Martin D-28 Modern Deluxe Acoustic Guitar - Natural Reviews

Well after a few unexpected delays in shipping this guitar arrived at my front door. I have been playing guitar for 50 years and I have a large collection of fine electric and acoustic guitars. I mostly enjoy playing electric guitars. But now in my life, I belong to a every Friday night acoustic guitar jam group at my local community center. We have really good time! I never really had a fine acoustic that would be loud enough or have FEEL that I needed to shine. That all changed thanks to the super friendly Ken Nace and his excellent support to me purchasing this guitar. THIS GUITAR HAS THE LOOKS that MAKE PEOPLE TURN THEIR HEADS. So many compliments from musicians and friends about the clear as a bell sound. The quality control at MARTIN is second to none. I purchased this guitar with my new Sweetwater card. My wife takes care of the payments........Let SWEETWATER take care of you.

Al Cline in Virginia

I've played dozens of Martins and this guitar is the best sounding and most playable one of them all. A truly amazing dreadnought.
I'd be remiss in not mentioning my sales agent, Joel. Unfortunately he had to deal with me at a time when I was still dealing with a loss in the family. I was indecisive and couldn't decide on a guitar. I really put the poor guy through the paces. You never would've known that by the way he helped me, with his usual patience, kindness, and professionalism.
So, not only is the guitar one for the ages and a new family heirloom, but the service in buying it was amazing as well.

Light as a feather and wonderful sustain, this guitar has a beautiful voice and it loves to sing.

Couldn't be more pleased with sweet water or this Martin. Beautiful craftsmanship and bangs like a d-28 should. Lot of cash, but I'll be happy for the rest of my life.

Making the best better is not an easy feat...but Martin Guitar did just that with ladt years Introduction of the D-28 Modern Deluxe! I have ownen mine for just about exactly one year: abd I can tell you it is one of Martjns finest guitars. I recomend doing what I did: listen/Watch the videos on Sweetwater's web page for this guitar...read about the changes they have made...and then BUY IT!
Take my word for it: I've been playing/owning D-28s for 50 years...this is simply a killer guitar...
Get one; you will never regret it!

I have played guitar for a long time. I've always had nice guitars, but nothing of this caliber. I researched several guitars over the last year and decided on the D-28MD. Boy am I glad I did! What's not to love about a D28 in the first place? Martin invented and set the bar for the acoustic dreadnought. The classic style and bracing with modern day upgrades are the best of both worlds. If you are in the market for a top of the line, powerhouse of a guitar, look no further. This thing is a cannon. And don't look anywhere else besides Sweetwater. Their customer service is also the best in the industry for sure!

This is by far the easiest playing, best sounding guitar I have ever played. I'm no pro, but I have been fortunate enough to own many nice guitars over the years including Martin's, Taylor's, etc. Sold many kept a select few. Can't say this is the perfect guitar for everyone, but it is for me. This baby almost plays itself. The guy's at sweetwater were great,very helpful. If you love acoustic, You owe it to yourself to play one of these (so to be classic) guitar's. Martin hit a homerun with this one.

I sold my 1972 Martin D-28 which I later regretted. It had wonderful tone and I missed playing it. I decided I would try to buy an older D-28 (pre-1970) but they are ridiculously expensive and many of them have condition issues. I researched and was impressed by what I read about Martin's D-28 Modern Deluxe. It made sense to combine vintage tone with new condition. I can't overemphasize how pleased I am with my purchase. It plays like a dream as it left the factory with perfect action. The neck shape is SO comfortable. I get so many compliments about the sound it projects and its appearance. It has become my favorite guitar of all. I loved my 1972 D-28 but the Modern Deluxe is so much better!

I am not a regular player, but have been crazy about guitars for many years. Acoustic wise my first was an Epiphone Master built. I really enjoy that guitar, but with my knowledge of guitars I knew there were higher levels to reach for. I then bought a Taylor 224CE Koa after a lot of research etc. I really love that guitar but I felt I wanted to get to the next level before I got too old and retirement held me back from making "that" purchase. With the Sweetwater payment plan that was available and after much soul searching, I pulled went with the Martin D-28 Modern Deluxe. They shipped it overnight (not expected) and I opened up the case and just fell in love with this instrument. I can't profess to have the ears of a seasoned pro, but they way this sounds to me it's just amazing for me to have in my hands. It actually has me playing more than I have in years. The quality is hands down superb, not a single pick on the instrument at all. I could not have made a better decision and highly recommend this guitar. I will treasure this amazing instrument forever.

This guitar is worth the hype. Beautiful in looks but even better in tone. Can"t stop looking at it and playing it.

This is the sound you hear on so many records. It's buttery smooth, and plays like a dream. I actually own the HD-28, which came out a few years back, but basically the same thing.

...a lot of money, especially for a guitar with no built-in pickups, but you're paying for the top of the line hard woods, and hand made attention to detail that Martin provides. This guitar should last your lifetime and possibly beyond if it's well taken care of. If you live in dry areas, buy loads of humidity protection for your investment.

