Martin question

[Smitty70]

I just came from a friends after playing his D28. I looked on sweet water and their d28 didn't have the same binding on the body as his. He called it a d28, not hd28. I have to say that I've NEVER heard a guitar sound that good. Not even my '75 d35.

[DanPanther]

From what I've read, Martin's D-28, is the standard by which others are measured, whether better or not as good.

Dan

[Jim Owen]

Hi Smitty--
Was the binding herringbone? The term D 28 covers a lot of ground. A stock D 28 won't have herringbone binding. An HD will. There are very many variations of the 28 model. Many folk just refer to theirs as "D 28s"; that has become the generic term.

[kydave]

Originally Posted by Jim Owen

Hi Smitty--
Was the binding herringbone? The term D 28 covers a lot of ground. A stock D 28 won't have herringbone binding. An HD will. There are very many variations of the 28 model. Many folk just refer to theirs as "D 28s"; that has become the generic term.

There are D-28 models such as the D-28 Marquis, D-28 Museum, D-28 Authentic, D-28 Tyminski - all of which have herringbone and most guys would be as likely as not to refer to it as their D-28.

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by kydave

There are D-28 models such as the D-28 Marquis, D-28 Museum, D-28 Authentic, D-28 Tyminski - all of which have herringbone and most guys would be as likely as not to refer to it as their D-28.

Yes, and every one of those D-28 guitars are outstanding... IMO of course.

- Glenn

[bozz_2006]

maybe it was a pre-war herringbone D-28... that should certainly sound nice!

[kydave]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

Yes, and every one of those D-28 guitars are outstanding... IMO of course.

- Glenn

Your opinion is well informed!

BTW, in re-thinking/reviewing what I wrote above, I realized that the majority of herringbone Martins DON'T have an "H" (i.e., HD-28 or HD-28V) in the model designation, but are D-28's.

[Smitty70]

Well, look, I'm 72. I'm not all that good. But I've been around guitars since I was 16. I've owned all kinds but like I said nothing that sounded like that D28. Not even my D 35. I'm thinking I'll have to get one. I played a Martin cutaway that had electrics in it and it was great too but when he handed me that 28 and I started playing it I just busted out and started singing That's the Way Love Goes. It was just beautiful sound coming from that thing.

So the question was about the trim. I was going by the Sweetwater fotos. Only the HD ha the herringbone on the top.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by Smitty70

I just came from a friends after playing his D28. I looked on sweet water and their d28 didn't have the same binding on the body as his. He called it a d28, not hd28. I have to say that I've NEVER heard a guitar sound that good. Not even my '75 d35.

Not sure if it was the binding, trim or purfling that was different, but if you liked the Martin you played enough to buy one than you better ask your friend what his exact model is. As already noted, there are a number of Martins that use the D-28 name and all have a slightly different voice.

[DJ in FL]

HD-28 is a D-28 on STEROIDS...IMHO

[Edmond]

Originally Posted by DJ in FL

HD-28 is a D-28 on STEROIDS...IMHO

It sure is. I almost picked up an HD-28 to go along with my D-28 and this was after getting a D-18 adirondack. My financial senses came to me and I stopped.

[Mike McLenison]

Originally Posted by DJ in FL

HD-28 is a D-28 on STEROIDS...IMHO

And an HD-35 is an HD-28 on steroids! (5/16th" vs. 1/4" bracing for the HD-35!)

[wcap]

I've liked some D28 guitars a lot more than others. But the really good ones have been just fabulous (and I'm primarily a fingerstyle player!).

[Mr Bojangles]

[QUOTE=DJ in FL;4149944]HD-28 is a D-28 on STEROIDS...IMHO



An HD-28 is indeed a fine guitar. Everyone has their own set of ears and sonic expectations, but I prefer the sound of a straight-braced D-28, D-35, or a D-18. But I realize that I am in the minority...

[rsfanforever]

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

Not sure if it was the binding, trim or purfling that was different, but if you liked the Martin you played enough to buy one than you better ask your friend what his exact model is. As already noted, there are a number of Martins that use the D-28 name and all have a slightly different voice.

I totally agree, ask your friend, find out the exact model and if you can play it before purchasing to make sure it speaks to to as your friends guitar did.