2018 HD28 vs HD28v

WindChaser · #1 02-12-2018, 07:14 PM

I looked at the specs on both guitars and I think the only major differences are the neck size/profile and the glued in vs drop in saddle. Am I missing something? Because the MSRP price is a $900 difference! If they are this similar, I’m thinking thy may sound very similar and this new HD28 may be a significant bargain.

Anyone had a chance to compare the two? Or any thoughts on this comparison?

thumblead · #2 02-12-2018, 07:19 PM

I don't think you're missing anything. If you like the neck, look, and feel of the new HD-28, it seems like a good deal compared to HD-28V.

jrs146 · #3 02-12-2018, 07:22 PM

Does Martin use a higher grade top and back/sides with the vintage series compared to the standard? I thought they did.

I guess in addition to that you will get an upgraded case. Most likely you’re assured to get a one piece Mahogany neck without wings. I’m guessing the standard HD-28 is likely to have wings or a Spanish Cedar neck.

Probably not necessarily worth $900

I bought an HD-28V a few months ago. I’m very happy with it so I have no regrets but the new HD-28 certainly closes the gap between the two.

hearsedriver · #4 02-12-2018, 07:41 PM

The V might have an adirondack top.

jrs146 · #5 02-12-2018, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hearsedriver

The V might have an adirondack top.

It’s a Sitka top [emoji106]

llew · #6 02-12-2018, 07:45 PM

The new HD-28 has a 1 3/4" nut and the HD-28V has a 1 11/16' nut unless it's a custom model? Biggest difference will be the neck (MLO vs Mod-V) like you said. I can't help wondering if the HD-28V will be phased out now? I owned a custom Adirondack version once with a 1 3/4" nut from MFG. Fantastic guitar...should have kept it?

When the Standard Line changes came I got a D-41 and it's basically a "dressed up" version of the new HD-28. Only real difference that I can see is cosmetic. The 41 sounds great! You should be able to buy the new HD-28 for just under $2300 from one of our forum sponsors. best of luck!

jrs146 · #7 02-12-2018, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

The new HD-28 has a 1 3/4" nut and the HD-28V has a 1 11/16' nut unless it's a custom model? Biggest difference will be the neck (MLO vs Mod-V) like you said. I can't help wondering if the HD-28V will be phased out now? I owned a custom Adirondack version once with a 1 3/4" nut from MFG. Fantastic guitar...should have kept it?

When the Standard Line changes came I got a D-41 and it's basically a "dressed up" version of the new HD-28. Only real difference that I can see is cosmetic. The 41 sounds great! You should be able to buy the new HD-28 for just under $2300 from one of our forum sponsors. best of luck!

I would imagine just like the OM-28V got discontinued after the updated OM-28 the HD-28V will do the same

llew · #8 02-12-2018, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrs146

I would imagine just like the OM-28V got discontinued after the updated OM-28 the HD-28V will do the same

We'll...if the new HD-28 is anything like the new D-41 it should be able to cover the difference. The HD-28V and OM-28V are great guitars but no need for redundancy I suppose? Jon (MFG) still sells the D-28 Marquis and 000-18GE so maybe he'll continue the HD-28V as well? And there is always the custom shop if you can stand the price and the wait?

Shadowfox · #9 02-12-2018, 08:57 PM

It's a huge gamble on the neck. Some love it, others hate it. For me, it was so bad even though I loved the tone, I would never buy one. (the v neck)

martingitdave · #10 02-12-2018, 09:01 PM

You would need to play them side by side. I continue to hear a little bit of difference in resonance between the two. Maury produced a nice video on his website comparing the two. That said, the difference is subtle enough that it could be reduced to the difference between any two examples of the same model. The necks are very different, which is the biggest consideration. The new HD-28 has a neck that is highly regarded by people who like the modern shape. The V has a... well... V. And, a narrower nut. For what it's worth, my new Retro is the same guitar with a (supposedly) upgraded pickup. While shopping for it, I played a few that had less bass than a typical HD-28V. The one I ended up with can compete with an HD-28V.

#11 02-12-2018, 09:20 PM

They are braced identically, with the main functional difference being the neck. The HD-28V has ivoroid binding, where the new HD-28 has antique white. I prefer the look of ivoroid and feel of the neck on the HD-28V.

jsanfilippo5 · #12 02-12-2018, 09:31 PM

I just bought the new HD28 and I love it. I always wanted an HD28V, but the neck was always the drawback for me, in fact I almost bought this "reimagined" hd28 a few years ago as a custom model and it would have cost me alot more! Glad I waited.

To my ears this guitar sounds alot like the other HD28v's I played in the past - but Im going on memory and havent had a chance to play side by side.

WindChaser · #13 02-13-2018, 07:33 AM

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I’m thinking it really is a great deal. The biggest drawback of the hd28v was the smaller neck width and the glued in saddle (can’t install the Anthem SL). So, the new hd28 is a real deal for me.

jsanfilippo5 · #14 02-13-2018, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WindChaser

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I’m thinking it really is a great deal. The biggest drawback of the hd28v was the smaller neck width and the glued in saddle (can’t install the Anthem SL). So, the new hd28 is a real deal for me.

Good luck!

#15 02-13-2018, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WindChaser

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I’m thinking it really is a great deal. The biggest drawback of the hd28v was the smaller neck width and the glued in saddle (can’t install the Anthem SL). So, the new hd28 is a real deal for me.

Martin's Vintage Series guitars switched to a long drop-in saddle in 2003. They were glued up until that time.