Martin D-45 VS D-28 Acoustic Guitars: What are the differences?
Subtle Differences in Construction, Tonewood, and Inlays
While both of these guitars have a very significant place in Martin's history, the D-45 is more ornate and pristine, while the D-28 has a more balanced tone, perhaps with some more bass in the EQ, depending on your ear's perception. But acoustic guitars in this price range won't have any quality issues. The D-45 is definitely for those wanting the quality, luxury, and the detailed aesthetics, while the D-28 gives you a similar legacy Martin tone but is a little more "down to earth" as they say.
| Specification | Martin D-45 | Martin D-28 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Top Wood | Spruce | Spruce |
| Finish | Gloss | Gloss |
| Color | Natural, Aging Toner | Natural |
| Body Bracing | Scalloped Forward Shifted X-bracing | Forward Shifted X brace |
| Binding | Antique White | Antique white |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany | Select Hardwood |
| Neck Shape | Modified Low Oval, High Performance Taper | Modified Low Oval, High Performance Taper |
| Radius | 16" | 16" |
| Fingerboard Material | Ebony | Ebony |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Abalone Style 45 Hexagon | Mother-of-Pearl Dots |
| Number of Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Scale Length | 25.4" | 25.4" |
| Nut Width | 1.75" | 1.75" |
| Nut/Saddle Material | Bone/Bone | Bone/Compensated Bone |
| Bridge Material | Ebony | Ebony |
| Tuning Machines | Gold Open Gear | Nickel open gear |
| Strings | Titanium Core Nickel, .012-.055 | Martin Lifespan 2.0 92/8 Phosphor Bronze, .013-.056 |
| Case Included | Hardshell Case | Hardshell Case |
An old 1946 Martin D-28 acoustic guitar. Lots of history with this brand and lineup. Image via Emerald City Guitars
A nice look at the Martin D-45 (the D-45V version) via the Shiloh Music Center.
Live Price of Both Martin Acoustics
Price updated Fri, August 21st, 2026.
4 Biggest Differences between the D-45 and D-28
The Martin D-45 and D-28 are both iconic guitars, each with a distinct legacy (the D-28 dating back to the 1940s), but they do have several key differences that set them apart.
Design and Aesthetics
The D-45 is known as one of Martin's flagship dreadnoughts, and has a more ornate design with intricate abalone inlays and gold tuning knobs, definitely giving off air of luxury. The D-28, has a more classic appearance with its simpler styling, featuring antique white binding and mother-of-pearl dot inlays. It's definitely less "flashy."
The D-45 might be worth the added cost (see our price guide) if you're after a visually stunning instrument, while the D-28 will appeal to players who prefer understated elegance.
Tone and Sound
Both guitars have the powerful sound characteristics of Martin dreadnoughts. In fact, these two guitars are largely responsible for developing the warm and strum-friendly trademark Martin tone.
The D-45, with its Adirondack spruce top and titanium core nickel strings, tends to produce a richer, more complex sound, making it a favorite among collectors and professional musicians. The D-28, featuring a solid spruce top and Martin Lifespan 2.0 phosphor bronze strings, gives off a more balanced tone yet with a focused low frequency. It's preferred for its ability to handle a very wide variety music genres, including folk, bluegrass, country, and more.
Construction
Construction differs in terms of the materials used for the neck and bracing. The D-45 features a mahogany neck with a modified low oval shape and a high-performance taper, along with scalloped forward-shifted X-bracing. Again, it's a lot of luxury and attention to detail. The D-28, meanwhile, uses select hardwood for the neck, with the same oval/tapered neck shape, but opts for a non-scalloped forward-shifted X brace, which helps get you the lower and warmer tone we mentioned.
Legacy and History
The D-45, with its flashy ornamentation, was born from a custom order by Gene Autry in 1933, arguably the pinnacle of Martin's craftsmanship. The D-28's roots, however, are more humble, evolving over the years since its introduction in the early 20th century to become a cornerstone of modern music, particularly in the folk and folk-rock scenes. This difference in heritage not only marks their place in Martin's history but also influences the choice of guitarists who seek either the pinnacle of luxury or a versatile, time-honored companion.
Which one? The D-28 or D-45?
The difference between these two guitars is pretty clear. You're paying for legacy and luxury with the D-45, and a painstaking level of detail. With the D-28, you're still getting one of Martin's best acoustics, but you're simplifying everything and going with the "trusty steed" of the group. If it were us, we'd opt for the D-28, unless you're looking at the D-45 as an investment or collector's item. Let us know if you have any questions via the comments section below.
Compare More Acoustic Guitars
You can compare Martins and other acoustic guitars by searching for them here and adding them to the comparison bar at the bottom of this page. We don't have everything, but we have a lot and are adding to it regularly.
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