Need some help picking a new Martin

[SlopeD]

HD28 or D28 and throw in the D18

35's can get really muddy and boomy quickly depending on your style

28's have the straight braces but can sound great.

[Sswingle]

Well, I think I have seen the light. I went to a guitar shop near my work at lunch and played them all over again. Not sure if it was the acoustics in the room but it was like I heard them for the first time. Still love the D-28 MD but the D-35 really got me. Can't find an HD-35 anywhere in Tampa so I'm not sure if it would be an improvement.

[jefflaher]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Split the difference and go J-40.

I couldn't agree more

[keith.rogers]

I'm in the crowd that can't bring myself to buy any guitar I haven't played, so I'd go with whichever one "speaks" to you when it's in your hands.

I've played them all and think any of them are good choices. A friend has a 70s D-35 that is wonderful and another has a 2000+ (but not new) HD-35, and he's a fingerstyle player and it sounds terrific in his hands. (I'm basically a flatpicker and never found the bass on them, or those 2, specifically, muddy, honestly, and I've recorded both.)

[Sswingle]

Originally Posted by keith.rogers

I'm in the crowd that can't bring myself to buy any guitar I haven't played, so I'd go with whichever one "speaks" to you when it's in your hands.

I've played them all and think any of them are good choices. A friend has a 70s D-35 that is wonderful and another has a 2000+ (but not new) HD-35, and he's a fingerstyle player and it sounds terrific in his hands. (I'm basically a flatpicker and never found the bass on them, or those 2, specifically, muddy, honestly, and I've recorded both.)

Good to hear. One man's mud is another man's treasure....

[Tony Burns]

I don't know how you could do wrong with any one of these -
Their all great -I'm curious about the D-28 Modern Deluxe
does that have forward shifted bracing -Id play one of those
come hook or crook before i made up my mind -
it might be allot like the HD-28 -

If i had to blindly pick one it would be the HD-28
Their a bit warmer -and the herringbone edge is cool.
But even saying that - all three are special in their own way
so you really cant go wrong -give that a few years
and it will be even better sounding - Martins have to be played in for a few years
before their at their best -so don't give up on it -
Id say two years would be the minimun

[biotechmgr]

Herman had best advice.

Tested all this year, I like the D28 modern deluxe
And is on my wish list!

[budglo]

I have owned several D35s and have played a 69 a friend had. It seems to my ears the boomy one I had was a 2012ish one. I believe they are "reimagined" , so the specs are slightly different now.

I presently own a 72 that isnt boomy at all, but well balanced and has a great V profile neck. My favorite acoustic to date and I also own a 2013 D18.

[Sswingle]

From online comparisons I have seen, the HD-35 is more balanced than the D-35 and takes away some of the "boomy" sound. A little more mid range sound as well. Sure wish I could find the HD-35 around here so I could try it for myself....