That ONE guitar in many: My new HD-28
This is one of those particular guitars that just stood out and resonated with me (pun intended) above all the others.
In GuitarGuitar, Birmingham, UK, a few weeks ago, I was curiously trying out D-18s, D-28s, a D-35, another HD-28 and a bunch of other variants, along with some Gibson J's and even a DSS-17 Whiskey Sunset (which is awesome, BTW.)
Then the clerk put this particular one in my hands and I sat there being hypnotised as my eyes closed, getting pulled into the sound while an involuntary smile spread across my face. 10 minutes later I sat up with a sudden intake of air, like I'd forgotten to breathe, knowing that my bank account was about to get lighter.
So many of those guitars sounded amazing. Even a Custom Shop Expert D-28 1937 Aged which was loud as hell! But none made me think I wanted to part with any amount of cash to have them. This one did. I didn't realise it had a pickup for a while and didn't even try it until last minute while the order was rung up.
It's sweet and rounded in that way that you hear of vintage guitars - nothing too bright or brittle and a thundering low end that stays firm and controlled. The notes are impeccably consistent, all the way up the board, with higher frets sounding as loud and punchy as the lower ones. The neck and frets are precision and it's got some little bear claw patterns in the book matched sitka. I'm sure I don't need to tell a Martin guitar sub how great a Martin is but mother of mercy, this thing is perfect.
I love finding gear this way, especially when it's something as variable as an acoustic guitar and as special as a Martin guitar. I managed to buy it thanks to inheritance money from my Dad who passed in 2020. I sat on enough to buy the right guitar when I came across it. My Dad's name was Martin.