Big Lou from Dothan, Al. USA
Subject:
Listen to the Hype
Quality:
Martin Quality, a company that's been around as long as Martin has got it down pat. I'm sure it will be dependable, haven't had but 3 weeks. It has the Large Grover tuners and they are sweet.
Sound:
Sweet tone, again let me say this guitar is loud. This was my first acoustic and it comes with Medium gauge strings on it, 13's. Deep lows and sweet crisp highs. I cannot find any fault with guitar.
Reliability:
I've only had it 3 weeks so far but with Martins reputation it shouldn't give me a problem. I've read that Martin has great support.
Overall:
Listen to all the Hype about this fine guitar because it's all true. The craftsmanship is Second to none. The tone is all Martin. Has deeper lows than other acoustics, crisp highs and this bad boy is loud! You don't notice it much when sitting down playing it but as soon as you listen to someone else play it you like WOW that is one loud acoustic. If you play a D-28 which there is nothing wrong with that model, then you pick up the HD-28 and play it there is a BIG difference in the volume.
Playability and Feel:
The neck felt funny at first just because I have been playing my 3 Elec's and was not used to an acoustic neck. But it only took about a week and now it feels like I've been playing it for years. I can't play lead on it like my elec's but that will come in time. The neck feels good with the satin finish on the back of the neck.
Tone:
Deep Lows and crisp highs, very loud. Deep Bass without getting boomy.
Finish:
Very nice, I wish it had the aged finish like the D-28V or was it the HD-28V but I'm sure this will age gracefully.
Action:
It was set up like the Gibson Les Pauls are, by computer. Action was spot on. But of course Jon from MFG looked it over anyway. In the 3 weeks I have had this guitar it has not gone out of tune, I had to make a minor adjustment last night to it, thats all.
Do you own this product?:
Yes
Gary from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, USA
m2dad@yahoo.com
Quality:
A+++ Never had a problem with this guitar. Extremely well made. Be careful with the finish on the top. They can take years to cure to a hard finish. Just a slight tap against a hard edge can put a ding in it.
Sound:
Superb! Loud, but very well balanced with punchy and deep lows and bright but not harsh highs. When you play it those around you really notice the marvelous tone of this guitar. You can see the envy in the eyes of guitarists around you. They have a tendency to drool.
Reliability:
Not one problem. Be sure to keep the humidity constant as I have had friends who neglected their guitars and had the tops crack. With constant humidity you will have less problems with action changing.
Overall:
This guitar is amazing in every way. And the best thing is that it gets even better with time.
Playability and Feel:
Very easy to play. I love the neck, not too wide for me. Action is great and movement up and down the fretboard is a dream.
Tone:
Loud, bright, very good lows. I have a Fishman bridge pickup with an Aura Shaper. Sounds fabulous.
Finish:
The finish was spectacular. No flaws whatsover. The craftsmanship is as it should be. They did this one right. After 4 years with careful caretaking this guitar looks even better than the day I bought it. The finish is again perfectly to give it that vintage look. You will never look at another guitar if you buy this one. I can't recommend it enought.
Action:
Mine was a bit high for my tastes and how it lowered professionally. I have it adjusted every 6 months to keep it where I want it.
Do you own this product?:
Yes- 4 years
Paul from Captain Cook, Hawaii, USA
Subject:
The One I Have Been Waiting For
Sound:
Rich mid range, booming bottom, clear crisp highs
Reliability:
I bought a 1999 model and it looks like new and I can only assume is sound beeter than new. (I wasn't there)
Overall:
Back in 72 I came up just short of the $400 for the 1969 D-28. Looked and played alot of guitars and all these years later I have found the best sounding Martin I have ever played.
Playability and Feel:
Going from my 40 yr old Gibson J45, this neck is wider but for Flatpicking it is just right.
Action:
When bringing it from the Portland, OR to Hawaii (wet hills) the action raised a bit and now that I have got the humidity down to about 50% in the case it it perfect.
Do you own this product?:
Yes
JET from Michigan
Subject:
Simply Delicious!!!!
Quality:
Tremendous quality, I am proud of it. I know it will only get better with age.
Sound:
This is where we separate the men from the boys. A total tone monster! Loud! Clear highs, mids and bass. Tone that is second to none! It reminds me of a grand piano. I was not overly impressed with some years in the older models but these new Martins are just fabulous and we all know nothing sounds like a Martin. I have a couple Guilds, a Gibson j-45, etc. and while I love them for what they are, the Martin is in a class all by itself.
Reliability:
It looks extremely well made. Martin really has high quality craftsmanship and I expect this to be a lifetime guitar.
It shows me they care about their guitars and the customers who play them.
Overall:
Martin Does it again! This is a truly amazing guitar. Right out of the box it felt like an old friend coming home. The rosewood on it is exceptional. If I did not know it were Indian I might mistake it for brazilian. It has BEAUTIFUL grain.
Playability and Feel:
Amazing playability and feel all the way up the neck
Tone:
The tone is incredibly balanced in this particular guitar. Though pretty cosistent in tone, some Martins are too bassy and jangly. This one is superb. Thanks AMS!! You guys are great and I could not be happier.
Finish:
No drips, bubbles, runs, orange peel or any undesirable spots.
High quality once again. This is why Martin is so loved by so many players
Action:
I seriously think the action is great right where it is. While that may change with time I will wait a while for it to settle in. I love the way it plays, the shape of the neck and the matte finish on the back of the neck.
Do you own this product?:
Yes
Date submitted:
9-15-2009