I played this at the factory today. Just wow. I have 2 Martin's, a gcpa4 and a 50th anniversary edition d35. this guitar makes the d35 sound average and that's tough to do. I dont need another guitar that is that nice or I would buy this in a sec. Anyway, it's not hype, its light and gorgeous and plays and sounds like a dream.

It's such a fantastic surprise to finally do business with some folk that really know what they're doing. These people not only know their product but the follow up customer service is unbelievable. The first order I ever placed with Sweetwater was for $16 dollars, a couple packs of picks. Shortly after placing the order I got a call from Nick, one of the techs. Super nice guy. I had been looking at the D-28 MD. When I got ready, I called Nick back and placed the order. To just say I'm pleased would be the greatest understatement, since Noah said it looks like rain!!! Finest out of the box instrument I've ever seen. Not only easy on the eyes but unbelievable sound. The customer service of Sweetwater and the quality of the D-28MD leaves me speechless!! THANK YOU SWEETWATER!!

I would like to be harsh and find a fault with the Sweetwater service or the D28MD. However, it was like a dream; a surreal experience. I am in my sixties and getting an aged guitar is a big deal for me. I do not want to wait for this guitar to age. It plays very well, has an interesting neck cut, but nice (most will like it a lot) and the wood smells and looks great. Yes, it smells like it was made yesterday. The looks are well appointed without being gaudy. Is it worth the money? Well, look for cheap imports and find a good luthier if you have to ask that question (I do not know how long plywood takes to age). Anyway, if you like Martin D-28 or getter yet, the HD-28, then you need to consider this one. Lastly, I would not take this on the road. It is much more like an old friend come home than a working tool. The Martin sound, yes. Necessary to have that exact sound, no. But, it is sooo nice. And it plays very well. I recommend it to anyone looking for something extra special, or just buy a D-28 and wait 10 years (maybe longer)

Martin has scored a Home Run with this new guitar...they have finally gotten it right! I truly believe that this will be a future collectable every bit as much as the vintage Martins of the 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's! The new technologies incorporated in this incredible guitar are pure genius! In 50 years of playing Martins, have had many D28's. This is the finest Martin guitar that I have ever owned. My friends are blown away with it as well. Just watch and listen to the videos available and you will no doubt be as excited as I was. As good as they are, actually holding and playing the Modern Deluxe D28 is so much better! Sweetwater makes it so easy and my rep Carson is the best. Don't hesitate, grab yours today...you will not be sorry!

Martin has scored a Home Run with this new guitar...they have finally gotten it right! I truly believe that this will be a future collectable every bit as mu h as the vi tage Martins of the 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's! The new technologies incorporated in this incredible guitar are pure genius! I have owned many D28's over the 50 years I have owned and played them and this is as fine a guitar as i have ever owned. My friends are blown away with it as well. Just watch and listen to the videos available and you will no doubt be as excited as I was and am. Sweetwater makes it so easy and my rep Carson is the best. Don't hesitate, grab yours today...you will not be sorry!

Recently bought my D28 Modern Deluxe and I must say wow! Loud as heck, and sounds better every time I pull it out of the case!

The tone and sustain are incredible. Had to have the action lowered as it was pretty high for my taste. The finish is soft but beautiful. It will scratch easily as all nitro finishes do. But that gives it character in my opinion.

I will complain about the visible glue squeeze out under the back braces directly visible through the sound hole as well as two off colored vertical rosewood side braces that are the most visible out of all of them. The rest (not easily viewed) are the same shade! Just nitpicky stuff as a guitar builder myself.

Overall another amazing experience with Sweetwater and my rep Mike Blair! Highly recommend!

The glue and off colored non matching rosewood braces are the only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars!

I have had this model for about 2 months and have played it every day. Here is my "truth" about the D-28 Modern Deluxe.
It is very loud and it is very bright. It seemed about 2x louder compared to a comparable boutique guitar from another builder that I auditioned. But like every guitar and builder, the tonal characteristics widely vary. I wish I was able to play about 10 of these guitars before purchasing one, so a road trip is recommended when possible. Fretboard is a bit wider than my other, lesser Martin, so just a word of caution. Fit and finish is outstanding, however, action from Sweetwater/Martin was a bit higher than needed, so it will go to the luthier after being played in a bit more. Case seemed really nice with a padded handle and great guitar fit, but the lid fit was a bit off, so it needs a little attention to close correctly.
Pros- Volume, construction, visual looks, finish, bright but balanced tone, Martin sound
Cons- Stiff playability with action on the high side (as shipped), brightness (if not playing bluegrass), case (okay, but not fantastic)

I bought the guitar used from some one that bought it from Sweetwater. That being said I have personally bought from Sweetwater before and they are the best when they have what I want at the financing terms I am looking for. I will not hesitate to buy from them. As Far as the guitar I am very impressed with the d-28 modern deluxe. I gave it 4 1/2 stars only because my Guild F-55 rosewood gets five but in the end I will keep both for as long as I live.

I have had my Martin Modern Deluxe almost two years now and I will tell you that its the best piece I have owned. I have and have had many quality guitars so I have to say that this one is my daily go to guitar.