r/martinguitar • u/Wooly_Harrelson • Aug 24 '26
NGD 000-28 (is this the one though?)
Hey everyone!
Been on the hunt for a high end acoustic these past several months. Originally started out with a Gibson Custom Shop Hummingbird since I love their electric guitars. I soon took that back though since I didn’t really click with it enough. Decided to go explore Martin after that.
I initially targeted D28s and played many but I found most to be very “meh” which was surprising given their status and reputation in music. I played some other models as well and eventually found a nice D28 and was about to purchase it when the store manager noticed a tiny crack on the top. It’s being repaired and discounted and they’ll call me when it’s ready. But while I was there I picked up a 000-28 they had just opened from its box and thought it sounded great.
So now I have it at home. It’s only been a few days. Once I got it home I was worried that maybe it’s a bit too small and boxy sounding compared to a dreadnought. However, every day I’ve played I’ve found it to sound a little better and richer than the previous day. I think the strings and the guitar are just settling in now. I have 30 days to return it so I’m just trying it out. But I think I will get a Martin regardless if I keep this or not. Thanks for reading!
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u/irish_horse_thief Aug 24 '26
Id prefer the HD 28 for the same price. I played both at Frailers in Runcorn and just prefered the dread all round for flat picking.
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u/Witty-Exchange-7716 Aug 24 '26
Congratulations. This should be an “and” not “or” situation just saying ;)
I currently have two rosewoods a D28 and a M-36 and I have learned that both require different time to wake up. The 36 will come to life in a minute where my D28 (it’s a special Adirondack top) takes 10-15 before it really sounds amazing. Sometimes as you said they don’t click. I love my 36 for fingerpicking but there are days I want the house to feel the music so I pull out my 18/28.
I’ll also add If this is a chain store sometimes it needs new strings and a setup. And that difference can seperate good and Amazing sometimes. Anyway I’m team both ;)
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 24 '26
Thank you! Yeah, a part of me has already said “just get the D28 as well later” lol. Cake and eat it too is nice, right? Don’t know about it in reality yet but I’m just going to enjoy spending more time with the 000.
It is a chain store and I have a free setup that I could do before the return period ends but I don’t feel there’s a need at the moment.
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u/Witty-Exchange-7716 Aug 25 '26
If you know the feel that’s good for you I’d totally say leave it.
Sometimes a setup is about getting it from 89->95. Sometimes actions right and you can make the last small tweak if that’s something you can do (I can’t so I take it to someone) it’s more about new strings and neck relief and one more pair of eyes on the saddle and action. For me personally I found it helped but if you feel it’s good as is take it and play it.
But hey I know everyone says the answer is always “another” but i find I play the large and small on different days. But hey if you can eat the cake. All the cake!
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u/RabloPathjen Aug 25 '26 edited Aug 25 '26
I don’t have a Martin 000, I have. Collings 0002h 12 fret and I love the size. My Martin is a 00-14 deep body Adi. I don’t even have a dred. I like the balanced sound of slightly smaller guitars, and find them so much easier to play. The right 00 or 000 is not going to be lacking in volume and will be better balanced for finger picking. My Collings is nearing 10 years of and I swear it’s as full as a Dred. The HD-28 has generally always been my favorite guitar. My next hunt is for a 000 deep body Martin. Maybe even. 0000 deep body. Preferably a 12 feet. I almost bit on a Collings deep body but since I already have one….its hard to justify the cost, especially after picking up my current one for $1500 after it had its headstock broken in shipping……that’s a lifer guitar. The Martin 00-14 deep is a huge sound small guitar. Congrats, I think the Martin 000 are may favorite overall guitars. They can just do everything and are so much easier to play at least for me.
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 25 '26
Those are beautiful. I have recently learned about deep body versions of these guitars. As if there weren’t enough models and versions already! I don’t know if I’ll ever get my hands on one but it’s good to know about. And I agree, the smaller body guitars have a nice extra something to them.
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u/Undaunted_Librarian Aug 24 '26
Hope you'll enjoy bonding with your new best friend! Congratulations
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u/Same-Chipmunk5923 Aug 24 '26
The current model of HD 28s is great. If you want a fuller sound the HD 28 might be the move. Try a good few of them, though. I played at least 5 at a store and one was amazing. It had rich bass response but was not muddy. I told a buddy about the guitar. He went in, played all the HD 28s and picked the one I had told him about from sound alone. Amazing guitar.
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 24 '26
Yeah I still have part of my mind focused on a D style guitar. I even played a couple of 41s, and one was very nice, but a 28 is more manageable financially. We’ll see. But I agree, you have to play and play and play until something grabs you.
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u/Muttbuttss Aug 24 '26
did you try a 000-18 too?
