The HD-28 for me. I admit I have a 1991 HD-28P. Not only to my ear, but the reaction I have received from others who have listened to it hear as warm, full bodied and balanced across the musical spectrum. Projects very well. The scallop bracing is essential to it's voice. It is THE iconic dreadnought. Thank you for this really good demo!
I took 2 years playing different Martin dreadnought guitars for purchase. D-28, D35, D41, HD-28’s. I think that how the guitar was built probably played a bigger roll then if it had scalloped bracing or not or some other doodad’s, I didn’t have any preconceived idea on what to buy. I kept playing till I found one that spoke to me and I bought it. It was a D-28 that was hanging on the wall of the store. I usually stay away from wall hangers but this one sounded great. The best way is to use your ear and the guitar will let you know.....BUY ME. I noticed that rosewood had different colors in the grain and the top had these tiger strips, very unusual and visually appealing. So maybe the choice in woods when it was made had to do with the great tone.
I have owned 4 martins. All fancy expensive models. I went to buy an HD-28 but after playing a few I preferred the Standard D-28 and that’s what I play today. It’s amazing. My others were a Modern 000-28, old J-40 and J-42. The Js’ sounded great but were not comfortable to play for long periods. The 000 was beautiful, and played great but I missed the bottom end of the bigger guitars. My D-28 is amazing. I had it set up by a very good luthier and it plays as good as my Taylors did. The standard bracing holds up to strumming better than the scalloped bracing I think. I have also owned a few guilds and Taylors and Gibson acoustics but this D-28 is the best acoustic I have owned.
I have an HD-28 Reimagined. Bought it at the beginning of COVID. The more I watch videos of D-28s and D-41/42/45s, the more I think I bought the wrong guitar. The HD-28, with its full spectrum brightness, sounds a lot closer to my Taylors. The dreadnought bassy sound is really nicely portrayed through the D-28/41/42/45 models.
Shout out to the the old guys with copper bracelets and Dr Oz reference. I have the HD28V "V" meaning vintage from back in 2006 no graphite bridge no zirconium pins but love to play it. I liked the 3 you played with preference for the HD
Just recently sold my 2014 D28 Ambertone. Then I realized I was the first time in 46 years without a guitar. Love the D28 but didn’t need or want such an expensive guitar. Actually I made some money on it. Bought a Taylor AD27E which I just love. I love Mahogany. Both great guitars and feel my needs are still being met.
I bought my D28 52 years ago, and love it. My brother's 50 year old D35 is about as nice, but the sound of that HD 28 is the first time I've been swayed by another guitar.
Lovely playing. Owning a 2008 D28 myself I’m partial to the balance of the straight braces; especially with sitka. I’d want a scalloped and forward shifted Adirondack top with the VTS for that magic prewar formula.
Straight up D-28 all day. Best sound of the 3. It's rich and resonate yet still punchy and has a beautiful tone. Sure the HD has some rich overtones but it lacks the punch. The standard braced D-28 as it ages will be one hell of a guitar. It's a gem.
Hi Cooper , your playing is such a treat ! I almost forgot your video was about demo-ing Martin’ D28 … thanks a lot from France ! By the way, I believe I prefer the standard one. Take care
First: great presentation! Cooper your style is astonishing, you keeps plettro while doing arpeggio and make a sort or finger picking contemporarely, it is fantastic! Last but not the least, the three monsters dreadnaught comparation: I admit have the reimagined D28 and this video could have become for me my eternal torment if it demonstrate I made bad: it is foolishing me instead,The D28 sounded more pleasant to me far more coherent between the frequencies and the scales and the solos notes and the bindings, I thought it was a distorted sensation of mine but reading the other comments Wow! I wasn't absolutely alone, in the end Martin is always the best gear! Tanks p.s. the logo in the modern deluxe seems done in pearl inlay, am I wrong?
I'm a big fan of the HD-28 and own a HD-28E with factory installed Fishman VT Aura pickup. But the D-28 is a great guitar too. Not so sure about the Modern Deluxe, but I've never played one.
Modern deluxe sounded the best, but by very slim margins. Oh and you forgot to mention the titanium truss rod in the MD which makes it much lighter . Great playing btw
I wish I could find a Martin that had the warmth of an HD 28 but the bass of a d28. You have to listen for the slight difference but if you could combine those two it would be magic.
