[Mking]

Existence,
I had the same experience when I was looking to buy an HD-28. I discovered I much preferred the HD-28V because to me it sounded better. I found out why. The HD-28V has the forward shifted bracing as the real vintage guitars from back in the day. The straight HD-28 does not have the forward shifted bracing.

By the way I have to add, back in 2010 or so I purchased a 2007 Gibson J-45TV. My Martin doesn't get played much anymore. The J-45TV is fantastic; just like the one fellow said, don't give up on the J-45 just yet. Try the J-45 True Vintage (TV).

Michael