The Martin D28 is one of the most widely recognized and sought-after acoustic guitars in the world. It is a classic design that has been in production since the 1930s, making it one of the oldest and most iconic acoustic guitars in existence.
It has been played by legendary musicians like Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and Bob Dylan, just to name a few.
The Martin D28 is popular for its beautiful tone, which is characterized by a bold, expressive mid-range, complex overtones, and ethereal high-end. It has a rich, overall sound that cuts through a mix well and is often described as being punchy and powerful.
Players gravitate towards the Martin D28 for its unique tone and balanced projection, making it ideal for traditional folk and blues music. The D28 also has great note clarity and attack, allowing for intricate fingerpicking and meaningful lead-lines.
Additionally, the Martin D28 is known for its distinctly beautiful aesthetic. The combination of wood and craftsmanship allows the guitar to look just as incredible as it sounds, with a vintage look and feel.
It is also highly regarded for its solid wood construction and build-quality. The guitar typically has a Sitka spruce top, along with east Indian rosewood for the back and sides, which produces excellent resonance and sustain.
Overall, it’s easy to see why the Martin D28 continues to be one of the most popular acoustic guitars around. Its strong history, timeless aesthetics, and rich tone make it a great choice for both experienced and novice players.
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What musicians play a Martin D-28?
Martin D-28 guitars have long been a favorite of musicians from many genres, from folk and country to blues and rock. Legendary musicians such as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, Keith Richards, and Kurt Cobain have all played Martin D-28s, with the guitar’s distinctive sound played a pivotal role in their music.
The D-28 is a dreadnought steel-string acoustic guitar with a spruce top, rosewood back and sides, tortoise-shell pick guard, and white binding. It features an iconic herringbone style rosette, scalloped bracing, and slim neck.
Folk and Americana inspired singers/songwriters such as Ani DiFranco and David Wilcox have found the guitar’s sound perfect for their intimate and sweet singing styles. More contemporary artists such as John Mayer and Ed Sheeran also make use of the iconic guitar, playing it both in studio and on stage.
It’s a classic instrument that has stood the test of time and become an icon of the music industry.
Which is better D-28 or d35?
The answer to which is better, a D-28 or D35, really depends on the type of music you are intending to play.
The D-28 is a classic dreadnought guitar with a thicker body made of solid wood. It provides a distinct yet balanced sound with a punchy bass and sparkling treble. Ideal for the more traditional styles such as bluegrass, country and folk, this model is beautiful and versatile.
The D-35, on the other hand, is a larger jumbo-style guitar made of solid rosewood and spruce. It produces a slightly deeper, fuller sound, typically preferred for blues and rock.
When it comes to choosing between a D-28 or a D35, it is best to consider the type of music you plan to play and the acoustics of the room in which you will be performing. If the tonal qualities of your surroundings require more depth and warmth, the D-35 may be the better option.
Otherwise, the elegance and balance offered by a D-28 make it a great choice.
What is the most famous Martin guitar model?
The Martin Guitar Company has created some of the world’s most iconic acoustic guitars, and the Martin D-28 is arguably the most famous model of all. This guitar, introduced in 1931, was mostly used by bluegrass and folk musicians of the 1930s and 1940s, but it soon became the benchmark for what a great acoustic guitar should sound like.
The Martin D-28 has remained the standard by which all other flat and round-shoulder-style dreadnoughts are judged, and its signature tone is sought after by guitarists of all levels. With its all-solid construction, including a Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back and sides and herringbone purfling, the Martin D-28’s classic look is highly recognizable.
While the original model has seen subtle variations over the years, the Martin D-28 is still the same great guitar it’s always been.
Who played a Martin D-28 guitar?
Over the years, many famous musicians have played a Martin D-28 guitar, including singers, guitarists, and songwriters. Some of the most notable include Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, Hank Williams Sr.
