Quote:
Originally Posted by zombywoof
C
Did ya get a chance to try the D-28 Authentic?
This is my favorite cuz it has the forward shifted X bracing (like the legendary Gibson AJ). I cannot for the life of me figure why this bracing is not used on more dreads and jumbos. Gives ya a bass like you have never heard before and a ton of resonance.
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The D-28 Authentic is one expensive box at $40K (that's right - $40,000 for all that irreplaceable Brazilian Rosewood) - the HD-28 is a working man's bargain by any comparison, and can be had for $2500 or less any day of the week, brand new (list is $3300). If you really want a forward-shifted D-28, the Marquis fits that bill for around $5K list price and other models share that same bracing setup (D-42, etc.). Almost every "custom" model that Martin makes these days is forward-shifted, even the new "Car Talk" guitar (I am not making this up).
The forward-shifted bracing is common on many new upscale Martins; the HD-28 was released early in the cycle of Martin reissues and retains the "standard" brace positions with scalloped braces.
Interestingly, Martin used the forward-shifted bracing on dreadnaughts only from 1931 to 1937, after which they moved the braces back due to the higher number of warranty issues. With heavier strings, the forward-shifted braces provide less support in front of the bridge. They do sound different, but both bracing types can work very well - but I am sure no owners of 1938 D-28s are rushing to have their braces relocated
So the HD-28 is more like a post-1937 model while a forward shift model is more like a pre-1937 guitar. I'd settle for either one.
I've been using an HD-28 as my main workhorse acoustic for 11 years, and it is a wonderful and practical instrument. On stage and in the studio it always gets the job done; I've worn through 3 sets of frets so far. I have had several genuine 1930s Martins and this is my favorite, a real "Cannon of Nazareth".