Is the Martin HD-28 better or just different compared to the D-28?

[db25364]

I am curious what AGF members think. Is the HD-28 a better all around guitar than the D-28 (or the other way around)...or are they just different?

[kydave]

Just different.

The braces are scalloped on the HD-28 and straight on the D-28.

No difference otherwise.

Some people prefer the sound of one to the other.

Some people like both equally and own both.

[brencat]

Yep, plenty of threads comparing these. You just need to go out and play a bunch. Once you have a baseline for how each sounds, you'll be able to spot the gems right away.

I agree with Dave on this one, really just different. Although I often prefer the HD version, the one guitar I really regret selling is a "plain" D-28.

One other point, the only difference today is the scalloped bracing, but until 1988 the HD-28 had a 1 3/8" maple bridge plate where the D-28 had the large 3 1/4" IRW bridge plate. After 2008 they both have a 2" maple plate.

[hovishead]

I used to own a killer HD-28 until it was stolen.

I searched and searched for a replacement but couldn't find one that matched it...... Then I found a killer D-28....

Personally I prefer the standard D-28 over the HD-28. Crisper/drier, cleaner, crunchier and more direct tone than that of the HD-28 (which has a richer, bassier and more reverberating tone).

I actually think the standard D-28 is the most versatile guitar I've owned. I absolutely love it.

[Oldguy64]

I've played a few, but never owned either.
On A/B ing them in the shops, my ear prefers the HD-28.
I find it to be a good bit louder, with less expended effort.

Every D-28 I've played requires a certain heavy-handedness to reach the same kind of volume levels attainable with an HD.

[tomiv9]

Just different. Scalloped vs non-scalloped bracing. Although the HD-28 does have some cosmetic improvements (i think): herring bone trim and tortise pick guard.

[dneal]

I had a very nice sounding HD28 years ago. I preferred the deeper bass to the D28.

[briggleman]

I just can not believe you do not know.... HD is definitely better... HD High Definition man! H means its just HIGH but no definition.


Ok, as previously stated in another thread.....its Friday, Company Picknic, and I have been drinking 90 proof Whiskey!

Yea, really listen to me.

Brad

[SongwriterFan]

Originally Posted by db25364

Is the HD-28 a better all around guitar than the D-28 (or the other way around)...or are they just different?

Better . . . The HD-28 is what the original D-28 was . . . basically.

[kydave]

Originally Posted by SongwriterFan

Better . . . The HD-28 is what the original D-28 was . . . basically.

Not too much, really.

While it does have some herringbone trim and some scalloping, that's about it.

The original had a different X brace position, much more severe scalloping, and a wider, beefier neck (the big structural differences), and the less important trim differences in the long saddle, the diamonds/squares inlay.

[Taylorman98]

They are both very nice guitars. I prefer the HD myself but thats purely my preference. Is it a better guitar.. No.. It just sounds better to my ears. I like the deeper low end.

[BoneDigger]

I like ice cream!

But, seriously, I do like both of these guitars. The D28 is a little more even across the strings, where the HD28 has a more defined bass. Both are very good and both have their place. For my needs, which is more of the singer-songwriter type stuff, the standard D28 is great.

Todd

[DanR]

Coincidentally, I had been shopping for a great dread within the last month or so. I played a D-28 at my local store that I preferred over an HD-28 that they had. The HD also had Fishman (?) electronics which I didn't want and maybe that contributed to it's tonal quality. The D-28 there still didn't strike me as 'magic' enough to purchase it, so I made a trip to Elderly Instruments.

While at Elderly, I don't recall playing any new D-28s and the used guitars that were on my list (I prepared a list from their inventory ahead of time) didn't 'speak' to me. There were 3 HD-28s there that were great. I was shocked at the consistency because if I were blindfolded, I know I wouldn't be able to tell them apart. I ended up buying the one that was discounted slightly for a small finish blemish. I've been playing it a lot since the purchase and it is just fantastic, at least to my ears.

[grachi]

There is no such thing as a "better" instrument, no matter what guitars you are comparing. It just depends what sound you want. That said, kydave pretty much said it best with the fact that they are just different. Play both and find which one you like best.