Need some help picking a new Martin

[Sswingle]

Hi all,

It's been quite a while since I posted. Going to buy a new Martin. I have narrowed it down to these 3 possible choices:

1- HD-28
2 - D-28 Modern Deluxe
3 - HD-35

Sorry for bothering you with this, but I'm having a tough time deciding, even after playing all 3 models several times. My wife and I like to sing to my playing and I mostly play chords with a few songs that I can finger pick. Of course I would certainly like to improve!

Thanks!

Steve

[brencat]

What did you like and dislike about each of the models you've played so far? The bracing on the HD-35 is 1/4" (vs 5/16" on the other two), which leads to a bigger mid scoop and bass bias. Did you notice the tonal difference there?

[DukeX]

Out of the ones I've played (not a lot of them) I preferred the D-35, especially for fingerstyle.

[JGinNJ]

The D-28 has a "tighter" sound, compared to a D-35, which sounds fuller to me. The D-35 can sound boomy or bassy, but you have to work at it.

[Cameleye]

Get the HD-28. To my old ears the new MDs sound off and the D-35s are all too bassy for me.

[kcnbys]

Out of those three - and without playing them first, I'd personally get the HD-28. The good news for you is that it's most likely a win-win-win situation.

[Jcamp]

No d18? I’d go with one of the 28s. I’ve not played any new d35s that I liked.

[llew]

I'm not a big fan of the 35's. Nothing wrong with them...just not what I'm looking for I guess? I've never played a D-28MD so I can't speak to that. I have owned two of the new Reimagined HD-28's (one standard and one a Custom Shop) and while I preferred the Custom Shop (Adirondack top) variation more it didn't last. I like the new D-28's better. It's a little more "compressed" sounding to me. Although I didn't care for a CS Adi topped version. Just the standard Reimagined D-28 Sitka/EIR. Roughly $2160 new at several of our forum sponsors. But I wondered off the menu...sorry? Of the three you've narrowed it down to I vote for the HD-28. Best of luck with your search!

[Brucebubs]

Split the difference and go J-40.

[Steve DeRosa]

Something like this might work:

[Sswingle]

I love the sound of all 3 and didn't have a problem with any, unfortunately! I did really like the 3 part back of the 35....I did notice the mid scoop on the HD-35, but I don't mind it. Just worried that finger picking may not sound good.

Not much help, I know....

[ChrisE]

I have an HD-28 and I really like it a lot.

I also have a D-18 that I like even better...

[llew]

Originally Posted by ChrisE

I have an HD-28 and I really like it a lot.

I also have a D-18 that I like even better...

That's why I mentioned the Standard D-28...to me it sort of splits the difference?

[brencat]

Originally Posted by Sswingle

I love the sound of all 3 and didn't have a problem with any, unfortunately! I did really like the 3 part back of the 35....I did notice the mid scoop on the HD-35, but I don't mind it. Just worried that finger picking may not sound good.

Not much help, I know....

Of the three you tried, the HD-35 or even a normal D-35 will be the best for fingerpicking due to the 1/4" bracing. It takes less input to get the tops moving on these. The downside to the bracing difference is that projection is compromised a bit on style-35 guitars. They create more of an enveloping tone around the player, rather than project it outward like style 28 will.

Our old choir director had a 1970 D-35 that sounded absolutely huge and glorious, broken in from decades of playing masses and wedding gigs. She would often fingerpick during the Responsorial Psalm (Catholic mass) and the tone was heavenly (pun intended).

If you can, try to play the HD-35 next to a D-35. The only difference is the bracing on the D-35 is tapered, whereas it is scalloped on the HD-35. There is a tonal difference as a result. Both will be great for fingerpicking.

Good luck.

[Rockysdad]

IMHO, take a friend who plays, sit back with closed eyes and listen to each of them.
Choose the one that sounds best to you, forget the cosmetics, unless that's really important to you.