Martin 000-28 Acoustic Guitar - Natural Reviews

Great guitar. Ive had the Martin 000-28 for awhile now and it just keeps getting better and better. Its pricy. Yes it is but dont let the small size fool you. Im used to playing larger acoustic guitarsso i wasnt prepared for what came out was unbelievable
This guitar is so versatile and beautiful and it's worth every penny

I bought this guitar 3weeks ago. I think that it one of the easiest to play acoustic guitars that I have owned. This guitar sounds well balanced and projects well. I am well pleased with this purchase. Stephen Gray is the sales engineer that always works with me on my purchases. He is very knowledgeable and helpful, he makes buying from Sweetwater Music a pleasurable experience. It you are considering this model Martin..., buy it!

MARTIN...you don't stay in business this long by doing it wrong! Amazing sounding guitar. Thanks Martin, Sweetwater and Jeff Weinstein, my sales associate for guiding me after much discussion about this one! Great!

Brought in my 1967 Guild D50 for repair, and left with a 000-28. Had never played one before and, at first, was concerned about the sound given it's relatively small size (compared to my dreadnought). One strum and I was hooked.
The guitar is, simply put, magnificent.
As always, the Sweetwater staff was incredible.

I can't say enough about this acoustic. The tone is great, playability is great and it's beautiful! I arrived at Sweetwater expecting to like and leave with the Eric Clapton model. I played the standard against the EC, going back and forth for a couple of hours. The EC played and sounded great. But this one just spoke louder to me. So I not only saved money, I got a great guitar. After 2 years of daily playing, it even sounds better. This is a lifer guitar! I'll have it until I leave this earth!

This thing is the best, just playing it it sounds like the iconic acoustic guitar sounds you've heard on your favorite records.

I just received my Martin 000-28 yesterday, and after letting it acclimate for 24 hours (pure torture, by the way), I have unboxed it and have played it now for about 5 hours. This is a truly fantastic instrument! Great balanced sound, and so easy to play with the shorter scale length. I currently own a D-18 and an HD-28 and this 000-28 is a great compliment to those instruments. I love the smaller body size, and this guitar will definitely be my go to "couch" guitar. I may try some medium gauge strings on it and see what happens. I have a feeling that this guitar may really like that gauge.

Sweetwater has been great to work with, and I have to give a big shout-out to Abraham Sanchez, who went above and beyond to help make my purchase happen! Thank you so much, Abraham.

It really is hard to go wrong with a Martin standard-series guitar, so if you are on the edge, I would say just "pull the trigger"! After all, you only live once!

It just sounds like an acoustic guitar is supposed to sound. It sounds like a record!

Oh, 000-28 where have you been? This Martin is the absolute perfect combination of sound and playability. As an older player in my 60's, I have never felt a neck so easy to play. The rosewood smell, resonant sound, and beautiful fit and finish, make this my favorite. My other guitars will be finding new homes. I can't put the 000-28 down!
Thanks to Derek @ Sweetwater, you da man and you have always taken care of me like a friend.

My purchase of the 000-28 from Sweetwater was a couple of years ago. I received a discount for a shop blem that I couldn't even find. First, this comes in
a top notch case with protection of the heel This is as essential for a high grade guitar is it is for violins, which is where I first saw "suspension" cases.
In my case, it was East Indian Rosewood (they must have a lot of it! I got an Adirondack Red Spruce top which I prefer. Same herringbone. I replaced the tuners with Waverly tuners with Ivoroid knobs, adding a dimension of class to the visual appeal. The player's neck is awesome. Fret finish perfect. I had my luthier go over the guitar, using the truss rod to get a perfect level of action for my preference. The compensated bridge works perfectly. The vintage-type snowflaks are a nice nod to the origin of the guitar.

I drooled as a teenager over a D-28 Standard, 1972, which I bought without a Martin case for $245 !!! I kept reading the catalog, which really lauded the 000-28 acoustic dynamics and balance preferred for studio recording. So it was always in my mind and I did so a 1 for 1 swap with a well-known dealer in Tennessee.
But, that was still a 1972-style guitar. Then I began to experiment and appreciate the virtues of scalloped bracing and vintage appointments. This led me to a 1944 00-18 with prewar scalloped bracing, and someone had taken the neck down--my favorite guitar, reallly.

However, the 000-28 is THE guitar for sitting, relaxing, playing for others and songwriting, fiddle-tune playing, especially when your shoulder joints become arthritic. I was a ble to set mine up like a Fender Strat and I love it that way with light guage strings (D'Addario) which my luthier buys in bulk.
But, he is slowly retiring, and eventually I will need to patronize a fresh luthier.

I highly recommend a tune up to your preferences yearly. If you care for this guitar, it will last 3 generations at least. I love the Lyric pickup it came with--very natural!

