“See that guitar? That’s a 1969 Martin D-28. Hear me when I say if I had to choose between a beautiful girl and that guitar, I’d choose the guitar. Natch.” This quote, from Laura Anderson Kurk’s Perfect Glass, perfectly encapsulates the almost mythical status of the Martin D-28 in the world of acoustic guitars. For decades, the D-28 has been more than just an instrument; it’s a symbol of quality, craftsmanship, and the quintessential American acoustic sound.
My own introduction to the D-28 came, like many others, through a legendary performance. It was 1972, and as a 12-year-old captivated by rock music, I found myself in the front row of our small town cinema, watching The Concert for Bangladesh. There, larger than life on the screen, was Bob Dylan. His image was indelible – shaggy hair, denim on denim, a harmonica holder like some futuristic brace, and cradled against him, a massive Martin D-28. To my young eyes, that D-28 was the acoustic guitar. I didn’t know then the rich history behind it, but I instinctively understood its significance.
Bob Dylan playing a Martin D-28 acoustic guitar at The Concert for Bangladesh
Decades later, the Martin D-28 continues to reign supreme. It consistently earns top honors in awards like Acoustic Guitar’s Player’s Choice Awards, and this year, it once again stands as the Guitar of the Year, overshadowing other contenders. Ask any guitarist who has ever picked up an acoustic, and they’ve likely strummed a D-28 at some point. Its list of devotees reads like a who’s who of music royalty: Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, Lester Flatt, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and the flatpicking virtuoso Tony Rice, who famously sought out and acquired Clarence White’s pre-war D-28.
Tony Rice’s story itself speaks volumes about the D-28’s allure. As a young prodigy, Rice encountered Clarence White and his D-28. He recalled to Fretboard Journal in 2007, “I saw that old D-28, and it didn’t have a name on the headstock. So I asked, ‘What kind of a guitar is that?’ And Clarence said, ‘It’s a Martin.’” Despite its worn appearance, Rice was captivated by its sound, “it looked like hell, but it sounded like a million bucks to a 9-year-old kid.” Years later, he would own that very guitar, a testament to the D-28’s enduring appeal.
But what is the secret behind the D-28’s enduring magnetism? Is it magic? According to Martin historian Dick Boak, the answer is more grounded. “The romance comes from the fact that it’s a great guitar at a pretty reasonable price,” he explains. “And for that reason, a who’s who of legendary performers have used the D-28 in their music. It’s the warhorse of the music industry.” It’s a combination of quality, value, and a sound that has resonated with generations of musicians.
The Dreadnought Design: Bigger Sound, Bigger Impact
The story of the D-28 begins with the dreadnought body shape. C.F. Martin & Company introduced the D-series in the early 1930s, naming these large, square-shouldered guitars after the imposing dreadnought battleships of the era. These guitars were significantly larger than previous models, resulting in a louder and more bass-heavy tone. Initially, Martin wasn’t entirely convinced by the design, but country string bands quickly recognized its potential. The dreadnought’s powerful projection allowed guitarists to be heard alongside banjos and fiddles, making it an invaluable instrument for ensemble playing.
While the D-series offered several models, the D-28 ultimately emerged as the most popular dreadnought. Interestingly, it wasn’t always the top seller. In 1937, the D-18, with mahogany back and sides, actually outsold the D-28, which featured rosewood. Both models shared a spruce top and a relatively understated aesthetic, though the D-28 had a subtle herringbone trim.
Over time, subtle differences and evolving preferences shifted the balance. Early D-28s, particularly those from before the 1940s, boasted herringbone trim and scalloped top bracing. These features, later discontinued, became highly sought after by guitar collectors and players. When Martin reintroduced the vintage-style D-28 in 1976, it became the company’s best-selling model, solidifying its iconic status.
The Tonewoods and Tone: Warmth and Resonance
A significant aspect of the D-28’s appeal lies in its tonal characteristics. Sharing tonewoods with its more ornate cousin, the D-45, the D-28 delivers a warm, rich, and resonant sound. The combination of a spruce top with rosewood back and sides creates a balanced tone with depth and complexity. In contrast, the D-18, with its mahogany back and sides, produces a brighter, clearer, and crisper tone.
Dick Boak highlights these tonal nuances: “The D-28’s warm tones make it an ideal instrument for songwriting and living-room play, and also for vocal accompaniment.” He adds, “The D-18 is more appropriate for the studio because of its treble response.” This tonal versatility makes the D-28 a favorite across diverse musical genres, from bluegrass and folk to rock and country.
Bob Dylan playing a Martin D-28 acoustic guitar at The Concert for Bangladesh
The D-28 in the Hands of Legends
Bob Dylan’s association with the D-28 is just one chapter in its long and storied history. While Dylan played various guitars throughout his career, including Gibsons and other Martins, the D-28 remained a constant presence. From his early days with a 1949 Martin 00-17 to his Gibson J-50 and the famous Gibson Nick Lucas Special, Dylan’s guitar choices reflected his evolving musical styles. However, the image of him with a D-28 at The Concert for Bangladesh cemented the guitar’s place in popular culture.
Even later in his career, Dylan’s appreciation for the D-28 resurfaced in an unexpected way. In 1999, he spotted a unique D-28 in the pages of Acoustic Guitar magazine – a photographic negative version with a black body and white pickguard. This special edition guitar, created for Acoustic Guitar‘s 10th anniversary, caught Dylan’s eye, leading him to commission Martin to build him a custom version. This anecdote further illustrates the D-28’s enduring appeal, even for seasoned musicians who have access to any instrument they desire.
The D-28 Legacy Continues
The Martin D-28 is more than just a guitar model; it’s a benchmark against which other acoustic guitars are often judged. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless design, exceptional sound, and the countless musicians who have made it their instrument of choice. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, the D-28 offers a playing experience that is both inspiring and rewarding. Its rich history and iconic status ensure that the Martin D-28 will continue to be revered and played for generations to come, solidifying its place as a true legend in the world of music.
