Description
Martin’s Standard Series is the iconic company’s flagship range of instruments. Over 185 years, Martin’s original and most discernible models have largely remained intact and unchanged, demonstrating the winning formula that they established almost two centuries ago. For 2025, they’ve introduced a sweeping wave of updates to elevate the sound, playability, and aesthetics of these cornerstone guitars, from Golden Era bracing to subtle neck & heel improvements.
Body
In typical Martin tradition, the HD-28 Standard is crafted from some of the finest tonewoods available. Featuring East Indian Rosewood back and sides, this instrument delivers rich and characterful tones that are balanced and full-sounding, ensuring excellent projection with its dreadnought body shape.
Paired with a Solid Sitka Spruce top, the use of this tried-and-tested material brings out some singing top-end articulation, giving light finger-picked sections and chords the stunning crisp vibrancy you’d expect from a Martin acoustic.
The D-14 Fret body features Martin’s Golden Era (GE) scalloped X bracing, giving the HD-28 richly enhanced sustain and a robust structure that’ll last a lifetime. Enjoy a more comfortable playing experience with the modernised GE bridge, boasting smoother curves and subtler edges.
Neck
The neck is formed from Select Hardwood, an incredibly stable choice that is less prone to warping in differing temperatures. Topped with an Ebony fretboard, this sleek and elegant-looking wood not only feels smooth under the fingers, but also offers a clear upper mid-range sparkle that gives a reassuring bite to notes.
The key feature here is Martin’s thinner fingerboard that they’ve chosen for the refreshed Standard models. Enjoy the familiarity of the low oval profile with a thinned Ebony fingerboard, complete with subtly beveled edges, striking the perfect balance between classic and contemporary. A longer diamond neck transition & sleeker vintage heel are the cherries on top, offering subtle aesthetic enhancements without taking away from the HD-28’s vintage roots.
Each guitar undergoes a thorough process via a PLEK machine, accurately measuring and dressing the frets for unparalleled consistency across the neck. This practically eliminates buzzing and enhances the playability of the guitar as a whole.
Hardware
A real bone nut not only gives off that vintage Martin aesthetic, but it also improves sustain and is less likely to wear compared to synthetic alternatives. This instrument’s open gear tuning machines also scream that old-school vibe, with the Faux Tortoise pickguard adding that extra touch of class.
Please note: the images on this listing are of the previous Martin Standard Series releases, so there may be subtle aesthetic differences to the 2025 models. New photographs coming soon!
Specifications
Body & Bridge
- Body Size: D-14 Fret
- Body Shape: Dreadnought
- Top Material: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Top Finish: Gloss
- Body Material: East Indian Rosewood
- Bridge Material: Ebony
- Bridge Style: GE Modern Belly, Drop in Saddle
- Bridge Pins: Bone
- Bridge Pin Dots: Faux Tortoise
- Bracing Pattern: Forward Shifted X Brace
- Brace Shape: GE Scalloped
- Brace Material: Spruce
- Binding: Antique White
- Top Inlay Material: Bold Herringbone
- Rosette: Style 28 Multi-Stripe
Neck & Fingerboard
- Neck Material: Select Hardwood
- Neck Colour: Dark Mahogany
- Neck Shape: GE Modified Low Oval
- Neck Taper: High Performance Taper
- Neck Finish: Satin
- Fingerboard Material: Ebony
- Fingerboard Inlay: Abalone Diamond & Square Long Pattern
- Number of Frets: 20
- Nut Material: Bone
- Scale Length: 25.4”
Hardware & Strings
- Hardware Colour: Nickel
- Tuning Machines: Open Gear
- Pickguard: Faux Tortoise
- Recommended Strings: Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 – Medium MA550T
- Case: Moulded Hardshell
