Emulated by guitar makers the world over. . .
Martin D-28
© Frank Ford, 2001; Photos by FF

I can't believe I didn't start this new instrument gallery with this guitar. Simply the yardstick by which all steel string flat top guitars are measured, the D-28 has sung with the biggest voice for the longest time!

OK, I know this one is really the model HD-28. But, in my opinion at least, it is the logical continuation of the lineage. Long about 1977, in an effort to prove that they could "make 'em like they used to," Martin reintroduced the prewar scalloped bracing, herringbone trim and tortoise celluloid pickguard they had dropped along the way. So, if I'd been running the shop, I would have discontinued the "postwar" non-herringbone style, and not bothered with the prefix "H." As it is, Martin produces a host of different variants of the D-28, including a number of even more "authentic" reissues. This one, I believe, is the best value of the lot.

In continuous production since it was introduced in 1934, this Martin rosewood dreadnought is still one of the best professional grade instruments available. If you count all the replicas on the market, there's no doubt that this is the most popular style acoustic steel string guitar in the world. Yes, some makers offer subtle refinements and improvements, and some make similar guitars in a much lower price range. What's significant is that they all are standing on the shoulders of a true giant.

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