HD-28V vs. D-28 Marquis Opinions

AHill · #1 05-10-2017, 11:35 AM

I am pretty close to NGD. I like the Martin sound and have narrowed my choices down to the two cited. I'd like to hear some opinions on those who have played both on the pros and cons of either. I'm leaning toward the Marquis, simply because of the Adi top. I flat pick some and strum as a rhythm guitarist in a worship band. My hands are on the small side of medium size. I'm not currently concerned about electronics. I'll have some installed after I buy (probably a K&K Mini).

Shadowfox · #2 05-10-2017, 11:45 AM

Here are a few other discussions:

http://theunofficialmartinguitarforu...m/topic/114675

llew · #3 05-10-2017, 11:47 AM

Well it's hard to go wrong with either one? The D-28V I had was a custom version with an Adi top so probably more alike than different? The D-28 Marquis I played was a great guitar. I don't think there's a bad choice to be made...just a personal preference. Two flavors of great IMO!

brencat · #4 05-10-2017, 12:26 PM

I may end up the minority in this thread, which is okay, but I much prefer the Sitka topped HD-28v. The D-28 Marquis is a nice guitar, but personally I don't like green Adirondack and I especially don't like Adi tops for strumming duty. Entirely too strident and too much note separation, particularly for vocal accompaniment. Adi is great for flatpicking duty, but that's where it ends for me. And I just don't like to have guitars around that are single purpose use.

The standard Sitka HD-28v is a great all-arounder and very consistent offering from Martin. The only complaint is the 1 11/16 nut and 2 1/8" string spacing, but even here, the mod-v neck has a nice deep rounded profile that fills the web of the hand nicely, so it's not as bad as with a D-28/HD-28/D-35 which have the shallower Low Profile neck.

Happy hunting.

martingitdave · #5 05-10-2017, 12:44 PM

I've owned both. You can't go wrong with either. I prefer the Marquis with red spruce top and 1-3/4" nut width. It is capable of higher volume for acoustic Bluegrass. The Marquis is the most powerful Martin I've played, including the D28 Authentic model I owned.

Make sure to put your hands on the necks first. Let your Ears and hands be your guide.

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WindChaser · #6 05-10-2017, 12:59 PM

As most will say, it's all preference. With that said, I love the sound adi tops make on a d28. I love the glassy, metallic sound it brings. Sitka is great too, but just plain compared to an adi for me. Getting the Marquis sounds good to me!

zoopeda · #7 05-10-2017, 01:01 PM

Neck feel is very different. Marquis has a 1.75" nut and 2 5/16" spacing. HD-28V has a more narrow profile overall.

These guitars are both spectacular.

guitargoat · #8 05-10-2017, 01:35 PM

PM sent.

Mike

songman2 · #9 05-10-2017, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brencat

I may end up the minority in this thread, which is okay, but I much prefer the Sitka topped HD-28v. The D-28 Marquis is a nice guitar, but personally I don't like green Adirondack and I especially don't like Adi tops for strumming duty. Entirely too strident and too much note separation, particularly for vocal accompaniment.

Also my opinion exactly. So we're already a minority of 2 :-)

bitraker · #10 05-10-2017, 03:28 PM

make sure you like V necks. I had a D-18V which was a great great guitar, but the v-shaped neck made my fretting wrist ache - and I have small hands...

also, doesn't the Marquis has a 1 3/4" neck which is also pretty chunky?

best to demo both

try an HD-28 too

Russ C · #11 05-10-2017, 05:24 PM

Of course there will be better and lesser examples of each.
Of the handful of Marquis' I've played, none won me over.
I have played many more HD28Vs and a few did seriously impress with good reason.
To be fair, the number that didn't may equal or even outnumber the few Marquis' I'm being judgemental about.
I much prefer the HD's neck.

AHill · #12 05-12-2017, 09:05 AM

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll be sticking with the Marquis. I have no issues with the neck, and I'm patient enough to let the top open up. I'm planning on keeping it for quite some time.

martingitdave · #13 05-12-2017, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHill

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll be sticking with the Marquis. I have no issues with the neck, and I'm patient enough to let the top open up. I'm planning on keeping it for quite some time.

Good! If you can be a bit patient, it will pay off. Also, don't be shy and pound on that Marquis hard to wake it up. After 6 months of good ol' bluegrass rhythm guitar, my Marquis opened up. You gotta play it and play it hard.

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