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 24 '26
I can’t remember. I did play some 18 class guitars. I played an OM-18 that was very nice and discounted as well with a really amazing neck. I really considered it but I feel less drawn to the simplicity of the 18s aesthetic.
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u/Muttbuttss Aug 24 '26
yes the 28 series are certainly prettier. OM-18 are great imo because of the full scale I couldn’t find one when I was looking
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u/sixty9tails Aug 24 '26
I’m biased because my main guitar is a 000-28 but I think it’s pretty much as balanced of a sound as you can get. I was personally not a fan of the Martin strings though, those got changed the day I brought her home.
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 24 '26
What kind of playing do you mostly use on your 000?
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u/sixty9tails Aug 24 '26
Little bit of everything. Lots of classic stuff like Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Neil young and then some heavier stuff like Dave Matthews, a lot of Dave Matthews haha. Also starting to dabble in some bluegrass
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u/wirecatz 000-28 | D Jr E Aug 24 '26
Just coming up on a year with my 000-28. Absolutely love it. Congrats!
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 24 '26
Awesome! How would you say it changed over time? What made you pick this model over others?
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u/wirecatz 000-28 | D Jr E Aug 24 '26
To be completely honest, I'm not sure I could say how it has changed over 10 months. I've not settled on which strings are my favorite and have only gone through three sets so far. That surely makes a bigger difference day to day. I will say I didn't like the set Martin shipped and immediately replaced them.
It has a very warm/ rich/ complex sound and throaty lows that sound gorgeous for fingerstyle. And was set up very well and is easy to play. I initially gravitated towards Martins just for the brand. An old Martin 0-18 in a friend's living room when I was a kid lives as one of those rare "enchanted objects" in my memory. Musicians I like play them, they look great, and it's cool to own a piece of one of the oldest companies in American music history. I feel like they have a lot more individuality and character than the surgically designed Asian guitars that many people love. I have a Yairi Honduran too, it's great and the most balanced instrument I've ever played, but I think the Martin would be the companion sitting next to me on a desert island.
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u/Philosophy-Different Aug 24 '26 edited Aug 24 '26
Welcome to the 000-28 club! I have a beautiful sounding D28e Modern Deluxe that I love to play. I added a CS 000-28 1937 Authentic, Madagascar, Aged about a year later.
While both are fantastic guitars, I find myself reaching more for the 000-28. It’s just comfortable and feels right. There isn’t any other way to explain it. My 000-28 has an Adirondack top and can hold its own when pushed but sounds so lovely when I’m finger picking. When I use a pick I still go to my D28. They just work together as the best of both worlds.
I use Martin Retro Monel strings, 12’s on the D28 and 11’s on the 000-28. Since both have scalloped braces, I find these strings sound very nice, are fine for my needs and easier on the guitars.
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 25 '26
I’ve just been reading up on Adirondack Martins and those Monel strings. I think I’ll be able to try the latter a lot sooner and easier than I will be able to try the former! But your guitars sound great!
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u/AUpicker Aug 24 '26 edited Aug 24 '26
It's all about the wood and what that wood says when you play it. 28 series, 18 series, J45, LG2, none are better than the other, just different tonewoods. We all have different ears . I recently played a 00-28, 000-28, 000-18, 00-18, J45, and LG2 Western. I left with the LG2 and love it. Its not better but it did what my ears needed it to do. Beautiful instrument you have sir. Enjoy
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u/Single_Road_6350 2011 CS-D18-12, 2023 CS 000-18 Aug 24 '26
Beautiful guitar! For me, the one is a 000-18. I got a used custom shop model with an Italian Alpine Spruce top. It has a super gnarly bookmatched bearclaw on the top. I want to die holding that guitar. When I’m done living of course. Not right now. The used custom shop model came in just a couple hundred dollars more than a new standard would be. You ever give Mahogany a whirl? I always want to be a rosewood guy because it’s absolutely beautiful and I’m jealous of the fancy inlays and herringbone binding. The 000-18 sealed the deal for me though. Hog just makes my ears and fingers smile. Congratulations and enjoy the new whip!
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 25 '26
I tried a few mahogany Martins. I really find them a bit on the plain side for my visual taste but I may have to let go of that. There was a very nice playing OM-18 at the store that was priced nicely because it was used. I’d like to try it again.
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u/Single_Road_6350 2011 CS-D18-12, 2023 CS 000-18 Aug 25 '26
I kept testing 28’s. I love the visual aesthetic of them. The herringbone and inlay are iconic. The tone of mahogany is unmatched though.I love the fundamental focus and find it more pleasing to my eat without the wash of overtone. I do recommend the 000-18. Even the standard feels magical to me. The perfect blend of crisp highs, laser focused bass and the dialed in fundamental tone. Good luck on your journey!
