Martin HD28 vs. HD35 | Dreadnought Battle for the Ages

Today, Chris is taking an in depth look at comparing the two great dreadnoughts in Martin's line-- the HD28 and the HD35. Both of these are indisputably amazing instruments, but which one is right for you? Take a listen to a comparison of the specifications and a couple beautiful demos so you can hear the difference for yourself.

Demos start at 9:15

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[taulpaul]

I purchased a D 35 (built in 1967) in 1968 at the Melody Music Store in North Park, Dallas, TX. It’s been around the world, refretted in Nazareth in 1972, which didn’t last, refretted by Steve Neal at the Blue Guitar in San Diego, 3 years later and still good. The pick guard has been replaced, the bridge reglued, a Tusk saddle installed, intonation checked and it plays and sounds great. It’s been a great companion through thick & thin, entertained many folks (with a little help from me) around the camp fire on multi day white water rafting trips. I’m 77 now and this D 35 is 57 years old and it will surely be going strong when I’m dead and gone. My thanks to the craftsmanship at the Martin Company for this fine instrument.

[bp]

If you’re playing either you’re winning.

[tommythunder]

About a month ago I finally did it. I bought a Martin HD35. This piece of art is simply amazing.

[timber]

After watching this comparison (and several others) I opted for the HD-35. No regrets. Rich, full sound, but still articulates well enough for how I play--fingerstyle, occasionally a thumb pick, very occasionally finger picks as well, but mostly bare fingers. Thin bracing probably contributes to the beginning of a "belly" after just two years. Gorgeous tone.

[kylepriestley]

HD-35 hands down. Both beautiful sounding guitars, but that 35 just sings out.

[oldmanofcotati]

Chris, Your presentation here was a "TEN!" . Seriously a very, really, very very good explanation with historical content. You are quality young man. Thank you for holding that standard. I bought a fabulous HD35 new in 1985. It was stolen in 2006. I tracked down the thief and cut off four fingers from each of her hands; Then I divorced her. I finally replaced her with a new 2018 D18. I am going to replace my stolen HD35 soon with a new traditional HD28. I find the HD28 & HD35 vastly different sounding guitars.

[LaskMaestro]

So this was the best comparison that I have ever seen of the HD-28 and the D-35. It was so so good to hear them played in succession as you did so well. Thank you for the thorough specs too. I never quite understood the complete story about the brace structure. Thank you for your thoroughness I love the sound of both guitars and I see the problem of combining picking style with chordal technique. I have visited the Martin Guitar factory twice with my guitar students. We live in the NW burbs of Philly and it only took us an hour school bus drive to get there. 😯 Absolutely fascinating tour of a historic factory displaying the beauty of Americana! So I do own one of these babies. I bought the D-35 back in 2004. It is my child now for 18 years. I just love the fullness of tone projection that it delivers. Keep the great videos coming.

[lorigilmore]

I love the HD35. I like the neck binding, I love the three piece back. But mostly I love that big sound. Wonderful. Thanks for all of the insight Chris.

[kevinratliff]

This was the best description of their differences. Your comments at the end on note articulation and aesthetics was spot on.

[dalee.ankele]

Love the sound of the HD35 all the way!

[peterbonanno]

Classic review Chris. And your playing just keeps getting better. HD-28 owner. Both amazing instruments.

[joewilmot]

I just got an HD-28 last week and I’m so, so happy with it. I have a D-15M and a Mahogany Dreadnought Jr., both of which I love, but the HD-28 is a wonder. I don’t gig, I just record into a Neumann 102 and the sound is perfect with minimal processing. And it stays in tune forever, more than any other guitar I have (28 of them).

[ChristianLemon]

I have a D35, which I do love. That said, it took me a few years to really learn how to get the best sounds out of it. Because it resonates so well, it favors a more delicate touch. I play a lot of fingerstyle and get some true magic tones from it. That said, if you are doing big strumming of big six string chords, I can see why some could call it a little muddy. That said, it’s some beautiful mud.

[bj]

I’m with you for the HD-28 for all three of the reasons. To those I’d add that the HD-28 can deliver a robust strumming sound, while the HD-35, with its slimmer braces, can sound a little overloaded when strummed. I’m picking up an HD-28E this afternoon.

