Martin HD-28 Sweetwater Edition Reviews

5.0/5.0 based on 2 customer reviews

Sweetwater Advice

Brian Cravens

A marriage of the old and the new. We have spec'd a special combo just for Sweetwater customers. This has the pre-war forward shifted bracing (the heyday in Martin's history, pre WWII), and the true to original spec Adirondack spruce top. The neck is something that I prefer, with a faster, lower action and a sleek neck profile. This isn't just a bluegrass guitar, it's one that will extend to the guitarist who wants to play lead runs too. Did I mention the Fishman Ellipse pickup system? This will allow you to use a large-diaphragm condenser and the DI in conjunction with each other to create the best in acoustic tone and shimmer on your recordings. I love the way this guitar sounds, and I am very partial to the solid rosewood back and sides for that deep, authoritative tone.

Sort By Date Sort By Rating

Customer Reviews

Mark Roberts
from St. Louis, Missouri
October 27, 2011 Music Background:
Home Studio

It's the Best of Best and I've tried all the rest!

I spent months researching and testing dozens of premium guitars in search of the one insturment that stood above all others and the one I just couldn't live without. The Martin HD-28 dominated in every head to head comparision with it's full rich sound, quality craftmanship, playability, and value. Here's the kicker! The Martin HD-28 SE turn out to be a step above even my high expectations! From day one, it has delighted me with a big rich full sound and the Fishman Blend Electronics are amazing! Truely one of a kind that makes me smile every time I pick it up. It would be a value at twice the price!!!

andy victor
from Fond du Lac, WI
October 27, 2011 Music Background:
Active Musician/Songwriter

My First Martin

Great guitar, arrived in perfect condition, I have a few Gibson acoustic/electrics and the Martin HD-28 Sweetwater Edition is a very nice compliment. Very easy to play, nice even tone up and down the neck. The tone wood pairing of Adirondack Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides along with the Fishman Ellipse Blend pick up system really sings. I've tried many of the lower price point Martin guitars which never were exciting to my ears, glad I held out for this model. It's a little pricey. Hope It holds it's value due to the fact that you pay a premium for the Adirondack Spruce top verses the Sitka Spruce top version (HD-28VE). But there is distinct a pleasant tone difference with Adirondack, the bass response is larger and warmer and the highs have more brilliance/sheen. Only complaint is that when playing hard unplugged there is a very faint buzz from the top vibrating the Fishman electronics which are sound hole mounted. Luckily it is inaudible while playing thru an amp and it didn't show up in any of the recordings I've made when miked. If you spend the extra bucks for this guitar you'll be very happy:)