When Martin refined the dreadnought design in the '30s, they set a new standard for the acoustic guitar. The rosewood dreadnoughts produced powerful tone unlike any guitars made before, and their driving sound was better suited for the musicians of the era.
In those days, the Style-28 rosewood dreadnought had iconic Herringbone purfling around the top edge. Since then, that Herringbone trim has known been a sign of robust Martin dreadnought tone, so much so that a good '30s D-28 is often called a "Herringbone."
Built from 1996 to 2016, the HD-28V was the Vintage Series recreation of the prewar specifications with the advantages, precision, and high standards of modern guitar building. For many years, the only way to get a proper Herringbone dreadnought was to go with the HD-28V, but in 2017, Martin updated the Standard Series to absorb many of the Vintage Series features. But unlike the current HD-28, the HD-28V has a '30s-appropriate V neck profile and a cutthrough saddle with a wide 2-5/32" spacing.
This HD-28V was made in 2003. It is gently used and shows some minor play wear and signs of use. The back of the neck is shiny and feels played-in, and there are a few scuffs worth noting (see photos)—the treble edge of the top, the back by the center strip, and the treble side at the lower bout. The saddle has been replaced with a proper compensated bone saddle, and the original plastic bridge pins have been substituted for Ebony pins with Abalone dots.
This 2003 HD-28V produces a powerful, articulate sound. It plays nicely—the action is a comfortable spot where you can dig in. This dreadnought produces the quintessential dreadnought sound and it includes its original TKL hardshell case.