When Martin refined the dreadnought design in the '30s, they absolutely revolutionized the acoustic guitar. The rosewood and mahogany dreadnoughts produced powerful tone unlike earlier guitars, 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."
The HD-28P was introduced in the late-'80s to revive the combination of Herringbone trim and scalloped braces. In modern-day Martin specs, Herringbone and scalloped braces typically go together, and this model is largely responsible for that tradition. Like everything else, it goes back to the '30s. All of the best original prewar Herringbone dreadnoughts have scalloped braces, and in general scalloped braces produce more volume and low-end.
This 1991 HD-28P is a great-sounding Martin with the tone, power, and volume you expect from a good Herringbone dreadnought. It plays smooth and easy because it features a modern-feeling Low Profile neck and it has been refretted, too. Overall, this HD-28P is in excellent cosmetic condition, but it shows some general play wear, especially on the back of the neck. There is a small ~1/4" crack through the rosette on the bass side of the sound hole, and it has a repaired top crack that runs from the bridge to the end block. The belly of the bridge is lifting slightly along the back edge, but it's not an issue at this time.
Sound-wise, this '91 HD-28P has a powerful, yet nuanced voice. It packs treble that cuts with the bass and character to back it up. '90s Martins aren't exactly vintage, but this '91 HD-28P is starting to capture some of the character and vibe we love about vintage instruments. This would be an excellent dreadnought for a working musician. It has the tone to lead a band and volume to cut above other instruments, but its Low Profile neck is comfortable enough to play all night. It includes its original molded plastic hardshell case.