I have been wanting one of these for years. Finally took the plunge. Very glad I did. I really like 000 sized guitars. They are comfortable to play and can do everything well. This guitar is beyond words. I changed the strings when it arrived to what I use - Elixir phosphor bronze. I also lowered the saddle 1/32" With the Elixirs and the lowered saddle it sounds and plays great. I can tell it is already breaking in, and I know it will sound better and better as it ages. Also, I finally now understand why they call it "rosewood." The guitar smells wonderful - like roses. This guitar is one of my dreams come true. If you have been on the fence on this one and can afford it - get it - I don't think you will be sorry.

I've been looking for a smaller bodied acoustic and glad I purchased this guitar. It sounds amazing and is comfortable to play. Neck shape is great. Also comes with a very nice hard shell case. I couldn't be happier with this guitar!

I flew back home for a vacation. I went to Sweetwater just to hang out and mess with all the toys..Electronic drums with headphones is a blast, anyway. I started plucking some acoustics. It all ended when I picked up my 000-28. I loved the feel
and the sound. I left the store with it. A very pricey endeavor but with no buyers remorse. Excellent Guitar. What you would expect from a Martin. Swwetwater it's self is an awesome place to visit. Outstanding operation !

A Martin HD-28 was a constant friend for a many, many years. As a songwriter you just look for the soul of a guitar that inspires.
After that the handshake you make with a song you're about to meet (and write) comes easy.
I play & record with electrics (Gretschs, Teles & Rics) and acoustics;B
But, I tend to compose mostly on acoustic instruments.
I've divided acoustic affections between a Martin HD-28, a Gibson J-45 and a Gibson Es-125....until now.

Enter the Martin 000-28. Sprung for the demo, natural finish.
The Martin 000-28 is a world of beautiful tone, nuance & soul all unto itself. There is an elegance of tone & in these guitars.
And yes: the smaller body lends itself to a more focused & defined projection.
The even-ness of tone, the equal weight of lows, mids and hi's on this Martin are nothing short of stunning.

Aesthetically, it's just gorgeous.
This guitar preserves all the details that made the entry of the 000-28 into the market in the early 1930's a major historical significance.
Inlays & purfling are just classy without being ostentatious. Beautifully rendered.
Note: These guitars come Plek'd. That assures great play-ability with no fears of any flaws whatsoever in the neck, frets and fingerboard. Bravo, Martin!

The appointments are superb. I especially like the open-gear tuning machines with the "butterbean" knobs....way cool.
The modified low oval neck with high-performance taper is super playable up and down the neck.
Above all? It's just inspiring to play and write songs on. Sp glad I jumped on this. This guitar was a demo, by the way. Thank You, Sweetwater!

Much Thanks to salesperson Aaron Regenold, for the good word on this instrument's dynamics. He's been a huge resource as I assemble a home studio and continue to record.
~ bill

I started playing guitar when I graduated from High School, 45 years ago. I always wanted a specific tone out of my acoustic guitar and now I finally have that tone. It was definitely worth the wait. I just love this 000-28. The looks, the tone, and the feel are just perfect for me. So thrilled to be a Martin owner. Thanks Sweetwater for your great service and a special thank-you to Randy P. for taking such good care of me. What a way to start the New Year : )

Recieved my 000-28 in perfect shape.What a wonderful fragrance as I opened it and a beautiful sight. What a nice case the guitar came in Martin sure does a nice job!My000-28 is comfortable to play, sounds wonderful and is a real beauty. Big thanks to Phillip and all involved in my guitars picking, packing and delivery!

Upon opening the case, you are greeted with a scent so sweet that opens up your senses for the sound this guitar produces. The sound and comfortable playability of this short scale guitar are spot on, leaving no desire to look further. This guitar has an extremely rich tone that is only amplified by the superior Martin construction, paired with its beautiful aesthetics. Highly recommend this for those looking for an excellent versatile instrument with unmistakable tone.

I've been looking at the 000-28 for many, many years, and I finally pulled the pin. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I've always been amazed at the sound that comes from such a small body, and the new 2018 makeover. Some purely cosmetic, but I like it. The aging toner, open gear tuners, nice Tortis pickguard, etc. But the high performance neck is amazing. So easy and comfortable to play. And more than enough bottom end for sitting around and playing. I almost never put this guitar down. Even watching TV, I just love holding her and lightly strumming. After 55 years of playing, I'm thinning out the herd and this will be the last guitar I will probably buy. Maybe...................

I had been considering a Martin 000-28 for some time as part of my search for the right smaller-bodied guitar for me. I kept seeing features in the various higher-end models such as bracing and looks that I preferred but I didn't want to pay the premium above what for me is already a lot to pay. I'm glad I waited because with the upgrades Martin has put into this re-imagined version, I'm getting the best of both worlds at a price point I can live with.

This thing looks better in person that in the photos and it is obviously very well made from quality woods. The sound is rich and full despite being new and so I can't wait for it to open up even more over time. I like some bluesy sound but I didn't want that very boxy extreme and so I'm very happy with the balance in this guitar. The mid range is there but it also has great balance and a surprising rich low end. There is great clarity and the sustain is amazing, the sounds from this guitar impress.

