with a second hand D28 to go along side my D15,but was interested in the scalloped bracing element so I also bought a second hand D18, and that’s the guitar I play most 👍

[@mojojoe-jo2170]

One thing I miss is the aesthetic on the old D28's. I'm a bit unusual in that I prefer the simple black & white binding and I also liked the black pickguard better. To each his own I guess.

[@Ledzepfan88]

Lol me too

[@chrishyde1216]

Same here, though I went with a pre-reimagined HD28.

[@James-gs1ep]

Awesome comparison. Would be great to see pre-2018 hd28 vs 2018 hd28 comparison!

[@danharris2253]

Seems to be more sympathetic resonance in the HDs (chorus/reverb type fill) I couldn’t tell much difference between HD28/HD35 except the volume was noticeably higher. All sounded great. Personally, I own the HD28 Sunburst. With Retro 13s tuned 1/2 step down, sounds majestic. Great sustain, great resonance, full sound. Any of these would be a great guitar for most players.

[@perrywannamaker1969]

LOVE my HD 35, i have several Gibsons and haven't taken them out of the case in 25 years since i bought my hd 35

[@TavisAllen]

Since the D-28 gets played first, and cognitive bias being what it is, it becomes the benchmark to which the HD-28 and HD-35 are compared. The HD-28 is darker, more muted in tone all around. The HD-35 is lighter on the low end, and brighter on the high end. It is as if sliders on a parametric EQ are being shifted. (This is my take -- YMMV.)

[@MongolWorship]

really good video. thanks for the honest review. helps me a lot what to look for. now it is my dream guitar.

[@michaelenosmusic]

The HD-35 has just the most immediate sound. You can dig into it but I like that you can use the soft touch too. Plus I am a sucker for binding on the neck. :)

[@WorldsOkayistGuitarPlayer]

I ended up buying the D28 modern deluxe. Much more pleasant to hold and play. Plus it’s so lightweight

[@claesnordberg9418]

The 35 sure sounded deeper in my nearfield speakers. So that came across.

[@GregParkemusic1]

I was looking for an older, “ broken in” guitar, but I finally gave up and bought a brand new HD35. I spent several hours going back and forth between a D28, D35, and my final choice, my HD35. All of them sounded and played beautifully, but I kept going back to the HD35. I usually do a solo act, and the fullness and bottom end of the HD35 really works for me. I recently did a completly acoustic gig with 4 other musicians, in an old 1890 era church with no electricity. I recieved several comments about how my guitar really stood out from the others as far as volume, richness, and overall sound. I have had this guitar for about 3 years now, and after being played a lot, it is really starting to open up with that beautiful Martin sound that I was looking for!

[@Xavofthedead]

Nice comment ! What strings do you use on your hd35?

[@davidboyd1745]

Great job fellas. I have a D35 and it sounds awesome. I would choose an HD-35 from this video.

[@tinman8014]

HD35 seems most balanced across the spectrum. Could just be these particular examples.

[@stephenhenion8304]

Great video here. I'm going to cast my vote for the HD 35.....what about the laser leveling of the frets? This could be my next guitar.

[@maxwellfan55]

Paul said what I was thinking when he announced, this was a comparison that needed to be done, especially for those wanting to know which stock Martin Dreadnaught to chose. All 3 models subtly different with the HD28 probably hitting middle ground, the 28 best for picking, HD35 wins the strumming.

[@davidakulian]

Sounds like the HD35 beats them all. Well balanced.

[@markreams3192]

Low end response goes up with the HD28 then more with the HD35. The D28 has a stronger top. I believe in the past Martin had warranty issues with scalloped braced D28s and didn’t build them for a while then came back with the HD28 & 35 with scalloped bracing.

[@robmiller3464]

Obviously it’s the 35 that sounds the best. To my ear on my iPad it is clear. Thanks guys

[@anthonyb2334]

Great comparison. You can tell the difference. Wonderful guitars. Thank you

[@yakattack1396]

I love my HD 28. I got it because the louder sound and because I play for fun, so the difficulty in recording with a mic doesn't apply. Makes the herringbone spec my preferred choice over the standard.

[@martinkleinman2522]

HD 28 is the best-balanced, very nice. Somebody please buy me one.