Did you mention the titanium truss rod in the Modern Deluxe? It makes it lighter. I am the original owner of a 1971 D-28 and just bought a Modern Deluxe. Hard to compete with a 50 year old Martin but the Modern Deluxe is easier to play and is quite a bit louder. I wonder how it will sound in a couple of years.
After playing and owning many guitars for more than.20 years, there is a happy medium. You can make a $100 guitar sound fine if you're a competent player, but something like a new $3000 Martin D28 sounds much richer and fuller than a cheap instrument and a even a $500 fender sounds much better than a $100 Amazon guitar, *but nothing sounds 1000x better. All in all, if you really like the tones an ascoustic has to offer, it is with having a beautiful mid-range Martin or Taylor level instrument at say $3,000 but beyond that range, there are diminishing returns.
I Just recently bought the Modern Deluxe. I have just recently retired, so I will have lots of time to learn to play it. If I can't, then I certainly can't blame the guitar!!
Wow!! Great playing and presentation of these Martin guitars. I think the D28 beats the others hands down. At least to me and other reviewers as well. A PURE Martin sound without all the "improvements". The D 28 is just a true icon and awesome guitar. Won me over. Don't have one but am working on changing that. Thank you Cooper.
I've played both the d-28 and hd-28 which I would recommend doing before buying either. I bought the hd-28. This demo was done using mics. Sit down and play both. Of course there's a price difference but to me it was worth it. Compare for yourself. I actually bought a d-35 which I love and still have before the hd-28. Both are great guitars and have a purpose.
@@jimmycollette9209 You are so right about the mic and these demos. They have no choice because no matter what they do, they have to record the guitars, and even the mic used colors the sound. In a room they may be completely different, and the sound has so much to do with the touch and dynamics of the individual player. Every J45 sounds fantastic recorded into mic, in a room lifeless to me.
@@keary18 I don't have the hd-35 I have the d-35 and would not want to make the choice they are different but I would choose the hd-28 but check out the Gibson j-45 also if you can. I put it equal to the hd-28.
Recording artists generally prefer the D-18, oddly enough. Especially with Adirondack spruce tops. The have more punch and volume. One thing often not mentioned in videos aimed at Martin novices is Adirondack spruce vs. Sitka spruce (more commonly used) is that the Adirondack spruce top models have more volume and projection. Adirondack became rare after the war but has made a big comeback.
@@dennissilber287 thanks for this post, I'd love to have an adirondack top...I have a Collings OM2H Traditional and I regret not getting the Adi top...
I was surprised to find out that I preferred the D-28 (the cheapest one). It sounded punchier and clearer. Actually, it's the sound I have in my head when I think of the typical Martin sound. The HD-28 was fairly similar, but it sounded a bit more mellow. And the modern deluxe was even mellower than that. Small margins, but in my opinion the D-28 was the perfect guitar. The other two were close.
My sentiments exactly. In this video, the standard sounded richer and resonated better. The deluxe was nearly tinny and the HD slightly less so but not as rich as the standard.
I own the D28 MD, for me it’s the one, I believe it also has a titanium truss rod and real abalone inlayed into the wood on the headstock ( both not mentioned ) Could you tell me the make and model of that microphone used on this video ? Great comparison and great playing.
They quit using the herringbone on the d28 in ww2 due to a shortage of it since it came from Germany 🇩🇪 just thought I'd throw that out there. They couldn't get it at the time so they just did away with it completely for a long time. Love the video Cooper! Always dig your guys videos. Keep them coming. Especially the Martin videos!!
@@chingumachine , He’s talking about back during world war 2. The herringbone inlay came from Germany. Obviously we stopped buying from Germany during WWII. So they stopped using the herringbone inlay on the D-28. They came back out with it in 1976 on the HD-28 and they continue to use it on several guitar models. You don’t have to special order it from the custom shop.
The scalloped bracing does give the HD-28 and deluxe more dynamic presence as far as volume is concerned. However, If this was a woman I wouldn't kick the base model out of bed. LOL!
Great presentation, just wanted to add that to the best of my knowledge the HD-28 is not the "kicked up" version but more of a reissue of the pre-war D-28 with the Herringbone and scalloping. The current D-28 guitar represents the straight braced D-28 of the late 40s through 60s, which despite being the apparently less desirable iteration of this guitar is actually the model played by Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Johnny Cash and others in iconic recordings.