The short scale hits the comfort mark for me and I don't find any issues with the volume, although don't expect it to project like a "D". Finger style is the sweet spot IMO but strumming doesn't faze it and sounds fantastic too. All in all, I'm very happy.

Thanks to Brian Kerns from Sweetwater for his always helpful service and to the Sweetwater team for preparing and shipping this fine guitar with the care it deserves.

I"ve waited 25 years to buy a Martin. I"ve spent countless hours playing Takamine"s, Taylor"s D-28 Martins, Ovations, etc.... I"m glad I finally made the decision to move forward and purchase my own Martin 000-28. Looking back there was no real good reason to wait all this time.

I played semi-pro for several years so I"m pretty particular about my gear, tone, etc.....I can promise you that you will not be disappointed the least bit once this guitar is in your hands. It projects a balanced tone exhibiting clean highs, warm mids and plenty of lows. It"s a pleasure both finger picking and strumming.

Once I opened my case I carefully examined the guitar and the finish was flawless. Its truly a work of art. I find myself just opening the case just to stare at her!

Excellent customer service! Kurt Martin called me the very next day to provide me all the details about my order. He called the Martin factory and had it sent straight over. Also, called me a few times afterwards just to check in and make sure everything was ok.

My advice.....just jump in and go for it. You"ll thank me, Martin, Sweetwater and yourself later.

Enjoy,

Love this Guitar! Every strum makes it worth the price. The customer service at Seeetwater is like nothing I"ve experienced before with any business. Five stars for sure. I love the body size of the 000. It"s perfect when sitting around the house. I hoped it would be loud enough because I"m used to a dreadnought, and I wasn"t disappointed. Obviously not a D but great projection and clarity.

This guitar is incredible. I have a Gibson J-50, Martin 00-15M and a 12 fret parlor guitar. This guitar is unique among the others. It really provides a perfect blend of what I want in an acoustic guitar (i.e. Brightness, Ease of Play, Vintage-Looking Aesthetics, etc).

I was stuck between the OM-28 (2018) vs. the 000-28 (2018). The brightness and volume of the OM (longer) scale length caught my eye, but I opted for the more comfortable, balanced 000 scale length (shorter). I put 12-56 gauge 80/20 strings on mine, which seem to have opened up the guitar by adding more beef, brightness and volume to the guitar.

The volume is not quite as loud as a Dreadnought, but it still has plenty of volume. This guitar is loud, but not boomy. It is really comfortable to play. Haven't played a 000-28 from prior years, but I think the scalloped braces did a lot for the 2018 model.

Bottom line - this is a great guitar. One that I will be playing for years and that I hope to pass on to my son.

PS - Grant Embury took great care of me in regards to this purchase. Would recommend trying to get up with him if you are looking at some gear from Sweetwater. The Sweetwater reps. really do make the whole shopping experience better...

I was originally looking to purchase a Taylor 614 guitar from Guitar Center, but fortunately my wife had me log onto the Sweetwater website. I emailed one of the Sales Engineers, Jeff Bohan, several questions about both Taylor and Martin guitars which he quickly answered and never pressured me to commit to making a purchase or feel like I was wasting his time. Based on my style of playing, I decided on the Martin 000-28 without ever trying one out. Of course, I've played other Martin guitars which is always an experience so I was confident this would be a Martin quality guitar. I don't have anything negative to say about Taylor guitars and I would own one if given the chance, but the 000-28 was my pick this time.

Ordering this from Sweetwater was an easy and a great experience. The customer service here is unlike any other place I've dealt with. This is our second purchase from Sweetwater and they are known to follow-up with a phone call to ensure you are completely satisfied with your purchase. This guitar was on back-order when I ordered it and received a call from Jeff Bohan letting us know the guitar was in and being shipped.

My guitar was delivered this morning and after playing it for a couple of hours, this is my review on the Martin 000-28. First, this is a Martin guitar and all of my expectations were met. The photos on-line are great, but the guitar looks even better in person. The colors are rich and the body size of the Martin 000 is very comfortable against your body. The fret board is very smooth allowing your fingers and hand to glide easily as you play. The sound, well the sound is phenomenal!! The volume is perfect and the clarity is amazing. This guitar is great for strumming and flat-picking. I decided on this specific guitar because I prefer fingerstyle playing and I can not be more pleased with the sound and volume I get on this guitar. The East Indian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce tone woods are very noticeable when playing this guitar. I have a feeling my Takamine is going to start collecting dust. The hard case that came with the guitar is a plus. The guitar fits like a glove and I know my guitar will be safe when I take this on family trips.

In short, this guitar has exceeded my expectations and there is not one ounce of buyer's remorse. The customer service from Sweetwater is amazing and I will shop here first when I get permission to buy another guitar.

Love this thing and Sweetwater made it easy,

I bought a Martin 00028 a few weeks ago from Sweetwater it arrived in 2 days an was set up an ready to play it sounds great don't let the small body fool you it has plenty of volume . It's good for finger picking or strumming . A great guitar . This is the second acoustic I have purchased from Sweetwater I am well pleased with the service I received an will buy from Sweetwater again!