The Cannon. The Legend. The HD-28.
Some guitars are just iconic. The Martin HD-28 is one of ’em. This isn’t just a dreadnought—it’s the dreadnought that defined the sound of folk, bluegrass, and rock for generations. It’s the definitive rhythm guitar, the flatpicker’s dream, and the singer-songwriter’s ultimate companion. This particular HD-28 (589) carries that legacy forward with a tone that’s both massive and articulate, ready to fill any room with that classic, woody Martin boom.
Timeless Tone Woods
The magic starts with the classic pairing of a solid Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides. The Spruce top, treated with an aging toner for a beautiful vintage look, provides the crisp, clear projection Martin is famous for. The Rosewood back and sides deliver the power—deep, resonant lows and rich, complex overtones that make chords feel huge and single notes sing with sustain. It’s a sound that records beautifully and sits perfectly in a mix.
The Engine Room: Forward-Shifted Scalloped Bracing
Under the hood, this HD-28 has a secret weapon: **forward-shifted, scalloped X-bracing**. By moving the bracing closer to the soundhole and carefully scooping out the wood, Martin has supercharged the top’s vibration. The result? A looser, more open, and bass-forward voice compared to a standard D-28. It’s a cannon that responds to the lightest touch, with a subwoofer-like depth that you can feel in your chest. Whether you’re strumming hard or fingerpicking gently, the sound just blooms out of this guitar.
Vintage Vibe, Modern Playability
From the bold herringbone inlay to the antique white binding and Zig-Zag back purfling, this guitar oozes vintage cool. But it doesn’t play like a museum piece. The neck is a **GE Modified Low Oval with a High-Performance Taper**. It’s a mouthful, but what it means for your hands is pure comfort—a neck that feels substantial but never gets in the way, perfect for long sessions without fatigue. Combined with a buttery ebony fingerboard and a versatile 1 3/4″ nut width, it’s a neck that feels like an old friend from the very first chord.
