Let’s face it, not many people are willing to spend thousands of dollars on a guitar. However, if you do have it, and are a serious guitar player, there’s not much out there that sounds sweeter than the simple, yet brilliant Martin D-28.
When it comes to acoustic guitars, three brands that often come to mind are Taylor, Gibson, and Martin. They all have high-end guitars with their own unique features and characteristics. And of them all, my personal favorite (with price consideration) is the Martin D-28. However, I would never shell out the money it takes to own one.
In this article, we will explore the Martin D28 and introduce you to a lesser-known brand with a smaller price tag and possibly help you decide which guitar is the right one for you.
Body and Design
The Martin D-28 features a dreadnought-style body with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides. The neck is made of select hardwood and features an ebony fingerboard with a slightly wider nut. The D-28 also has a traditional look with a herringbone inlay around the soundhole and a natural finish.
Now I will introduce you to a company called Blueridge that offers Pre-War Series models called the BR160A. It is a dreadnought-style guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides (sound familiar). It has a mahogany neck with a slim profile and a rosewood fingerboard. The body has a traditional look with an abalone rosette and a natural finish.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of both the Blueridge BR160A and the Martin D28 is exceptional. The Blueridge has a warm, full-bodied tone with a balanced midrange and plenty of sustain. The rosewood back and sides give it a rich, dark tone with excellent projection. It is well-suited for a wide range of playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking.
The Martin D-28, on the other hand, has a slightly brighter tone with a more pronounced treble response. The East Indian rosewood back and sides give it a deep, resonant bass response, while the Sitka spruce top adds clarity and definition to the overall sound.
Playability
Both the Blueridge BR160A and the Martin D-28 are well-crafted guitars that are easy to play. The slim profile of the Blueridge neck makes it comfortable to hold and play for long periods of time. The action is also set low, making it easy to fret notes and play chords.
I think the Martin D-28 has a slightly wider nut width, which may take some getting used to for players with smaller hands. The neck profile is comfortable and well-suited for a variety of playing styles.
Price
One of the biggest differences between the Blueridge BR160A and the Martin D-28 is the price. This particular Blueridge series is not manufactured in America, but it is more affordable than the Martin D-28. The BR160A typically retails for around $1,500, while the Martin D-28s I’ve seen are closer to $3,000.
Conclusion
Let’s face it, Martin D-28s are exceptional guitars that are well-suited for a wide range of playing styles. However, for the price difference, the Blueridge is more affordable and has a warm, full-bodied tone, that is VERY similar to the D-28. The Martin D-28 has a slightly brighter tone and the Martin logo. Ultimately, the choice between these two guitars comes down to budget. I’ve compared the two. I purchased the Blueridge BR160A Historic Series and personally love the guitar. I added an L.R. Baggs Anthem and get many compliments from other guitarists about how great my “D-28” sounds.