Martin HD-28 VS HD-35: Differences?
Back construction, fretboard inlays, and minor aesthetic differences
These two guitars are both classic Martin acoustics designed primarily for strumming and traditional playing styles with a dreadnought body and no electronics. Differences between the two are minimal, though include a three-piece back in the HD-35 and different fretboard inlays. Both are excellent, high-end acoustics that provide a ton of value, even at their higher price tags.
| Feature | Martin HD-28 | Martin HD-35 |
|---|---|---|
| String Type | Steel | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought | Dreadnought |
| Back & Sides Wood | East Indian Rosewood | East Indian Rosewood, 3-piece back |
| Top Wood | Spruce | Spruce |
| Finish | Gloss | Gloss (top, back, and sides), Satin (neck) |
| Color | Natural, Aging Toner | Natural, Aging Toner |
| Body Bracing | Scalloped Forward Shifted X-bracing | Scalloped Forward Shifted X-bracing |
| Binding | Antique White | Antique White |
| Neck Wood | Select Hardwood | Select Hardwood |
| Neck Shape | Modified Low Oval, High Performance Taper | Modified Low Oval, High Performance Taper |
| Radius | 16" | 16" |
| Fingerboard Material | Ebony | Ebony, bound |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Abalone Diamonds & Squares Long Pattern | Mother-of-pearl Style 28 Dots |
| Number of Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Scale Length | 25.4" | 25.4" |
| Nut Width | 1.75" | 1.75" |
| Nut/Saddle Material | Bone/Compensated Bone | Bone/Bone |
| Bridge Material | Ebony | Ebony |
| Tuning Machines | Nickel Open Gear | Chrome Enclosed Gear |
| Strings | Martin Acoustic SP 92/8 Phosphor Bronze Medium | Lifespan 2.0 92/8 Phosphor Bronze, .013-.056 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case | Hardshell Case |
The HD-28 has a single piece back and diamond fretboard inlays. Image via Imperial Vintage Guitars
The HD-35 has the three-piece back and the more traditional mother-of-pearl fretboard inlays. Image via The Guitar Factory
Price Guide
Prices updated Fri, August 21st, 2026.
5 Most Notable Differences Between the HD-28 and HD-35
- HD-28: Solid spruce top, solid East Indian rosewood back and sides.
- HD-35: Solid spruce top, 3-piece East Indian rosewood back, and sides.
- HD-28: Scalloped Forward Shifted X-bracing.
- HD-35: Scalloped Forward Shifted X-bracing (similar to HD-28) with a 3-piece back.
- HD-28: Abalone Diamonds & Squares Long Pattern.
- HD-35: Mother-of-pearl Style 28 Dots.
- HD-28: Vintage-styled belly bridge, classic tortoise pickguard.
- HD-35: Zig-zag back purfling, multi-stripe inlay on the back and sides, Bold Herringbone inlay.
Summary of Differences
You have to really split some hairs to find significant differences between the HD-28 and HD-35. They both play and sound similarly, and are hard to tell apart from the eyeball test alone.
The HD-35 is a little more expensive, which I believe is due to the three-piece back. However, both instruments are in a tight price range and worth the expense.
So aside from the back construction and fretboard inlays, you've got two very similar instruments here.
If you have questions about our Martin HD-28 VS HD-35 comparison, leave them in the comments section below.
We'll talk there.
Compare More Acoustic Guitars
If you want to compare some Martin acoustic guitars, you can search for them here and add them to the comparison table at the bottom of this page. We have a ton of other brands and models as well.
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