[Oli-Oli]

Greetings from Cologne Germany!
I really appreciate your high quality reviews and would like to thank you for all the information I got out of them as wellnas the joy listening to you playing all those beautiful guitars.
Keep your good work up 👍

[iemgr]

That is wild. I heard what you heard on the articulation of THESE 2 guitars. However, I did this same test in Savannah on 2 different HD-28/HD-35s and this 35 was much more specific /articulate than the 28, which was washy, like i was hearing it through an imaginary flanger pedal or something. So at this rare air level, any 2 can be wayy different than the next 2. I obviously got the 35 and it is legendary. Also, its wayy more guitar than any 28, like $400 more. It is the only non custom shop model that uses #6 wood, because the 35 is a reclamation project off the custom shop cutting room floor, hence the 3 pc back. The D-35 reclaims wood from general production, the Hd-35 reclaims wood from the custom shop. It is finished & plekked in the custom shop, its just wayy more guitar than any 28. This may or may not go into your decision, but my HD35 is way huge AND specific. When i heard those 2, that was a 1 second decision right there. Go Dawgs.

[chrisb]

My understanding is that the change in construction in the 28 occurred in the 40s not the 60s. People were putting heavier and heavier strings on them to get more volume, so Martin strengthened the soundboard in response to this. Unfortunately, this also changed the sound (not for the better) and many people would pay to have the guitars changed back to the original spec. This is why pre war 28s are the most valuable acoustic guitars on the planet. The HD was introduced to correct this but as you say the new spec 28 was wisely left in the line up - since it also had its fans and is still hugely popular. The HD28 is widely regarded as the best sounding acoustic you can get - at any price. Great video. Me and my HD28 thank you.

[robertnewell]

Hey, Chris. That was a really, really good roundup of the history and specs of the two guitars. I have an HD35 and don't experience the playing drawback you describe. It is also a great fingerpicker. I listened to them blind and could always tell the HD35. That's really no big deal, but I have two other high end Martins and a couple of handmades, and my wife can always tell the HD35 FROM A DIFFERENT ROOM! So I'd ask you to give a bit more time before making your choice. My original reason for choosing the HD35 was because I prefer a bound fingerboard, but by the time I got round to buying one, the HD28 (and, as I recall, all other Martin Standard series) have pocket fret slots, which are indistinguishable in feel from bound, so it was the sound which tipped the balance. One piece of trivia - according to Chris Martin, it was actually the declining supplies in Brazilian RW specifically which led to the HD35 3 piece back, and they originally had a Brazilian offcut in the middle with East Indian on either side. They've been all EIRW for many years, of course. Finally, as far as I'm aware the HD35 is the only stock Martin with 1/4 inch bracing. Standard 000s have 5/16ths (I went to the Martin site to double check and only the 000 Deluxe has 1/4 inch!) and so the HD35 actually has LESS bracing than 000s generally, not the same! Some 'signature' models have 1/4 inch (notably the Stefan Grossman J38 - sadly long discontinued and a BIG body guitar for 1/4 inch). My friend has one and I have a J40. I can't hear a difference, even though the SG J38 has Madagascar RW. Thanks for a great watch.

[foreststokes]

I purchased an HD35 for my 60th BDay. I played both and love the sound of the 35. I quite looking at the looks of a guitar years ago. It could look like Willie's Trigger but if it sounds good, It's the one.

[ronaldjewell]

Hello Chris; I am 72 years old and been playing guitar and performing as a side hustle since 1975. I am basically an Americana & Irish folk guitar player and singer. I also cover a lot of old school country songs in my repertoir. I have owned many acoustic guitars over the years. My main guitar I have right now is a 2001 Martin d16 cutaway with the fishman prefix blender system. A very nice guitar and I had been contemplating purchasing a d28. But after recently playing a d35 I'm totally sold on the d35 big sound and sustain and it's looks. My first guitar many years ago was a light toned sunburst acoustic Yamaha. I really like the look of Martin's Ambertone d35. Thank you for the demo of both the d28 & d35. After listening to how they both sound in someone else's hands I'm sold on the d35. Thank you for a very informative demo and history lesson about both of the iconic acoustic works of art. Take care and stay safe and may the fates be kind to you.