I feel the same way. On my 2020 D28 I did replace my Corian ( form of plastic ) nut to unbleached bone nut, changed the Tusq ( form of plastic ) saddle to unbleached bone saddle, changed the plastic pins to bone pins all made in the USA with C. F. Martin specifications for the D28. It is a huge improvement of flavors and colors of sound and clarity, sustain, harmonics is much better.
Strangely, I was preferring the D28 over the two others. More solid and sparkling highs and more contained bass. It also sounds closer to my Furch (Stonebridge in the USA) model D33, which is sort of a copy of the classic Martin However, i really prefer the clear natural color of the MD top
I’m here because I just bought one used, sight unseen. I DO prefer it over the HD and MD. But that’s not why I am commenting. Your playing is incredible. You make the technical look easy, which it isn’t, and the emotive is overlayed on top. Gorgeous chords. Wish I could get to this level. Bravo.
This video was so helpful in my decision to buy a HD-28. It is my favorite guitar I've ever played and I'll have it the rest of my life. Great review and playing. I'd be really interested in a similar video comparing the 000-28 standard series, modern deluxe, and custom shop 1937.
I appreciate the extended final thoughts and frankness. Enjoyable review. My favorite tone was the D-28, which honestly surprised me. I expected to prefer the HD-28.
I like the D-28, because it sounds more in control - ie. the notes will keep ringing out, and not get lost in the sustain, which might happen with the HD28. The HD-28 sounded sweeter, but if you like flat picking, I think people might prefer the punchier tone of the D-28s depending on their style of music.
I played an HD28 last time I was in a music shop. Strummed a G and knew it was the one, looked at the price tag, and knew it was the one someday haha. Scalloped braces is where it's at, great for fingerpicking. The OG 28 doesn't sound bad, but the Modern sounds a little tinny to my ears.
Bridge pins definitely change the tone. Nothing pseudo science about pins. The modern deluxe cleary sounds different from the pins, to the carbon fiber plate, to the toriffied top. All that together changes the sound. I'm good tho. Not a fan You want to upgrade, get an authentic or custom made Also IT'S NOT HOT HIDE glue on the MD. It's protein glue. Completely different. Alot more time to set. Don't need the best builders to use that glue
I have no idea which one costs the most, skimmed the intro. But the third one sounds the best. Has more definition in the mids/highs so would cut through more.
Both sound excellent of course.. you needed to tune the hd28 a little better.. being in tune makes everything sound better.. really like the 28 for the extra mid-range, but you sacrifice a little bit of the low end that the HD has in spades.. just picked up an HD 28,its excellent for recording.. especially along with some sort of mahogany guitar like a d-18 or Gibson
The recording gain sounded, to me, higher for the standard D-28. The HD-28 was warmer and had more delicate and discernible harmonics. The bass was perhaps a bit more on the D-28 and the modern. Its all a matter of taste and what you prefer not so much which is “better”. They are all excellent and worthy of professional use. Bridge pins are hooey.
I liked the HD28 the best. I felt for me, it had the best classic Martin tone that I like. The Modern Deluxe reminded me ever so slightly, of a Takamine sound - tinny. It could be my old ears, dunno. Nice video, thanks for taking the time to make it.
I've had the Martin HD-28 for a few months now. I really do believe that the "scalloped bracing" is the most obvious upgrade over the regular D-28. If I am in an acoustic room in a music store, I will quickly pluck the bottom three strings (E, A, D) of the acoustic before actually taking it down. From that I can tell quite a bit: volume, bottom end, tonal spectrum and resonance etc. I did this with the regular D-28, the HD-28 and a regular D-35. After this little test, I went back to the HD-28 and went through all three again and then sat down with the HD-28. This particular HD-28 had everything I was looking for over the other two models and so I bought it. There are some other factors that should be considered also. The first thing being the strings. My HD-28 came with Martin strings (of course) but I have experienced a "dramatic improvement" in an already great sound by selecting a string set that is more suited to my liking and the guitar. I did leave the Martin strings on for sometime to put them to the test. After that, I did a re-string with a set of non-treated D'Addario 80/20 bronze "hybrids" (.012-.056) light top/medium bottom. The improvement was dramatic. More bottom end and yet a brightness at the same time and much easier to play. Strings are a big consideration to be sure. Lastly...each instrument has its own individual characteristics. Sometimes the manufacturer just "gets it right." You have to look for that too. Just some thoughts....take care.
