This 2014 Martin Custom Shop D28 is a dreadnought with a distinct character of its own, built with an eye for detail and sound. The Ambertone nitrocellulose finish gives the Adirondack spruce top a warm, classic look, while details such as the abalone rosette, tortoise pickguard, and subtle binding give the whole a refined Custom Shop appearance. This is an instrument that immediately catches the eye, but above all convinces as soon as you pick it up.

The choice of bubinga as the body wood gives this D28 a powerful and defined foundation. Bubinga is known for its deep, tight basses and clear projection, with a focus reminiscent of rosewood but with a slightly more direct response. Combined with the Adirondack spruce top and scalloped X-bracing, this results in an open, dynamic sound with plenty of headroom and clear articulation. The ebony bridge and fingerboard contribute to a fast attack and controlled sustain, allowing both heavy strumming and more nuanced playing to come into their own.

The mahogany neck with a soft V-profile sits comfortably in the hand and offers a solid, slightly vintage playing feel, while the wider 45 mm nut provides extra room for fingerstyle and precise articulation. Gold-colored Grover open-gear tuners and a bubinga headstock overlay visually complete the package.

Unfortunately, the guitar suffers from a known issue that has affected many Martins; the lacquer along the bindings on the back of the body shows crazing due to the natural expansion and contraction of the heavily grained bubinga. Furthermore, there are a few dings on the top, and the lacquer on the back of the neck has become shiny from playing.

Comes with TFOA passport in a TKL case.