Martin D-35 VS D-28: Which one is better?
Our pick: Martin D-28, but close your eyes and point
A plek'd fretboard, back construction, and non-scalloped x-bracing are the main upgrades in the D-35. To some, these nuances might be important. But otherwise the two guitars are extremely similar. We'd recommend the D-28 and saving a couple hundred bucks off an expensive acoustic guitar series.
Comparisons like these are hard to pull off because the differences are extremely subtle. So first, I would advise potential buyers to not worry too much about making the "right" choice between these two acoustics. It's entirely a matter of preference and not an issue of quality because both of these guitars are awesome.
Both are considered examples of the ultimate acoustic guitar.
In this price range you don't really have to worry about ending up with a bad guitar. No matter what people say on guitar forums about cheap guitars being as good as expensive ones - they're not. You get what you pay for.
So in this particular comparison we only have questions of subtle differences.
Between the D-35 and D-28 here are just a few differences we've noticed:
- Plek'd fretboard in the D-35
- Back construction (three pieces in the 35, two in the 28)
- X-bracing (forward shifted and non-scalloped in the 35)
- Tuning hardware
These changes, particularly the back construction, do represent improvements in the D-35, for just $200 more. But I would still go with the D-28 just because the noticeable difference between the two is going to be fairly small.
You save some money and get essentially the same experience. But again, this is all my opinion.
See the disclaimer below and then keep reading if you want more details.
Martin D-35 VS D-28 Product Comparison Table
Use the compare buttons to see basic specs and updated pricing for the Martin D-28 and D-35. We have more detailed specs below and expanded price comparison resources. See our disclaimer below the table for the Sweetwater links.
Martin | Name | Rate | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin D-28 | n/a | |
 | Martin D-35 | n/a |
Our comparisons, reviews, and recommendations are based on first-hand experience by actual guitars players. However, they are still opinion. If you disagree, or you think we've made a mistake, please let us know in the comments section below, just try and be reasonable about it. No one should ever be flaming angry over an acoustic guitar comparison. Also note that we support ourselves through these orange buttons that link to Sweetwater. If you click through and make a purchase, we might receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Pricing Resources for Each Guitar
This section has pricing info for each guitar, providing multiple vendors, an alert signup, and price history. Note that the price history table and alert tool will follow the lowest price among the listed vendors, and excludes Amazon.
Martin D-28 Price
Multiple Vendors
Amazon Only
Price Alert
Price History
Price History for Martin D-28 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Statistics
| Current Price | $2,999.00 | November 30, 2022 |
| Highest Price | $2,999.00 | June 20, 2022 |
| Lowest Price | $2,999.00 | June 20, 2022 |
Last price changes
| $2,999.00 | June 20, 2022 |
Martin D-35 Price
Multiple Vendors
Amazon Only
Price Alert
Price History
Price History for Martin D-35 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Statistics
| Current Price | $3,199.00 | November 30, 2022 |
| Highest Price | $3,199.00 | November 30, 2022 |
| Lowest Price | $3,199.00 | November 30, 2022 |
Last price changes
| $3,199.00 | November 30, 2022 |
Demo Comparison of Both Guitars
Now, for the sound demos:
Go to the middle of each video and listen to the playing (skips the talking). There's a clear difference between the tone of each guitar. The D-35 is a little more rich and warm, while the D-28 - by comparison - is brisk and more glassy.
As I've been saying, this is an issue of preference and not quality. I personally like the warmer sound better, but the D-28 seems to have a slightly different natural sound.
I do not completely understand where this distinction in tone is derived from. Both have the same tonewood arrangement, so that leads me to believe the back construction and/or bracing is playing a role in creating the distinction. Small changes can make a big difference in an acoustic guitar's tone, so it's still possible to hear unique sounds from two instruments that are otherwise very similar.
But there are also a a lot of external factors that can impact what you hear on a recording or naturally from the guitar itself.
The microphone used, back-end EQ settings, strings, and playing style can all have an impact.
We maintain that the difference here is a matter of preference and that the D-28 is not an inferior product.
Detailed Comparison Table
You can see that the spec sheet is pretty well matched, with the exceptions we mentioned in the opening paragraphs. There's a slight difference in the color of the two guitars, where the D-28 goes without the aging toner.
Though we've seen a variety of finish options, depending on where you're buying from.
All the important dimensions are the same, despite the differences in construction.
Header | D-35 | D-28 |
|---|---|---|
String type | Steel | Steel |
Body shape | Dreadnought | Dreadnought |
Color | Natural with aging toner | Natural |
Finish | Gloss | Gloss |
Top piece tonewood | Spruce | Spruce |
Back/sides tonewood | East Indian Rosewood | East Indian Rosewood |
Bracing setup | Forward shifted x-bracing, non-scalloped | Forward shifted x-brace |
Binding | Antique white | Antique white |
Neck shape | Modified low oval, high performance taper | Modified low oval, high performance taper |
Fingerboard material | Ebony | Ebony |
Tuning hardware | Chrome enclosed gears | Nickel open gear |
Radius | 16" | 16" |
Scale length | 25.4" | 25.4" |
Nut width | 1.75" | 1.75" |
Back construction | Three pieces | Two pieces |
Which one would we buy?
Again, I like the tone of the D-35 a little bit more, but if you're indifferent - or if you like the D-28 tone - you'll get a very similar experience with the D-28. This will also allow you to save a little bit of money.
I know that some of you will care more about the bracing and back construction, which is a valid approach as well.
It's not to say these two guitars are completely the same, because they aren't.
But it should be clear that in this price range, your preferences - whatever they are - should be the driving force behind your choice.
If you have questions about our Martin D-35 VS D-28 comparison, feel free to drop them in the comments section below and I'll do my best to help out.
We'll talk then.
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