[@dggydddy59]

That HD-35 sounds excellent!! Nicely balanced, flat response. It sounds like there's a perfect EQ curve to the frequencies. The HD-28 is far too boomy, like it's way too close to the mic and the D28 was just fine but a tad midrange-y compared with the HD-35, which again sounded fantastic here.

[@neilpearson157]

the guitars look good and sound good. you wouldn't think there would be such noticeable differences but there are. If I lived near Boseman, MT I could have several hours trying to decide which of these three beauties I'd have. Sadly, there's the Atlantic Ocean and 2/3rds of the continental US between us. I greatly enjoy the videos.

[@VaughnFelixMusic]

I really want the hd35 now!!!

[@heymrguitarman7637]

Love all 3 but happy I have the D35

[@virgilesp3954]

very good end comparaison and gonna choosed the HD-35 thanks to it !

[@TheAcousticLetter]

Great! We just got an HD-35 I stock.... musicvilla.com/products/martin-hd-42?_pos=1&_psq=hd-35&_ss=e&_v=1.0

[@chriswoods2628]

The D-35 is Martins best kept secret. I thought I wanted an HD-35 until I played the HD and the D side by side. Since purchasing my D-35 2 years ago I almost never play any of my other guitars.

[@PageMarker1]

Kept buying low to mid range priced guitars and kept looking for something better. Found a D35L on eBay for $1800 used and that ended my search. For single notes maybe a D28 would be better, but as I strum more and strum/pick I'm very happy with what I have. Getting older now, my fingers and hands are a bit weaker. I can live with it not having to look for another, unless a J45 or Guild F-55 came along.

[@PhilipRawbon-rk8uv]

I agree buddy me too

[@brandonxu1262]

After tried D28, HD28,D35 and HD35, ended up I chose the D35.

[@wildwolf8983]

Do you still recommend the D35 versus D28 ?

[@brandonxu1262]

@@wildwolf8983 Yup

[@strangsnsuch4765]

For me it's the boom, bass, and the look of the hd 28 n' 35!

[@pickin4you]

I owned a D28, HD28 and a D42, and the D42 blew the other away with ease. It was not even close. I do not understand why none of these comparison videos even mention the D42..... EVER!!

[@johnbradford6845]

Because most people can't afford them.

[@soofitnsexy]

d41 as well...incredible guitar...and I agree I feel because they are a thousand bucks or more difference

[@rodsimmons9337]

I wonder what the difference in longevity will be between the un-scalloped and scalloped bracing... how long before the tops start to lift ?!!

[@chrishyde1216]

HD35 would go first presumably, as 1/16 smaller bracing.

[@jameslacy3509]

Ultimate guitar battle. Want all 3 for different reasons

[@ARTUROSIERRALOPEZ]

D28

[@bobaldo2339]

A lot depends on how heavy your right hand is. When I was young I had a very heavy right hand - played very hard. The standard D-28 suited my style to a T. I can hear clearer note separation with it here when it is played hard. But, when playing a little softer the HD-35 takes the tone prize for sure. The HD-28 is a sort of good compromise I'd say. All of this is relative to these brand new guitars. In a few years? Who knows? Things could change.

[@patrickroe5926]

One omission, the HD35 has a 3 piece back. When I bought my first Martin, I went through a test process on all 3 of these guitars. I took maybe 2 months to decide. OK, they did mention the 3 piece back. The truth is, for most people, any of the 3 would be a fine choice.

[@chrishyde1216]

It's not just the bracing. Individual guitars with the same bracing will vary.

[@ericcross7863]

After hearing the HD 35 the other two although sounding amazing don't quite match up. Imo.

[@ericmojave6061]

The D28 standard truly is the gold standard. To my ears it has the widest dynamic range that doesn’t get overpowered by bass.

[@markwalter9218]

That HD35 is soooo sweet!!! Wow!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I wish I could buy a new one without the yellow toner 🤦‍♂️. I was told I have to order through the custom shop for more money just to get clear natural finish and that’s ridiculous. I like the natural color of the spruce top and not yellow. I’m not alone on that either. I love Martins but come on Martin at least give us a choice

[@thytobin4749]

You guy did a really good job.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 it would be great if you do D35 vs HD53

[@kuzy091]

D28 is classic!

[@johnswisshelm1872]

Yeah Buddy, nothing like a D28 !!

