This D-28 is with me for life. Then it'll move down the family line. I feel good that someone somewhere will be saying, "This was my grandad's/great grandad's guitar." The thing with this guitar is that it won't 'wear out' as such. A good luthier/repair person will keep it going forever.

Sound
The straight-braced D-28 is less boomy than the HD-28 versions with their scalloped braces (the HD-28V is also forward-shifted). You still get a great bass sound typical of a Martin dreadnought and it's clearer, which suits me because I don't play in a band. Some people lament the sound of modern Martins. I played about four different D-28s in the same shop. My one really chimes, though none of them sounded 'bad'. Wood is organic, and these days Martin kiln-dries its wood. In the old days it dried naturally. As years go by, that wood will continue to dry and the sound will open up. But try a bunch for one that sounds great to you now - it'll be out there!

Features
It's a D-28. Check the specs - if you want fancy abalone or a bound fingerboard then there are other models out there for you (D-35 and D-42). This was exactly what I wanted. Having said that, the herringbone trim on the HD-28 looks very good but it doesn't have the straight bracing. The guitar comes with a thermoplastic case that's fine for the job. The newer D-28s have a two-way truss rod that will require a longer truss rod tool (not included). Also, the end pin… read more will stick out because Martin no longer reams the hole. I sanded the pin rather than ream the hole but you'd have to say this is an unfinished job from Martin. I don't use a strap so it's not a big deal for me, but a little disappointing.

Ease of Use
This was well set up right from the shop. The only thing I did was lower the nut slots a fraction to make the action at the first fret suit me better. But I did this because I have nut files and I like tinkering with the guitar. It wasn't something I HAD to do. It's got medium strings on it to drive the top so don't expect it to play like an electric or a small-bodied guitar with light gauge strings on it.

Quality
I love this. Many tops now have bearclaw, which is seen as OK these days (it has no effect on the sound, it's just a visual thing). Mine has no bearclaw, which I prefer, and no wings on the headstock. My top has beautiful silking all over and is perfectly quartersawn - there is no difference in shade between the two bookmatched pieces of sitka spruce). A beautiful piece of work from Martin.

Value
It seems expensive to buy, but the longer you keep it/enjoy it the cheaper it gets. I'll keep this for life. How much will my D-28 cost me to own every day? Almost nothing, assuming I live more than a few years! If you plan on selling it, think about buying used - you'll lose less money. Many of the processes in making a D-28 are still done by hand. You're still getting that for your money.

Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed to deal with them, but the Martin customer service reputation is second to none. I've read lots of first-hand accounts testifying to this on the forums.

The Wow Factor
OK, let's get this in proportion first - it's a guitar. Having said that, the Martin guitar company invented the dreadnought guitar. If you find one that has the sound that speaks to you, it's hard to ignore that history.

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