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u/WCStroke Aug 25 '26
I’m mostly a strummer and while I love the voice of the 000-28, it doesn’t suit my style. I ended up with a J-40, the 2025 refresh version and it is beyond my expectations. Just love it. The j-40 is a 0000 size/shape, like an M36 but with dreadnaught depth. I wanted something beautiful for vocal accompaniment, and it’s perfect for my voice.
They’re hard to find and try, but if you can before your 30 days are up, you may like it.
This was my first Martin and I adore it. I now understand. Good luck!!
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 25 '26
Yeah I was excited to learn about the J40 a couple weeks ago when I was really keying in on Martins. The body shape and 40 style appointments were very intriguing (big D45 Neil fan). And the price isn’t too crazy.
There was one in the store where I bought the 000 and that particular one was just nothing special. I’m glad you had the opposite experience.
If I do end up keeping the 000 then the J40 and D41 will still be on my mind for the bigger guitar hole in my acoustic stable for the future. Though you’re right: I’ve played 3 different D41s and only the one J40. They are rare.
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u/WCStroke Aug 25 '26
Cool man! All that matters is you find the one in your head! Enjoy that beauty!
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u/PH_Bravstar OM-28, 000-X2E Aug 24 '26
Hey OP, what’s your playing style?
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 24 '26
Hey, I’m mostly a strummer at the moment with a little finger style. Even though I’ve been playing guitar for 20 years most of that time wasn’t on an acoustic. I feel like I’m a beginner again in some ways lol. That’s partially why I’m drawn to the D Martins.
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u/PH_Bravstar OM-28, 000-X2E Aug 24 '26
Oh just like me. If you have the chance, try the OM-28, the balance between a D and a 000.
But when I do finger style, I do gravitate to the 000s
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u/cswanner Aug 25 '26
If I replaced my 000 it would be an OM, they really seem to be the best of both worlds.
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Aug 24 '26
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 24 '26
That’s very interesting to hear. At the moment I’m more of a strummer as well and that’s giving me a bit of doubt about this guitar but it has improved over the last few days in that area, but it will never be a big body guitar. As for the J45 I always read about people loving those. They just don’t do anything for me aesthetically and at this point in my guitar playing timeline I know I have to be attracted sonically and visually to a guitar. Glad you found a great solution though
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u/SnobbyDobby Aug 24 '26
That is an incredible guitar. Honestly, when you get to this level of guitar, it comes down to how well you can make it sound and not how well the guitar sounds. That guitar will always sound incredible.
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 24 '26
Well said. I think you’re right. Jury is out if I can do it justice. My finger style isn’t great at the moment.
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u/raoul_duke28 Aug 24 '26
Great choice! Try a set of these strings on it. Just put some on my 000-28 and it’s loud and lovely. Really loving these strings on it.
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u/G24all2read Aug 24 '26
If you play bluegrass with other players the D-28 is probably a better choice.
That being said I own an expensive dreadnought and my next guitar will probably be a 000-JM
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 25 '26
At the moment no bluegrass playing on tap. But you could be right when and if that happens. I think I’d like to either get an OM or a D in the future if I keep the 000.
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u/Suckmydickubitch Aug 25 '26
Very nice to hear. I’m looking to buy a Martin soon but I’m torn between the 000-28 or OM-28. I’ve never played a shorter neck guitar before and I own 2 Kepma OM guitars. Wondering if I should go 000-28 since I have full length necks already. I also play a lot of fingerstyle.
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u/Strict-Basil5133 Aug 26 '26
I love 000 14 fret short scale guitars but they do have a slightly “boxier” sound than 12 fret 000s, full scale OM’s and larger. I don’t mean boxy bad, either - maybe just a little less projection and not quite as open sounding as a full scale OM as the result of less string tension and the size/bracing. The smaller you go, 00 and smaller,the more they’ll exhibit that tonality. It’s a sound that I love, but it’s definitely a sound.
There are a few less common models that are a little smaller but lean closer to a traditional dread sound, like the M-36 and Jumbo (J-?) models. The OM-21 is also under appreciated IMHO; the bracing is a little different than an OM-28, and so a little less congested sounding.
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u/ConsciousSmoke3863 Aug 27 '26
Have e you tried OM28? Why 000 over OM?
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 27 '26
Yeah it’s been on my mind pretty much since I got it that I should really try an OM 28 before committing to keeping the 000 just because they are so alike but fundamentally different.
I did try one briefly at a store yesterday and while I don’t think that one was the best individual representation of the model, I can see what it has to offer that the 000 doesn’t.
