Martin D-18, Or D-28, Or HD-28, or D-35? Which one and why?

[Neil K Walk]

Is this a poll? Can I write in the HD-35?

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by aeisen93

Which guitar would you choose and why?

Martin D-18, D-28, HD-28 or D-35?

A Martin D-18 or a Martin HD-28 or both. These guitars are good for all kinds of music and can be played loudly or gently with wonderful tone.

[cu4life7]

I suppose if the 000-18GE is not a choice (because that is what I chose), I would say D-18. D-35's have always sounded too muddy to me, and I don't like the 3 piece back.

But for me, the D-18 is the quintessential Martin. In an ideal world you would want a D-18 and D or HD-28, but if you could only have one the D-18 would fit all my needs. They are canons, and if you play any manner of bluegrass or country they are almost completely required.

Lastly, the standard D-18 is a hell of a value.

Any ideal guitar collection I can think of includes the D-18 and I will pick one up at some point. I thinking something along the lines of 000-18GE, D-18, J45, and a Santa Cruz 1929 00.

[TOPDOGJIM]

I’d go with the D-18. I just picked up a D-18 MD it’s a whole new world.

[Scott of the Sa]

I had these same questions... about 34 years ago. I went all over Seattle trying out every Martin I could find. I ended up with the HD-28. (also there was an oval soundhole MC36 at the store but I didn't try that one)
I tried quite a few D-18's and liked them all, except for the black binding.
I tried a custom D-35 but I couldn't bond with that one.
Later, I even had tried out (for a friend) a 1966 (or so) D-28 that had a miserable tone. I talked him into a new HD 28. I wonder what the 66 D-28 is worth now?
I still have my HD 28 and I still love it. I also love the D-35 if they do the back wood right.

[lowrider]

Originally Posted by TOPDOGJIM

I’d go with the D-18. I just picked up a D-18 MD it’s a whole new world.

How does the tone of the D-18 MD compare to the standard D-18?

[Bluenose]

Best bang for the buck? Probably the HD 28 with the scalloped bracing IMO. My Reimagined 2017 D28 is not as loud as a HD28 but I put a K+K Pure Mini in it so it can be as loud as you want it to be. This probably won't go over too well with the purists in the crowd but I'm old and don't care.

[Mike McLenison]

I'm inclined to an HD-35 because of the 1/4" scalloped bracing.

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by aeisen93

Which guitar would you choose and why?

Martin D-18, D-28, HD-28 or D-35?

Well, I've had them all in the '70s, good ones and the occasional dawg.

Essential equipment for bluegrass - which is what I was mostly doing then, of course we are talking about maunly '60s build, and no I can't remember what wach sounded like .... apart from one.

So, in comparing with my current dreads (Collings) I'd say the D18 would be raw power, the D28 was more subltle and the D35 would be warmer, rounder and sweeter.

For me D18s and D28s came and went but the one that stayed with my was the truly exceptional '73 D35 which I kept for 20 years. It now belongs to a friend and it still sounds amazing. I missed it and mentioned it to another paI bought a "shade" top D35 of similar vintage ... It just didn't sound right.

Martin knock out so many and they simply cannot be consistent.

A good'n ? keep it!

[scotchnspeed]

D-35. Just more under the radar, original 3-piece back, and lighter bracing (at least at one point?).

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by warfrat73

Could make a case for pretty much any of them, depending on what you want to do with it.

The D-18 is one of the best deals in a professional quality guitar.

+1. I'd also add HD-35 to that list which is an amazing guitar too for what I would want to do with it.

[Br1ck]

I think everyone should have a D 18 and one of the rosewoods, but I think the D 18 does more things well. D 35s are too much of a good thing, except for my very special D 35 Custom.

Then we can get into which era guitar you want, so bring a pile of cash for that.

[Picker1]

I would get the D28 because that's what I want. If I were you, I'd get what you want

[L20A]

Back in 1983, I knew very little about Martin guitars.
I knew they were great guitars but I had never played one.

While I was at a music shop with a friend who was there to buy a guitar, I strummer all the Martin guitars on the wall.
out of all of them, the D-35 stood out to me.

I went back the next day and bought it.
Still love it today.

[bufflehead]

D-18. Always nice to have a guitar that will keep you warm.