, Johnny Cash, Stephen Stills, Lindsey Buckingham, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Sting, Dave Matthews, and Bob Dylan. The Martin D-28 has been used on countless studio and live recordings, from Elvis Presley’s iconic ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ to Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’.
The D-28 has also appeared on numerous albums and soundtracks, including Beatle tracks such as ‘Revolution’. John Lennon was known for playing a D-28 up until his death. Additionally, the guitar was a favorite of country musicians like George Jones, who used the instrument in much of his work.
Countless bluegrass and folk musicians also relied on the Martin D-28, making it an iconic part of American music history.
What Martin guitar did Ed Sheeran use?
Ed Sheeran has used a variety of Martin guitars during his career. These range from the Martin LX1E Little Martin to the D-18GE models. He has stated that the LX1E Little Martin is his favorite because of its size, as he can take it with him on tour and it fits into his already-packed touring gear.
He also frequently plays his D-18GE model, which is a dreadnought-style acoustic guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and Fishman Sonitone electronics. He occasionally plays a customized version of the Martin HD-28.
As a result, Ed Sheeran has developed a strong relationship with the Martin Guitar Company and is frequently seen promoting their guitars.
What Martin did Johnny Cash use?
Johnny Cash primarily used the Martin D-35 acoustic guitar. This iconic guitar was used in many of Cash’s studio recordings, as well as his live performances. Produced by the C. F. Martin & Co guitar company, the D-35 features a classic shape with three-piece back, and is made of solid East Indian rosewood.
It has a sitka spruce top and scalloped X-bracing, producing a full and warm sound. Johnny Cash’s Martin D-35 was actually a customized version that was built for him, including a wide strap button, for easy playing in an upright position.
Cash’s D-35 was a favorite of his that he played for many years, including when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1980. It is also featured on his painting of one of his most famous songs, “Folsom Prison Blues”.
What celebrities use Martin guitars?
Many well-known musicians and celebrities have used Martin guitars over the years, including John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Kurt Cobain, Dave Matthews, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Bruce Springsteen, and John Mayer.
Martin guitars have been used by musicians from a variety of genres, from folk to rock and roll and everything in between. Other notable celebrities who have played Martins include Queen’s Brian May, Country Music Hall of Famer Loretta Lynn, and former Beatle Paul McCartney.
Martin guitars have a long, distinguished history of being used by some of the greatest musicians in the world, and they continue to be a popular choice for celebrities across genres.
What Martin guitar does Eric Clapton play?
Eric Clapton is well known for playing a range of Martin guitars, both new and vintage models. He’s played a number of Martin’s legendary models, including the D-45, D-28, HD-28, 00-42 EC and D-41 Special.
He’s also used the D-18V, D-45V, OMC-28E and D-41P. Other recent models he’s been seen playing include the 00-42 EC, D-45K and D-28K, as well as a signature D-45SBE that was specially built for him in 1995.
What kind of Martin did Kurt Cobain play?
Kurt Cobain played a 1963/1964 model Martin D-18E. This model has a Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a standard profile mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard. The D-18E features two mono outputs for amplified sound and an expression pedal for variable sound control.
During their heyday, the model was known for its punchy, warm sound and its ability to cut through a mix. Kurt’s D-18E was painted with a classic navy blue finish to match his favorite cardigan. The guitar was topped off with original Grover Rotomatic tuners and a crystal clear pickguard.
It instantly became an icon and has been remembered as the signature guitar of the grunge movement.
How much did a Martin D28 cost in 1973?
The Martin D28 acoustic guitar first came out in 1931, but it wasn’t until the mid-1960s that it began to gain wide popularity as a favorite among folk and bluegrass musicians. In 1973, the price of a Martin D28 was around $600 as listed in the Martin price list from that year, although musicians could sometimes find them cheaper at a good music store.
This compares to the current price range of roughly $2,000-$3,000 for a new Martin D28. Used models can often be found for less, although not much cheaper than $2,000.
Which Martin D-28 is best?
