Alternatives to D28
 

I’m absolutely desperate for a D28 but being sensible I honestly can’t afford it without taking on too much finance for my liking. I could save up but I want another guitar just now.

What are some good alternatives for under half the cost? I am thinking maybe Eastman E8D might have a similar sound? Higher end Takamines maybe?

Check out Eastman and Sigma. The Eastman E20D is commonly considered a D28 (or maybe an HD28; I think it's got scalloped bracing) clone. Excellent guitars and about 1/2 the price of a Martin.

If you're desperate for a D-28, I'd say wait until you can buy a D-28.

And if you're looking for Martinesque tone, I'd not be looking towards Takamine. Unless maybe the older lawsuit models.

Perhaps a Blueridge BG160? May have to go used, however.

Or an Alvarez MDA70?

Or a used Martin MMV?

Just trying to think of something with a solid spruce top and solid rw back and sides. I know the Blueridge has "close" to a Martin sound with the BG160 being a D28 sound-alike and the BR140 being a D18 relative.

Agreed, either save up for a new or used D28, or go play lots of dreads (all brands) at a price that’s comfortable for you until you find one that makes you say, oh baby.

Do a search for K. Yairi guitars.

The one I owned (I forget the exact model, dred size) wasn't embarrassing in the presence of anyone playing a Martin back in the day.

I found one (same story on the model) for my nephew and once again, it's a big, powerful dred for less than 1K. It was probably over 30 years old and I believe that to be a big plus as well.

To get close to the d-28, you're going to have to get another Martin rosewood dread. Look for a D-21, mmv rosewood, older d-16 rosewood, or other rosewood Martin dread. That might get you pretty close, but even those aren't going to be cheap.

Yeah I could of wrote this thread. I have been convincing myself to get anything but what I actually want a Martin D-28. The closest I have found is the Martin MMV. They use to be less expensive new but now you can just get a used Martin D-28 for the same price. The lowest priced Martin Rosewood Dreadnought is the new Martin D-16E. If you just want a good Martin Dread you can get a Martin D-15M, D-16GT or D-18 and probably be OK.

I have a Guild M-20 and would like one more nice guitar. I'm very interested in the new Yamaha FG Red Labels.

How about the DR Centennial? That’s on sale at a grand cheaper than the D28

Wait, do buy an alternative guitar. Buy once, cry once! Wait for a nice used d28 as they can be had for $1500 used.

I can't find those in stock anywhere?

What's the general range now for a used D-28? I've seen used MMVs for about $850 to $1,200. There's a local one near me for $1,000.

Definitely not that cheap in the UK

I didn't think about the DR Centennial;

all satin, rosewood fretboard and bridge, 1 3/4 nut

I want one!!!

I have been seeing the used D-28's going for around $1799-1999. I don't know where people have been seeing them go for less.

You are correct you should be able to get a MMV for around a grand more or less.

I remember when you could pick up a MMV for $1299 NEW. They are priced too high now at $1799!