Choosing Between D-18MD and HD-28v (sweetwater)

[attorneyriffic]

First off, I live in a location where going to a good store to try out acoustics would require a day of driving one-way.

I'm wanting to get my first high-end acoustic. I have a 000-MMV and a Taylor 312 12 fret already. I'm set on getting a dread. I'm not a bluegrass guy. I'm mainly wanting to play classic rock and singer songwriter type stuff (Neil Young, McCartney, Zeppelin, etc). I'm really wanting something that is balanced. I originally wanted a Hummingbird but I don't feel comfortable buying a Gibson without trying it first. Someday I'll run the racks for one of those when I'm closer to retirement age.

My budget is $4000. I think I have narrowed it down to the two mentioned in the title.

The 18MD ticks a lot of the boxes other than it is fairly plain looking; however, the description of the neck is intriguing to me as I like to use my thumb a lot and in theory it seems like this would make it somewhat easier.

The HD-28v looks pretty and it has a narrower nut, which is somewhat appealing to me but not necessary. I've also thought about a regular HD-28 because I really like that ambertone finish you can get.

Thanks.

[Zissou Intern]

If you're more interested in the appointments on the D28 and you like the idea of the Modern Deluxe Series necks, you could consider the D28MD. It lists at $4399, but most retailers, especially high volume, will offer you a 10-20% discount if you ask. That'll put you in your price range. Good luck in your purchase.

[Dok]

I use my thumb a lot too - the Martin mod v neck profile is WAY more comfortable for this, for me, than the MLO profile. I just got rid of a really amazing sounding D-18 because I couldn't get on with the neck and got an HD-28V instead. The two guitars sound fairly different but the HD-28V just feels so great in my hand that I don't miss the d-18 at all (yet).

[cliff_the_stiff]

I recently picked up a D18GE which has scalloped braces. It’s magnificent.
I vastly prefer the Vintage necks of the vintage series and Golden era guitars.
The neck and scalloped braces would be why I chose the HD28V.

[LAPlayer]

If you can't go to the mountain... bring the guitars to you. Order one of each from GC/SW, and keep the one you prefer. That's what their 45/30 day trial & return policy is for.

[RP]

I'd go for a plain old D-18 all day long...

[JayBee1404]

Wasn’t production of the HD-28V discontinued several years ago? Is this one NOS?

EDIT: Aaaahh, got it, it’s not the HD-28V of old, it’s a Sweetwater Special! Looks beautiful on the website, that one would be my choice.

[Sarhog]

Originally Posted by LAPlayer

If you can't go to the mountain... bring the guitars to you. Order one of each from GC/SW, and keep the one you prefer. That's what their 45/30 day trial & return policy is for.

I don’t think that’s the purpose of their policy, I think that it’s taking advantage of their liberal return policy.
Anyone have a cut and dry answer from either company?
Am I in the minority with my opinion?

[LAPlayer]

To me, it's no different than having a couple of guitars brought in to a store near you to check out. No obligation to purchase. Or, I've gone in to Guitar Center in the past and my rep. tell me to go home with two guitars, take my time, in my environment, and return one. That is their practice. This is no different. Or, in the OP's case, they aren't near a store so ordering in guitars, deciding which to keep, and paying for the return an option for the privilege of in-home trial. Anyone can do as they choose but if I were in the OP's situation, I would since this is Guitar Center's policy:

"If you’re not satisfied, neither are we. If for any reason you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply return it in its original condition within the return period and we’ll give you a full refund of the purchase price, excluding shipping and handling charges."


It's what's been done forever with violins. Order in 2-3 from a dealer, keep the one you want, return the others. It's also no different than returning any other Guitar Center purchase that you don't keep. My policy is to never purchase an instrument I haven't held and played but i'm in a city. So, to each their own.

[Moldstar]

You need both, I say! Don't break up the family. Although, what about the new Martin Super D? That thing looks amazing, and 3999.00.

[Charlie Bernstein]

The two flattops I have are essentially a D-18 and D-28 without the Martin logo. I've had a couple of Martins and played many more, and my two guitars blow the D-18s and D-28s I've played out of the water. I sold my last Martin, a D-28, because I just didn't play it anymore.

[martingitdave]

I would start with a standard D-18. If you want more treble get the D-18 modern deluxe. If you want more bass get the HD-28 or HD-28V. D-18 is in the middle. Since I switched to the D-18, I haven't been as interested in buying/selling other guitars. It's the balance.

[Medford Guitar]

Originally Posted by Charlie Bernstein

The two flattops I have are essentially a D-18 and D-28 without the Martin logo. I've had a couple of Martins and played many more, and my two guitars blow the D-18s and D-28s I've played out of the water. I sold my last Martin, a D-28, because I just didn't play it anymore.

What are guitars you now use?

[Glennwillow]

For me, I would buy the HD-28V because I really like rosewood guitars. I also know I can handle the Martin mod-V neck. The nut width doesn't matter very much to me.

But I don't know what you would like. Some people are mahogany people, some folks are rosewood people.

- Glenn

[LAPlayer]

Originally Posted by Charlie Bernstein

The two flattops I have are essentially a D-18 and D-28 without the Martin logo. I've had a couple of Martins and played many more, and my two guitars blow the D-18s and D-28s I've played out of the water. I sold my last Martin, a D-28, because I just didn't play it anymore........

I'm ready.