When Martin introduced the HD-28 in 1976, it was met with immense celebration from acoustic purists. Designed to bring back the golden era specifications of the pre-war dreadnoughts, the "Herringbone" D-28 reintroduced traditional aesthetics and historic internal construction methods that had been missing from the standard lineup for decades. This 1982 example is a magnificent testament to that era, offering a deeply matured voice and exceptional resonance.
The heart of the HD-28's legendary sound lies hidden beneath its solid Sitka Spruce top and hand-scalloped X-bracing, allowing the top to vibrate far more freely than a standard D-28. When paired with its premium solid East Indian Rosewood back and sides, the result is a dreadnought with immense power. This HD-28 has opened up naturally over more than forty years of life and possesses a dry, woody maturity and a wide dynamic headroom that simply cannot be replicated by a new instrument.
Visually, this model is a masterclass in traditional understated elegance. The top is traced in iconic pre-war style herringbone binding, complemented by a traditional zig-zag backstrip and a clean black pickguard. The Mahogany neck features a comfortable, historic low-profile shape that offers a familiar anchor for flatpickers and strummers alike. It is capped with a premium, dark Ebony fingerboard adorned with understated mother-of-pearl dot inlays.
As seen in the photos, this 1982 example is in wonderful vintage condition. The nitrocellulose gloss lacquer has ambered beautifully into a deep golden honey hue and displays light, honest play wear, faint surface marks, and minor pick swirling around the soundhole from decades of careful use. Structurally, the guitar is in top form, featuring a straight neck, excellent fret life, a perfectly stable bridge, and plenty of saddle height for future setups.
Includes original hard shell Martin flight case.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 2 year warranty.
