Martin HD-28VE Acoustic-Electric Guitar  

This is the Martin sound I've always wanted to hear - deep crisp base and sparkling clear mids and highs. It's unbelievable what the forward shifted bracing does for the top end. The voicing is noticeably different than the standard D-28 lineup. The crystal-like high end sounds more like a D-18 mahogany body than a rosewood dreadnought. The overall retro look of this instrument is understated, but elegant. I love the look and feel of the butterbean tuners. The fit and finish are perfect as you would expect for a Martin. The string setup was also perfect. The only minor problem I had was with a near-dead battery on the active Fisher electronics. I just loosened the strings, reached into the body cavity and replaced it with a fresh battery and positioned the gooseneck mic boom to the sweet spot in the middle of the sound hole. This is the best sounding amplification system I've ever heard on an acoustic - much better than just the under-the-bridge pickups. I already own a J-40 and a brand new DX1RAE "beater" Martin and was certainly not in the mood to spend over $3K on just any other Martin. I conducted extensive research on-line with youtube demos of D-28's, HD-28's, HD-28V's, D-45V's, etc. As one reviewer commented, hearing the angelic tone of the HD-28V haunted me until I finally broke down and made the purchase. It took two weeks to finally make the decision. It's my favorite guitar out of 12 now. This is the holy grail of THE Martin acoustic sound. You can't get a better sounding acoustic. After nearly a lifetime of searching for the perfect sounding Martin my quest is finally over. This lovely instrument is like a slice of heaven on earth. I'm pround that a wonderful company like Martin is making such well crafted instruments in the USA. This is an heirloom quality treasure that I will enjoy for the rest of my life.

I purchased this guitar a little over a year ago.  The day I picked it out I must have played over 30 guitars.  I found this model of Martin to be much richer sounding than a comparable Taylor. The Taylor is a fine guitar and probably easier to play than the Martin.  However the HD28VE is better sounding than the Taylor 614 & 814.  For some reason this particular model of Martin is superior in sound than other Martin D-28 and HD-28 models. The Vintage series bracing gives the guitar a richer balanced sound.   Plugged in I find it to be hard to push because of feedback.  The Fishman Elipse is a good sounding system and the blend between the bridge pickup and mic is far superior than a simple bridge system. However the guitar sounds more natural and open played in front of a condenser mic.  I have a Fishman Performer amplifier and a PA system.  The HD-28VE sounds best through the PA with the AKG Perception 200 Microphone. The difference is sounding good vs WOW that sounds great.   I do not regret purchasing this guitar although I must say $3K is a lot of money.  If you are looking for the Martin Sound this instrument if for you.  I have been playing for about 40 years and always ended up compromising the sound for the price.  This time there is no compromise.  A Simple but Fine instrument for serious players. No Frills, No Fancy Inlays just great tone! A Classic. 

Well I must say this HD-28VE purchase was more than I expected.  I?ve played for over thirty years with many kinds of guitars.  C F Martin certainly is consistent with quality workmanship and sound.  Whether I?m picking or strumming, the HD-28V is an incredible instrument.  The HD-28V has a very clear distinct low bass along with mid and upper range for a beautiful balanced sound.  Taylor holds no ground.  The closest I?ve come to this beautiful instrument in appearance and sound is my Tacoma DR20, but in reality pales to this Martin.  Price is always a huge factor in shopping guitars, but play with this Martin and quickly understand why.  You won?t go wrong with this model.  The  Fishman Ellipse Blend amplification system with this guitar, played through my Ultrasound Acoustic Amplifier makes for one great sounding instrument. I can only imagine what this instrument will sound like in ten years.  WOW!

The quality, sound playability of this guitar are far superior to any other brand by far. Only Martins' D-41 rivals this guitar and for the money this is your BEST BUY unless you want frills of ivory. The clarity of the mids along with the silky bass tones make this a truly Vintage sounding and playing guitar!