[@beastlybombers]

Love it. Liking that d-35

[@slpc30]

All sound amazing!!

[@boats1993]

Excellent presentation. At one time or another I owned them all. Other than the obvious adornments I never knew about the variations in the bracing. So, discounting the custom shop, what happens other than glitz to the Martin D42 and D45. Are there any other upgrades to woods, etc.? The tour of the Matin factory leads one to believe that the selected spruce wood matching at the beginning of production rejects abnormalities but don't separate specific pieces for the upper D models. I always thought that all of that adornment with glue and abalone would negatively effect the tonal characteristics of the top and neck. 😊

[@Rinty145]

Great video but it would have been great to include the D35 in this comparison.

[@snuffyballparks6501]

Glad I bought my 2008 Martin D-28 Marquis when I did. Now discontinued.

[@maximumaverage]

For the most part I like the HD28 better. The 35 can sound too busy at times

[@Beshinemusician]

What do you think of the Martin Dreadnought that has a 1-11/16" nut with Modified V-neck?

[@johnwallace7694]

I play Bass , So i lean naturally to the 35 , The 28 sounds so clean and crisp , Hey ill take both !!

[@ericlewin5989]

I would love to see an HD-28 vs D-35 video. I haven’t been in a shop with both side by side to compare, but I bet the HD-28’s scalloped 3/8” braces would sound *very* similar to the D-35’s un-scalloped 1/4” bracing. So curious to hear.

[@jimmythefish]

From my experience they’re not. HD-28 is bass heavy compared to a D-28, D-35 is more resonant across the strings compared to a D-28. The differences between all are subtle. One thing that is never mentioned is that if you tend to play tuned down a half step or more the D28 is your guitar.

[@artrogers3985]

These guys are really good - kinda backwoods scary - but very good.

[@WahrheitMachtFrei.]

Still by far the most awkward duo on KZbin. Awesome.

[@quintonking9960]

I like to think we're the acoustic guitar version of SNL's "Delicious Dish" only not as funny or entertaining :)

[@paullanier8280]

Mr. Chimp in a bow tie, can I ask a personal question that I've often pondered ? Can you also play a banjo with your feet as you lie on your back ? Or is this stance only for drums and guitar ?

[@stephenhenion8304]

Its about the Guitars, buddy....

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

It’s absolutely between the HDs for me, but the 35 is the clear standout. They both sound far more open.

[@seeburg220]

I'm a novice, but that HD35 sounds very bright to me, like a Taylor might sound.

[@robertshorts2894]

I had a d35 after it aged it sounded muddy no matter what strings I used .I now have a d28 because of that.

[@terryvold6687]

D 35 is so rich and balanced…sounds amazing!

[@6thwatergateplumber]

Johnny Cash never pounded his 35, but boy you could hear it here like no tomorrow. Even with crap speakers what a Roman cannon....lol...give me that 35....

[@hoodedman07]

You left out the best one. D-35

[@andymacc]

Actual sound comparison starts 6:00 in

[@el34glo59]

I would just go D18 GE. Or d18 ge custom with an Swiss alpine Spruce Top. Which will get you the best of both worlds. Or go d18 authentic. Jmo obviously. I like rosewood in smaller guitars like a Martin 000-28

[@svenklabunde]

Have you ever done a comparison of best cutaway guitars out there? In your video list I could only find comparisons among models of one manufacturer, but among different manufacturers.

[@banjo1434]

I wonder what percentage of players use the cutaway enough to justify the loss that the process entails?

[@amishcha]

Hi I recently bought HD28 after listening to a lot of reviews. I like the tone and resonance a lot, but when I play some notes using my thumb, it just dies out very untimely, almost sounds like a thump. It is prominent on E notes and other notes closer to it on the lower strings, like 12th fret on 6th string, 7th fret on 5th string and 2nd fret on 3rd string. What is it? Could it be fixed any way? I also have same problem with another guitar I own called Merida SPOMCES with solid cedar top, but it is mostly lower G notes and notes around it. I spent a fortune (for me at least) on HD28, but I am a bit disheartened with it. The problem is I got it through a friend in the USA here in another side of the world, and I can't go back to the store to check if it was only my guitar's issue. A luthier here told me about Merdia that it happend because of high resonance of the note and the top just dampens it. Could be the same with the HD28 too? 😢 I would appreciate your any thoughts about it.