When it comes to Martin D-28 guitars, the best one is highly subjective, as there are so many different editions and variations available depending on the timeline and features that you’re looking for.
It really depends on the player and their musical style, as a specific Martin D-28 might be more suited for one particular style of play than another.
For example, Martin D-28s from the 1930s and 1940s are sought after by many guitarists, as these instruments are highly praised for their punchy sound, full tone, and excellent projection. On the other hand, some may prefer the more contemporary D-28s from the 1990s to now, as those typically feature a warm-sounding Adirondack spruce top, and feature a more vibrant resonance.
Ultimately, the best Martin D-28 is whichever model that best suits your playing style and qualities that you are looking for in an instrument. It could be vintage, or brand new, or anything in-between; no one model of the D-28 will suit everyone.
Take your time and try out as many different models as you can to get a better feel for which one will be the best fit.
Does Martin still make the D-28?
Yes, Martin still makes the D-28. The D-28 is one of the most iconic acoustic guitars created, and it is still produced by Martin to this day. The D-28 is a dreadnought body acoustic guitar, made of all solid wood.
It features a Sitka spruce top with East Indian rosewood for the back and sides. It has an ebony fretboard, scalloped X-bracing, and a 3-piece mahogany/walnut neck. The D-28 also has chrome Grover tuners, a tortoise-style pickguard, and a polished gloss finish.
The tonality of this guitar is warm, with plenty of resonance and bright treble response. It’s no wonder why the D-28 has been one of the most popular acoustic guitars for generations.
What is the difference between Martin 18 and 28?
The Martin 18 and 28 are two different models of acoustic guitars produced by the iconic American guitar manufacturer, C. F. Martin & Co. While both models share certain similarities in terms of their build quality and tonal character, there are distinct differences between the two.
The Martin 18 is a dreadnought-style instrument that is well-known for its loud, powerful, and balanced tone. This bold tone is well-suited for many genres, including rock, country, blues, and even classical music.
The top of the guitar is made of solid Sitka Spruce, providing an airy, open sound with plenty of resonance and clarity. The back and sides of the instrument are constructed from solid Mahogany or Indian Rosewood, adding extra warmth and definition to the guitar’s tone.
The Martin 28, on the other hand, is a smaller Grand Auditorium-style instrument that has a slightly more ornate sound usually associated with fingerstyle playing. It features a solid Sitka Spruce top for clear, sustained highs and a solid East Indian Rosewood back and sides, providing a warmer, more balanced tone.
Unexpectedly, the 28 offers greater volume for its smaller body.
Another notable difference between the Martin 18 and 28 is price. The Martin 18 is more affordable, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious guitarists. The Martin 28, while more expensive, may be worth the extra money for its superior tonal balance, playability, and sophisticated sound.
How can I tell how old my Martin guitar is?
Determining the age of a Martin guitar can be tricky, as the company has changed its labeling and branding over the years. However, there are a few helpful identifiers that can give you an approximate age of your Martin guitar.
One of the most useful indicators of a Martin guitar’s age is its serial number. Martin has used a complex system of serial numbers since 1898, and the specifics can tell you the exact year the guitar was manufactured.
You can find the serial number typically on the neck block or inside the soundhole of the guitar, and you can use the Martin serial number lookup resource on the company’s website to find the guitar’s age.
Another way to approximate how old your Martin guitar is can be to look at the production year of the company’s catalogs. Martin produces catalogs every year, and the guitars included in a specific catalog are typically the models being produced in that year.
Finally, noting the particular branding on the guitar itself can also be useful. For instance, Martin began branding its guitars with the decal “Made in the USA” in 1988, so if a guitar has that stamp on it, you know it was made after 1988.
Similarly, if the guitar has a modern “C. F. Martin & Co” logo, it was most likely manufactured after 2000.
By combining the information gleaned from the guitar’s serial number, its branding, and the catalog production year, you can get a good idea of when your Martin guitar was made.