Frets on D-28 Modern Deluxe are that harder gold color metal. Modern Deluxe also has carbon fiber bridge plate and liquid metal bridge pins, special Modern Deluxe off-center neck profile. I have one, and a 1937 Authentic (Adirondack top, Madagascar Rosewood back and sides) and a D-14 Adirondack top, East Indian Rosewood, similar to the Authentic but low oval neck. They are not Case Queens. Also the Modern Deluxe "e" has a nice Fishman pickup. All great guitars, just adding a few other specs on the Modern Deluxe that you may hear (I do with headphones). Thanks Cooper
I really like the sound of the Martin's. Their 000-28e Modern Deluxe may be a better fit for my hand. The Modern Deluxe neck is cantilevered, a copy of a neck on a 1939 neck on a guitar in Martin's museum. Still enjoying that Chris McKee signature Taylor and Gibson. Tell Chris hello for me. You folks are awesome. Howard
The liquid metal actually help with sustain. The set up from the factory is perfect for those of a bluegrass bent. Nothing against you. You were okay!! All 3 were great! HD 28 also has forward shifted bracing i believe.
I don't care for the scalloped bracing. The standard D28 has character. The scalloped, while very nice sounding, it's almost too refined for my taste. But hey that's just me, or maybe I'm not the only one since Martin continues to keep it around. Nice review!
@@philippelastours7860 it's baffling that nowadays there are so many non scalloped bracings; it should be the norm on high end guitar, and exceptionally non scalloped could be an option with a huge disclaimer that it negatively affects the tone.
The Standard D-28 sounds so much better than the other two. Every thing to do with the top, back, and side woods. I think it's a matter of taste but the other two are a bit mushy, lacking the clear articulation of the standard. Probably has to do with scalloped vs non scalloped
I have ( not bragging) incredibly good hearing. The government here use me as a test case. I score 10/10 on tests aged 65. I can hear the better sound on the the HD- 28 maybe that's he scalloped bracing I can literally, and immediately heard the sound difference . Cooper, if you don't like the action , that can be fixed, you know that, I don't have to tell you. I too like a lower action. Martin guitars sound sharp to my ears, that, I believe is in the shoulders . The HD- 28 did not, it sounded warm. I like the volute also asa prevention to neck damage. Nice playing too Cooper. Terry from Downunder.
Thanks for taking the time to educate us. If I ever found a way to make the purchase, I'd go with your recommended HD-28 for the reasons you point out in this video.
I'm with you Cooper. I think the hd-28 suits my ears best but I could be a little biased since I have the hd-28. Only time will tell on the vts. They confuse me with drying the top but then some people say humidify the guitar.
Ok just bought the D-28E modern deluxe as a guitar to play most the time and allow my 1999 D-28 GE Brazilian serve more time as a case queen. I did compare them sound wise seeing they share the same type of golden era bracing… Well.. as I suspected the Brazilian literally smokes it in all areas punch, ring , chime. I did own for quite some time an 80tys HD28 and I seem to remember it was closer sound wise between the modern deluxe but the HD28 as I remember was a bit more chimney. Still pleased with the modern deluxe and it will server its purpose.. I too also found the action a bit high out of the box and the saddle had to be trimmed down near 1mm + to get to 5/64ths at the 12th with not much more adjustment left or I’d lose all my saddle bite. All in all good quality and sound just of coarse not the “my gosh backflips “ that my 99 D-28 Golden Era Brazilian has. Great review of these 3 Martins you have done here Cooper, just honest and spot on…One last thing which is just ascetics only. I have no idea why Martin fitted the modern deluxe with all gold hardware except for the silver strap button which seems a bit out of place.
Awesome playing and great review Cooper! I hope you do a lot more. With that said, I have several Martins so I consider myself a Martin fan. For me the standard D-28 had a more pleasing tone that the other two.
2 года назад
First of all, Cooper you ROCK! Great playing! A video I needed to view and hear. I'm debating between the HD and the Modern. I'll just go to my nearest Martin dealer, Guitar Center on Sunset Blvd here in Hollywood California and play, feel and hear them both. Thank you for an awesome review!
I really like what u r doing at Alamo 🎶🎵🎶. Great breakdown of Features and Benefits. I noticed a large improvement when you went to the HD 28. The HD 28 Reimagined needs something, like more time or whatever. Years ago I was told to just get the HD 28....
