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!!

Bought my Martin D - 28 in 1981. Just gets better with age.

I have the HD-28…..it’s absolutely a dream to play & the sound is magical.

The videos on acoustics from Alamo are the best I've seen and extremely informative.

I listened to all three while you were playing them & I thought that the HD-28 sounded the best to me.

I have had an HD-28 for about 20 years now in mint condition and love it. I enjoyed your video and honestly!

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!

Thank you for the review of those three beautiful guitars Cooper. Keep up the good work!

This is so amazing that's why I love Alamo music reviews you all give honest reviews thank you for that!!

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.

Your comments are most helpful. I’ve ordered the HD-28E and am most excited.

Thank you, Cooper. Appreciate the shoot out and the insight.

Thanks for your talent and giving us the straight, honest dope on these.

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.

Cooper, Wonderful review! I have a number of Martin's and my fav's are the HD28E and D18 Sunburst. I agonized over knowing which one (D28, HD28,and D28 Deluxe) was best for me. I picked the HD28E for the exact same reasons you talked about. Construction, Sound, resonance, sustain, looks, playability. You have confirmed I made the best choice. I've tried different strings and other than the Martin 12, 540 phos./bronze which it comes with. I just put some Stringjoy 12 ga, phos/bronze and am blown away how it woke the guitar up - so rich! Also, love how you finger pick w/ the pick held in your finger - very cool. Cheers, Rick Louisville Kentucky.

"Anger and resentment" on the bridge pins!!! Dude, you are so genuine and I really loved this comparison! And trust me, I would have also felt the same way!

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.

You're playing is amazing. Thanks for clearing up all the details about Martin D's.

This video helped. I have an older D35 and love it. Also have a 60s era D18. I wanted a D28 for my collection and this video just reaffirmed my choice of the HD28. Thanks for posting and this was a great help to me.

Cooper, you are the man, great playing and commentary.cheers From an HD-28 player.

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.

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.

My goodness! You're such a talented player Cooper! 👏

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.

A proper review! Thanks for posting Mr G. 😎

Nice job! I liked your honesty. I played a new HD 28 recently and liked it better than the modern deluxe. But that’s just my opinion. Both are great.

Love your honesty and candor and that you actually tell us what your favorite is.

@jasper_north

Ай бұрын

Agree

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!

Refreshing to hear an honest review. Thanks.

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.

Great demo of these 3 great guitars! Excellent song choice and playing as well! It’s so nice to hear reviewers play something other than the same bluegrass licks on these “cannons”. Dreadnoughts aren’t really marketed as being versatile instruments, but they truly are! Your demos always show the dynamic range the instruments are capable of. Well done, Cooper.

@Magmartin4800

Жыл бұрын

do you know what song it is?

@keary18

6 ай бұрын

i agree!

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 🎶🎶🎶

Great playing. I just bought a D-28 and really glad I came across your demo. I was second guessing myself, but after I checked out your demo, I prefer the D-28. Thanks. From a fan in Canada

I tend to enjoy more of your playing than the actual reviews that you make bro.. I like your playing style

Excellent comparisons with outstanding demos.

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.

I'm a Taylor guy, but played a wonderful older D28 that belongs to a friend yesterday. These are wonderful sounding instruments!

@slakethesnake

2 жыл бұрын

I love my two Taylor’s also but for playing live on stage their expression pickup system doesn’t cut it for me

very well done - organized - nice style of presentation

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!

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.

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

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....

Man oh man that HD-28 sounds amazing. I will own one someday

Gorgeous playing. You really know how to make those guitars sing!

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.

@jimmycollette9209

2 жыл бұрын

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.

@truthof7382

Жыл бұрын

@@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

6 ай бұрын

@@jimmycollette9209 I've looked at the HD35 and like it a lot, what is your opinion of that guitar versus the HD28?

@jimmycollette9209

6 ай бұрын

@@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.

Just want to say that you are incredibly talented. Watching you play is magical

Played the D-28 HD, the D-35 and the D-18. The D-28 HD was hands down the best guitar I've ever played or heard. But the D-18 was a close second.

@dennissilber287

10 ай бұрын

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.

@keary18

6 ай бұрын

@@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 enjoyed the video and your playing Cooper. I have owned a 1986 D35 from new and of the three D28 models you played if I were purchasing one I agree with your recommendation and would choose the HD28. The scalloped bracing does seem to make the sound more lively.

Did not realize the D-28 didn’t have scalloped bracing. Thanks for the very good explanation 🎸

I love your playing, man.. great demos!! I WILL own a Martin Standard Series someday. An HD28 or HD35.

Great review, Cooper. I like that you’re honest and express your own thoughts. One feedback. I think that you’re playing a bit slower here compared with more recent reviews, and I like that. To me the slow playing demonstrates the tone of the instrument in a better way. (I’m an amateur btw 😂)

Nice playing. I couldn’t tell the difference between any of them. I think they all sound good.

Beautiful playing. Nice to hear something other than the standard bluegrass G Cand D runs. I agree the HD 28 has the edge over the other 2 to my ear anyway. I just bought a new D 18 delivery in 2 days time. I am really looking forward to it. My retirement present.🙂

2008 Martin D-28 Marquis w/Adirondack top, 1 34" nut width, 2 5/16" at the saddle, adjustable truss rod, forward shifted scalloped 3/8" bracing with herringbone trim ... love it.

