Martin HD-35 Review

Martin HD35

I've wanted a Martin D-35 since I was a kid. I finally treated myself to this one. It's hard to find the words to express how thrilled I am to own this. Thank you Martin for such incredible tradition and craftsmanship. Thank you Tim at Sweetwater for your special care during this purchase. Rick Harris

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Dream Guitar

I was constantly told that Sweetwater is the best customer service in the music business. I spoke with my rep Adam and he was patient with all my questions. This guitar can hum softly or boom like a cannon if you dig into it. I just can't wait to have the wood open up to really hear the guitar come to life every time you play it!

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The Best Acoustic Guitar Made!

In 1974 a friend of mine got a '65 Brazilian rosewood Martin HD-35 for Christmas. I have wanted one ever since. I have played for 50 years and owned many fine instruments, all the names you know. IMHO this is the BEST acoustic guitar made by anyone! It's drop-dead gorgeous, sounds extremely deep and rich, plays like butter, projects extremely well, and being all-solid-wood ages… read more very well. Truthfully it is also a source of great pride of ownership, always recognized by those who are "in the know" about fine guitars. It IS expensive (and how!) but worth every penny. I suggest waiting for no-interest financing.

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It's a MARTIN!

I always wanted a Martin and finally got one. Ben gave me a great deal on this one. I waited a couple weeks to review it to get over that "new guitar" crush. A friend of mine has a D28 and D35. I loved playing both with a slight preference towards the D35. Sweetwater was out of stock of the one I wanted, and because of the Covid-19 situation currently going on I may have had to… read more wait months for the one I wanted to be back in stock. Because Sweetwater is so easy to deal with and knowing I could return it if it wasn't for me, I took a shot on the HD35. I am ecstatic that I did. The sound is very similar to the standard D35 but louder (more projection) and a bit cleaner (if that makes any sense). A little heavier on the bass end than the D28 but still with great tonal balance. I may lower the action just a bit (my own personal preference), but it plays like dream right out of the box. The plecking that Martin does in the factory really paid off. As for the looks, I love the herringbone binding and the three piece back is absolutely beautiful. The pictures don't begin to do these guitars justice. As with all Martin guitars, the finish is flawless. The body finish is high gloss while the neck is a soft satin. My only very slight criticism is that it comes with plastic bridge pins. I would have expected at least bone if not liquid metal pins at this price. Luckily I had some bone pins laying around (I may even upgrade to the liquid metal). One last thing. Did I mention IT"S A MARTIN?!!!

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Wondering why there are no previous reviews?

I've had this guitar about a month, so this is a"honeymoon" review. I'd been watching this particular one as a marked down display for a while, along with a d28,cutaway with a pup. I requested of Mason Bouvier, #1 "sales engineer" ( that I have"met") to test drive both, he and others did, then asked me, exactly what tone, sound,particulars, etc, I was seeking? Mason is familiar… read more with my musical inclinations from previous conversations and purchases, (another of the many reasons that Sweetwater excels!). So I now have the "guitar of a lifetime"! You pickers know what I mean. I have owned a few, and have been around many,many fine guitars, from the 60-70's Yamahas, older Gibson, Guild, Martin, Augustino Loprinzi, (which I have a '74 lr15,built,signed by Mr Loprinzi himself) . Numerous pickers pals ( vintage Martin owners and Taylor fans) all compliment this guitar, and express that " I wish my guitar played this easy," and complimented the sound! ( Of course they're not gonna say it sounds better than theirs, while holding it on their knee that's insulting to their longtime #1!!) Not listing any specs, other than factory I chose Martin lights and tusq pins, everyone has their preference, this is mine!!

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