Great guitar. 9:13 amazingly enchanting sound. 🤩 Dreadnoughts were uncomfortable to my short size. I have a Martin 000-15M. Thanks Cooper, for this instructive review 🎶🎶🎶
This is a great review (the best on the internet!) of D28/HD28 features and sound comparison.For me the clear winner was HD28 for the more full sound. I haven't laid my hands on one yet but ordered one with an adirondack top ,Mod V neck & 1 11/16 nut.
I definitely prefer the HD model because of the scalloped bracing. But I have always wanted an HD-35 because the bracing is 1/4" vs 5/16" as on the HD-28. I would love to see you do a review of the HD-28 vs HD-35 for tone and playability.
I have the old spec HD-35, which I love. I have a feeling that forward shifted bracing on a Reimagined HD-35 might just accentuate the bass a bit too far, so I'm happy with the older spec.
I think it’s interesting to note that the standard D-28 now has the forward shifted bracing like the other two. A nice addition to the classic. Boy, Cooper’s playing is my favorite of all the guitar reviews online.
Pseudo Science, like the copper bracelet? Dr. Oz? I think you need to do a little more research on the product before you speak about it. You're uninformed.
You forgot to mention that the Modern deluxe has a titanium truss rod , which is ⅓ rd the wight of the the regular trussrod. We at CB Alyn Guitarworks only use titanium truss rods. They work better and yes a lighter neck affect the guitars sound. Lighter open back tubpnersclikecwaverkyband Grover’s do help with sound quality
I have standard D-28 and 000-28, with clear finish that has allowed the wood to colour over the last 14 years. Must confess I wouldn’t buy aging toner as Nature and time do a better job. You just need patience. Nice review, thank you.
really nice playing, they all sound great. D-28 and HD-28 would be tough to choose between, but I think I would go with the classic and timeless sound of the D-28.
Really appreciate the honesty and that you provided your personal opinions. Product run downs are nice, but hobbyists like me benefit and are grateful from professional advice. Thanks!
The HD -28 was, to me, the better sounding guitar. I own a D-28, with scalloped braces but Wayne Charvel. Very good guitar! However, if I was buying today, I would choose the HD-28. Very nice playing! I totally enjoyed it.
I love the sound of the HD28, I just cant get along with the size. I play seated, 100% of the time. I've spent so much time recording with 00 and OM body shapes, the dreadnought just becomes so uncomfortable to me after 20 mins of playing. They sure sound great though.
I feel your pain, or actually I feel mine which is probably like yours. You can console yourself with the comfy shape of a 00-18, maybe? I'm a dreadnought user but I never heard or played a better guitar than my friend Alec's 00, and the older and achier I get the more I wish I had that one on gigs.
While all three sound great, I have to give my vote to the 3rd one. The modern deluxe. It seems to have a bit more depth and dynamic to the sound. This is the closest I hear to what I remember hearing when my dad would play those old tapes on sunday. The other two sound great in their own way with the HD being full and boomy but seemingly more top. The other two seem more top sides and bracing. More of a 3d sound if you will. I own an HD28 Reimagined series and it sounds exactly like the one you have here. But I think I prefer the modern deluxe tbh. They are all keepers though and I don't feel the need to make any changes.
Unfortunately, I couldn't hear a difference. I own a 2020 HD28. Absolutely a lovely guitar. I'm also listening from my car stereo so that may be the problem. I'll give it a try with my headphones.
You forgot to mention the abalone inlay on the headstock. Anyway, I found it difficult to differentiate between the HD and the MD totally, but both sound better than the Standard D-28. I had the wonderful opportunity to try the 000-42 Standard and the 000-42 MD side-by-side, and the difference was phenomenal. The MD was far and away more resonant with sustain forever, intonation was spot-on, and it played like butter. The action was so wonderful it was like playing a high-end Taylor with high-end Martin tone for days. I played the Standard first, then the MD second. It took one strum and 15 seconds of fingerstyle to make my decision. Hands-down the MD took me to 000 Heaven! Luscious, focused, warm tone with wonderful note separation. When playing chords I could hear every single note in that chord rather than just a wall of sound. I will be taking this guitar to the grave with me! Now I have to go see if I want to add a Dreadnaught to my collection, and if it would be the HD or the MD. 🤔 I’ll admit I’m already biased, but tone and playability will be the deciding factors. 😊 Thanks, Cooper, for another great demo!