Original owner of a 1991 HD 28 and the sitka spruce is now a rich golden brown. Sounds amazing after 20 years.

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.

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 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.

@johnswisshelm1872

2 жыл бұрын

D-28 A master piece

@fergalohearga9594

2 жыл бұрын

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.

@michaelwebster8389

2 жыл бұрын

Me too.

@el34glo59

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah if you can find a great D-28 example oh, you have one of the best guitars made.

@dustinadair7893

Жыл бұрын

You shoulda said “the cheapest one” because they’re NOT cheap lol.

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.

The standard D-28 sounds sublime. And you do it credit, Cooper. I usually prefer mahogany over rosewood. But that gitbox has some mojo.

@worldwide1376

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely agree.

I have a 2019 HD-28 and it is the BEST guitar I've ever played or heard! It is sent straight from heaven. Wouldn't trade it for the world!

@charlesbartholomew2910

2 жыл бұрын

Justin, I have a 2001 HD-28. They are nice guitars.

@MNH81B

2 жыл бұрын

What about 1 billion dollars?

@johnoffutt898

2 жыл бұрын

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.

@jessesmith2906

2 жыл бұрын

What strings do you use? Just picked one up yesterday 2016 centennial

@johnoffutt898

2 жыл бұрын

@@jessesmith2906 I use the Ernie Ball Paradigm .013- .056 Phosphor Bronze. Also I use the Ernie Ball Paradigm .012-.054 Phosphor Bronze.

COOPER, YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING GUITARIST I HAVE HEARD. WHAT A TALENT !!!!!

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.

Nice little piece of music you were playing as well my friend.

I have played different Martin guitars and at the end I bought a 2019 HD-28 reimagined, the best sounding, it's a true cannon!!

Stellar playing Brother!! HD 28 for sure…

Love Cooper's personality and approach! Chris, too!

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.

Thanks! Very good comparison. All for it selfs. I owned d28, d35, hd28v, an I love my hd28. She is earthy and powerful. Soul and full of character. in this video the d28 sounds incredible good. All 28s are good, take them and live your life!

Awaiting delivery of an HD28 E here. I'm a Gibson guy looking to expand my horizons and collection. I saw your video after my purchase and if anything I'm even more excited for the delivery truck to show up.

I own a Martin D18 and it has mellowed nicely over the years - I play in DAGGAD and mainly strum rythm and to me the D28 sounded a little more deep in bass and had a more together tone balance across all 6 strings during the strumming so I guess thats the one I would try out first - It is quite difficult to judge however listening online so I guess my opinion could change in the live comparison - Anyway both are very fine guitars and thanks Cooper for the nice demo Cheers

Thank you for your review I was not sure between hd vs deluxe, I’m going for the hd!! Thanks (thanks for mentioned the action to, I know is something we always adjust but I like low action so the deluxe you mentioned has higher action)

Great reviews!

A fine demo mate…I’m currently weighing between D28 and HD. 😊

Got one 2 years back ( sunburst) and can honestly say it's the best acoustic I've had. God bless Mr Martin! Great review once again! Ta !

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

2 жыл бұрын

I think you can still have it when you get it from Martin Custom Shop.

@shawnglass108

2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@edyue1

2 жыл бұрын

Still used on HD-28,HD-35, H=Herringbone 😎

Great playing Cooper! I definitely noticed the difference between the D and the HD. The Modern Deluxe not so much. Still like the D42 or D40.

Great review

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'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.

I'm the 15th person to LIKED this video! Always one of my favourite guitar channel!

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.

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!

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.

Great comparison I went with the modern deluxe n I absolutely love it

@beekerdabs4996

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Bryan I use the humidipaks in all my guitars n live in Central Michigan so the humidity isn't really an issue 4 he here The neck is a lil thicker but I like it I also have a custom shop d42 #2 of 50 it's jaw dropping!

So pleased I just managed to obtain one of the last of the 'unimproved' HD28s before those,'improvements;-)

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.

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.

@detoth67

3 ай бұрын

The standard seems to have more complexity and projection. Love it!

I recently purchased a new HD28ez, which comes with the Baggs Anthem pickup. It is a beautiful guitar, and has that Martin tone. My Taylor 810 has been made redundant.

I recently built a kit from stewMac of the prewar’37 hd 28. When I finished it I took it to the guitar center here in Wichita and they had a regular D28 and we compared the two. Both sounded great, but the difference in projection of the sound was noticeable. Mine with scalloped braces was a little punchier and I think had better bass tone. I love it and will keep it forever.

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.

Hi there, I just love what you're playing there, especially the strumming/flatpicking part. Is there any transcription of that somewhere ?

Planning on saving up for an HD after this video. Was wondering what the difference was in performance. Thanks for the great reviews.

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

Great playing!

I felt the same way about the red dot white pins. I replaced them with the same pins but in a gold color. It really muted the stark red dot, matches the other gold of the tuning machines and frets, and the gold versions are $50 cheaper than the whites for some strange reason. I love my MD D28e!

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.

HD28 definitely the best sounding imo. Think of old classic country and Grand Old Opry recordings. Nice presentation and great playing. Ride on

What incredible playing! Cooper you need to do tutorials 😂 so talented

Thanks for sharing. I am pretty set on the HD 28.