Any way you look at it, the Martin D-28 is the benchmark. Since the 14-fret iteration was unveiled in 1934, no other acoustic guitar has influenced how guitars are built, how we play them, and how we judge them as much as the D-28 (except perhaps the D-18!). With massive bass response and articulate high end detail, it's easy to understand why the D-28 has been the choice of guitarists across a wide array of genres and generations of players. From Hank Sr. and Johnny Cash to Neil Young, The Beatles, and Jimmy Page, everything sounds right on a D-28.
At the 2023 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Martin used a Standard Series D-28 for their "Show Special" limited edition guitar. A limited run of 48, the D-28 NAMM Special 2023 debuts a new Martin finish: 1935 Digital Microburst. For a number of years, Martin has been developing technology that digitally prints lacquer. The Digital Microburst is based on the classic 1935 Sunburst, but it's digitally printed into the lacquer, which means the finish remains exactly the same thickness and consistency. In your hands, this Sunburst looks like no other, and it shifts dramatically as you move it around in the light. It's beautiful, and there's nothing else like it.
Beyond the finish, the D-28 NAMM Special 2023 is basically the same as the Standard Series specs. But one key change: it has Forward-Shifted Scalloped bracing under the hood like an HD-28, which contributes to overall volume and lends a fuller sound. Spruce top, East Indian Rosewood, 1-3/4" nut—this is a proper Martin Dreadnought!
- Body Size: D-14 Fret
- Top Material: Spruce
- Bracing Pattern: Forward Shifted X Brace
- Brace Shape: Scalloped
- Back Material: East Indian Rosewood
- Side Material: East Indian Rosewood
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Neck Taper: High Performance Taper
- Fingerboard Material: Ebony
- Scale Length: 25.4"
- Number of Frets Total: 20
- Fingerboard With at the Nut: 1 3/4"
- Fingerboard Inlay Style: Style 28
- Back and Side Finish: Gloss
- Top Finish: Gloss
- Top Color: 1935 Digital Microburst
- Finish Neck: Satin
- Bridge Material: Ebony
- Saddle: Compensated Bone
- Tuning Machines: Nickel Open Gear
- Pickguard: Tortoise Pattern
- Case: Molded Hardshell