The Martin O'ahu Series celebrates Hawaiian music's influence on the development of steel-string guitars. It's an interesting bit of history that Hawaiian players impacted the design changes that led to the Martin Dreadnought. Without the Hawaiian music craze of the 1920s and early ‘30s, it’s safe to say the modern-day steel-string acoustic guitar wouldn’t exist.
Inspired by vintage models from the era, the O'ahu HG-28 brings a new body design to the Martin lineup. Best described as a smaller sloped-shoulder Dreadnought with the depth of a 000, the HG-28 measures 14-3/8" across, so on your lap it feels more like a 00. The short 24.9" scale—and satin-finished neck with its Golden Era modified low oval profile—offers a smooth and comfortable playing experience.
Constructed with Hawaiian Koa back and sides, the HG-28 produces a woody mid-range-forward sound. Because of the 9-7/8" wide waist and scalloped X-braces under the hood, it produces a surprising amount of bass content for its small size. Overall, it's well-suited for any style of music, but you can certainly hear how this EQ would work well for Hawaiian slack key players—open G makes this guitar sing! This HG-28 has sweet mid-range sustain and smoothness to the upper end that set it apart from other Martins in the shop. It include a hemp-covered soft-shell case.
- Body Size: HG-14 Fret
- Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
- Top: Spruce
- Back & Sides: Koa
- Scale Length: 24.9"
- Bracing Pattern: X-Brace
- Braces: Scalloped ¼” Spruce
- Nut: Bone, 1-3/4''
- Neck Shape: GE Modified Low Oval w/ High-Performance Taper
- Neck Material: Select Hardwood
- Fingerboard Material: Ebony w/ Old Style-18 Inlays
- Bridge: Ebony Modern Straightline
- Saddle: Compensated Bone Drop-in w/ 2-5/32” spacing & 16” radius
- Bridge Pins: White Plastic w/ Black Dots
- Binding: Antique White
- Top Inlay Material: Bold Herringbone
- Bridge Material: Ebony
- Bridge Pin Material: White Plastic w/ Black Dots
- Pickguard: Tortoise Pattern
- Rosette: Style-28 Multi-Stripe
- Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper and Diamond
- Headplate Material: Ebony
- Headplate Logo Style: Martin O'ahu Script Overlay