[@cressdiligent]

Wast toll the end of vid that I could tell the diff. In the focus of the guitars clearly

[@blakslee720]

That’s tough. At varying times, each one sounded best to me

[@johnnyennis9864]

My ears love the HD35, my eyes love the HD28, but my heart and mind want the D28.

[@ComicKish]

they should do a video with same guitar different stings

[@lhvent]

Great comparison. My DX1RAE still plays amazing as it ha really has opened up. But one day!!

[@jimcastaneda]

About HD-28, I just got mine from local music store. They asked me to wait for 1 month for them to do the set-up as it needs this period to climatize. Is this always the case that is not setup when it came out from Martin ? Thanks

[@paullanier8280]

Jim, the folks are peeing on your leg and telling you that its raining. I would buy it and take it home that very instant if you love the tone. CF Martin and company has a few people that know what it takes to build a nice HD28 guitar. Find out if the sales guy wants to be a future politician

[@jimcastaneda]

@@paullanier8280 thanks! One thing I missed to mention, my HD was purchased at local music store in Singapore. On the day I bought it, I saw other Martins just arrived/delivered by courier.

[@paullanier8280]

Jim, please know that as it gets to the store, the sales folks try to scrutinize each aspect and the cream of the crop gets put to the back so the guys can enjoy it as long as they can. (On their breaks) I would be in the store in fifteen minutes from now and prying it from their paws as they jam out on your beautifully toned box of joy !

[@rblanks2050]

waiting to setup isnt a bad idea honestly. a fresh built instrument will be more subject to movement particularly if having traveled. once established in a controlled humidity/temp will allow better assesment on adjustments if need be. martin performs a factory setup however its rare in my experience that it meets a players expectations. they can almost alwayd use a little tweaking. does take a little trusting in a reputable repair tech/luthier.

[@jimcastaneda]

@@rblanks2050 thanks 🙏🏾.

[@W1ndy1227]

9:28 9:40 9:51

[@saffel]

I am lucky enough to own both an HD28(2015) and an HD35 (1980) I love both instruments, neither have a pick up installed- Looking for advice as too which guitar would be a better candidate for a pickup and what would be a choice p/u? Im a strummer, -

[@gregsanders7064]

Anthem SL on the 28

[@jt3483]

I picked up a used custom shop d41 last year. I thought it was fairly standard, just with an adirondack top and slightly wider neck. I figured it had standard x bracing because it was listed as a 2012. Turns out, it was basically an hd35 under the hood. Thinner forward shifted Adi bracing with the Adi top and two piece back. Now I'm wondering why Martin have never made a more blingy 40 series with three piece back

[@stephenhenion8304]

I just went to the website and it says "HD 35" ....SOLD OUT...

[@davelips]

Splitting hairs.. They're all gorgeous guitars.

[@markgrimm3564]

what about the thickness of the tops are they all the same thickness si the thickness of the hd35 a little thickner to comensate for the 1/4 bracing just curious

[@TheBusinessman33]

Just bought an HD -35 and it just hums like a bird

[@superhepu]

Different with these models, is obvious. Thx of sharing.

[@terryjarrell4326]

Iam Looking for a new guitar these three caught my ear, question I have the forward bracing and the thinner bracing on the HD35 and some on the HD28 the longevity of the top at the bridge and behind it, on older guitars after years there is some bowing going on, are my o worries over nothing, Iam Looking at either the HD28 or 35??

[@TheAcousticLetter]

A little bit of top belly behind the bridge with forward shifted braces is very normal. I wouldn't worry about it.

[@ramspencer5492]

HD all day.... Has Martin stopped making models with the pre war bracing? Bummer...

[@madcat5965]

The answer is a Red Label Yamaha FG5 and then you have a better guitar and $2000 to use on other gear.

[@soofitnsexy]

bull...I compared the yamaha and high end yamhas japan with any d18 hd 28 MARTIN BLEW THEM AWAY. and I really like the yamaha...but they are not in Martins league

[@G_Demolished]

The Yamaha is a steal for people who can’t tell the Martin sounds better. 😊

[@KurtCobain2021]

Is the d35 smaller than the rest?

[@TheAcousticLetter]

No, all three feature the dreadnought body size.

[@wildwolf8983]

Need to tune those guitars