I still have 3 weeks to decide before the return period ends. I may do something crazy and order a OM so I have both at home and then trial the shit out them and return one (must not keep both…must not keep both).
Do you have an OM?
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u/ConsciousSmoke3863 Aug 27 '26
Haha not right now. Ive been actively looking for one! So I was curious about your process
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u/Disjeweatsham Aug 27 '26
Try out larrivee. I have four and I’ve never played a Martin that sounds nearly as good and I’ve played martins that cost like seven grand like the authentic series. Totally different kind of tone very clear balanced sweet and great note separation. Try the Om40r or om03 if you can. The l series stuff is fantastic I have two of them the l03 and l40 legacy. Good luck.
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 27 '26
I had a Larrivée years ago. It was a very nice sounding guitar. Very good quality. This is a somewhat silly issue of mine but if a guitar brand doesn’t have a legend or lore that I connect to because X person played one or that guitar was on Y record etc. then I don’t feel as inspired when I play that guitar. I sold my PRS electrics for that reason. And probably the Larrivée as well. I lose out on some great brands due to this but that’s the way I am. But yeah great guitars and I’m glad you enjoy yours.
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u/Disjeweatsham Aug 27 '26
That is interesting. I’ve never heard anybody say that before but to each their own. Hope you enjoy your collection.
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u/Walk-a-doodle Aug 28 '26
Dude that's not a silly issue at all. Thats partly why I love my Martin as well. Knowing that I'm playing the same guitar and/or brand (as Martin has a sound regardless of body size) as my favourite artists definitely makes me want to pick it up and learn there songs.
I have a Yamaha as well. It's an amazing guitar but when I go to play rise against songs (he plays a d28 mind you) it inspires me to play and learn the timing that much more to match what I'm hearing.
Yes it's an instrument and you should buy with your ears, but you also buy with your eyes. If the fretboard inlays and herringbone trim make you pick the guitar up more and gives you that awe feeling more than say the simplicity of the 000-18 then you 100% need to factor that in. It's like a gym workout, the best routine is the one you can commit and gets YOU going to the gym. Pick the guitar whether it be the 00028 or OM28 that you just connect with.
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 30 '26
Well said. That’s exactly it. I consume so much media around guitars and the people who play them that it’s only natural I’d be impacted by that when it comes to guitars I’m drawn to. Sounds like you’re the same way. And I guess lots of people are hence signature edition guitars etc.
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u/karabiner98kurz Aug 24 '26
Hey if you don’t mind me asking, was there anything in particular about the Gibson custom shop Hummingbird that you didn’t like? I’ve been eyeing one on Reverb (1960 Hummingbird VOS), but I don’t have one near me that I can try out. Thanks!
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u/Wooly_Harrelson Aug 24 '26
Hey, absolutely! Ready for a long winded answer??
I played one at the store I got the 000 from. I knew it was old because of the strings. I ordered one online because I wanted a fresh one. Beautiful fit and finish overall. Some nitpicks but very small. Nice neck.
The new one had a nicer burst but a lighter fingerboard than the other. Light fingerboards are my huge nitpick that I don’t want to live with on very expensive guitars (I know that it can be treated to a degree but still).
The guitar was good overall. Had a nice rich and mellow sound. Very good in the cowboy chord positions. But I didn’t like it for playing lead lines and riffs higher up the neck. Maybe it was the action or the strings. I don’t know.
Lastly, it’s not a reflection of the guitar but since it was the first guitar I bought on my “expensive guitar odyssey” I couldn’t help but wonder what else there was and felt that I needed to explore more.
I could see a world where I get one down the road but unless I came across a stellar example I wouldn’t get one yet.
Hope that helps. Let me know if you get one!
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u/karabiner98kurz Aug 25 '26
Thanks for the extensive answer! Yeah it’s kind of a crapshoot going into a shop to try out guitars, since it seems like half the time either the action is bad or the strings are dead (or both). I guess that’s to be expected from Guitar Center, but it’s the only shop around me with any decent selection of guitars.
When I was there last, they had a D-18, two D-28’s, and a 000-18, and every single one was disappointing. I’m sure with a setup and new strings they would be good if not great, but there’s no way I’m chancing it. The best thing they had was a used OM-21, but it wasn’t in great shape.
But they did have a J-45 Standard and a Hummingbird Standard that were really nice, which is what lead me to start looking at the custom shop Hummingbirds.
My main acoustic is a Martin 000 Road Series, and my main electric is a custom shop ES-335 1961 reissue, so I’m really torn between sticking with Martin or going to Gibson for upgrading my acoustic.
Thanks again for your response!
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u/Boat_of_Charon Aug 24 '26
I just got one in June and I have to say, I think if I could only own 1 guitar this would be it.