Martin D-28 Modern Deluxe Left-Handed Review

Everything I'd hoped for

First thing that hit me is that this is the most beautiful instrument I've ever owned and one of the most beautiful instruments I've ever seen. Nothing flashy, very understated beauty, but the subtle pearl of the diamond markers and the headstock inlay, the flame maple binding, back inlay, the herringbone binding, simple rosette, and great looking faux tortoise pickguard are just… read more to my taste. Second, it feels and plays great. Very light and balanced. The torrified top is balanced by the Waverly tuners and the titanium truss rod in the neck. The slightly asymmetric neck (just a bit chunkier on the bass side) feels great in my hand. Best setup I've ever had on a new instrument. (I do my own setups, and it's rare that I get a guitar or bass and it does not spend and hour or two on the bench.) Finally, the sound: bought this after studying a bit about about torrification and getting intrigued. I'm a lefty, and I've never played an "old" lefty Martin, but this sounds like they describe the old ones - dry, crisp, even, articulate tone. Maybe it's the torrified top and bracing; maybe one of the other half dozen differences from any Martin I've ever played. It's louder than my other acoustics. (I don't know about the 3-4 dB that they claim for the fancy (expensive) new end pins. Pretty red dots, though.) By way of comparison, I have a very nice Gibson J-45 standard. Sounds great. When I do A/B tests I can tell clear differences while playing and everyone who has listened feels the Martin sounds better - more complex. I consider the Gibson and expensive guitar and the Martin is even more expensive. Everyone has to determine what is "worth it" to them, but I'm pleased with both purchases.

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