Editor's Choice | Runner Up |
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Providing the music industry with only the finest guitar masterpieces, Martin Guitars has been setting a standard with dreadnought acoustic guitars.
First, they created the historic Martin D-28. Then, out of innovation, they graced us with the Martin D-35.
Read: Martin D-28 Review
Unless you are a pro, one can only wonder how it would feel like to play one of each guitar.
The Martin D-35 and Martin D-28 are both outstanding dreadnoughts, but which one is better?
Let’s find out now.
Contents
Martin Standard Series D-35 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Famously recognized because of its 3-piece back, the Martin D-35 quickly caught on with music artists after it was created after the iconic D-28. The manufacturing company opted for this 3-piece back masterpiece because of a shortage in rosewood supply. Thankfully, guitar enthusiasts loved every bit of it despite having a different sound and tone as its older brother, the D-28.
Adapting to innovation and modern times, the D-35 is perfect for players who want versatility written all over a dreadnought guitar. Believed to embark with the vintage era with a modern touch, the D-35 features an improved and redesigned bracing. It still has a bracing with the thickness of ¼” from the 60s, but is now placed one inch from the sound-hole. This innovation creates a very even bass, with just the right balance of the mid and high-end frequencies.
The D-35 features a solid Sitka spruce top with an East Indian rosewood body, giving it an amazing sound and feel. An ebony bridge and fingerboard is also present. It features a distinctive White Boltaron binding running along 3 sides of the fret board, which is matched with a white Boltaron side inlay on the body of the instrument. Overall, the D-35 has a look that would really capture your attention.
You’ll also get great playability with the D-35 as it features a modified low oval neck, and wider string spacing, which allows the player to move the neck up and down with complete ease. With the D-35’s features, you’ll get a warm bass with a quick response on the low and high end. It has the perfect balance across the fret board, while also giving you a lively acoustic feel.
Martin D-28 – Natural
This iconic dreadnought has been here for so long that it lived through the good and bad times in the music industry. The Martin D-28 has been gracing popular artists such as the likes of Bob Dylan, and Jimmy Page it became a standard to the dreadnought community. Since it rose to fame, the D-28 has been a popular and constant choice of superstars of different music genres.
The D-28 has it’s a typical dreadnought body shape, but has its distinct square shoulders, which people absolutely love. Consisting a solid Sitka spruce top and rosewood body, the D-28 produces a deep sound with a lot of volume and clear projection, making it a top choice among bands and guitarists who play bluegrass. The D-28 features a subtle herringbone accent on its neck and has a classic look, carving a special place in every guitar enthusiasts’ heart.
To top off the aforementioned tonewood combination, the D-28 has a solid ebony fingerboard that matches its nice acoustic sound. Its overall wood construction creates a tone that is warm and resonant, which is perfect for every vocalist. With its quick response and loud bass, it’s easily a crowd favorite.
With the balance between the fingerboard and string action, the D-28 is made to be played. Aside from its outstanding features, the D-28 also displays equally outstanding craftsmanship. The fact that it is one of the great reminders of American heritage only makes you think that the D-28 is one flawless masterpiece.
Advantages Over Each Other
To help us get a better decision, here are some advantages of each guitar.
Martin D-28
- Well-balanced acoustic tone
- Good string action
- Has a lower price
- Top choice for bluegrass
Martin D-35
- Its modified 3-piece back
- Heavier bass tone
- Great for strumming or fingerstyle
How Does Each Guitar Sound?
Martin D-28
When you want to hear the ideal sound of an acoustic guitar, you might want to play a Martin D-28. Producing a well-balanced sound, the D-28 gives the classic acoustic every guitar owner loves. The D-28 has more pronounced bass and is a clearer-sounding guitar. You’ll hear the harmony clearly with clearer notes with the D-28, which is why it’s most preferred by bluegrass players.
Delivering a loud and pronounced alternating bass notes is what every acoustic guitar player looks for. With a more balanced and bass-oriented tone, the D-28 works best in larger arrangements as it gives better projection, too.
Martin D-35
With its modified 3-piece back, the Martin D-35 has a balanced tone with heavier bass. The D-35 has the warmth and resonance you’re looking for in a dreadnought. Its highs are powerful and sustaining while having a clear low end. Topped with the good harmonic response, the D-35 gives a more nuanced acoustic.
Giving a tonality that works great with strumming or fingerpicking, the D-35 has a full and pure sound. It’s lighter top bracing gives a fatter tone, which makes a perfect companion if you’re about to perform solo. Users love it for this versatility.
Conclusion
While both of the featured Martin dreadnoughts are classic and excellent in giving such fin and pleasing acoustic sound, guitar lovers would still choose one over the other.
That being said, it goes without saying that the Martin D-28 is a natural crowd-pleaser. With its excellent history and success story, the Martin D-28 needs no introduction. Its classic acoustic sound that’s well-balanced and oozing with clarity made it a crowd favorite.
Although the Martin D-35 is also a classic in terms of giving an amazing acoustic sound, it’s only our second best. Just like its older brother, the D-35 has the elegance and simplicity every guitar owner looks for. Producing a warmer and heavier bass, it’s really perfect for guitarists who are fond of performing solo.