So i understand the mahogany / rosewood difference between the D18/28 models, but what are the HD range all about? And what does the number 35 signify?
Found this YouTube video regarding the D-35 and the HD-35. Basically the difference is scalloped bracing and herringbone trim for the HD-35.
Found the 35 description on onemanz.com (One Man's Guitar), and he probably found it on Martin's website.
Style 35 (2018)
Indian rosewood sides and three-piece back. Sitka spruce top with aging in toner, and forward-shifted, non-scalloped 1/4" braces, ebony fingerboard and bridge, white mother-of-pearl dot markers, Antique White binding including neck, faux tortoise pick guard, closed silver tuners with large buttons. OM-35E and HD-35 have scalloped 1/4" braces.
Pre-2018 Style 35 has stark white binding, black pickguard, natural top toner, non-forward-shifted braces. OM-35 has scalloped braces. HD-35 has herringbone top trim and back strips, scalloped braces, faux tortoise pick guard.
Style 35 first appeared in 1965 and had Brazilian rosewood (until 1969,) and faux tortoise binding and pickguard, which were changed to black in 1966.
"35" has appeared in the model name of several special or limited editions, with woods or appointments different from above. The defining 35 features being a three-piece back and a bound fingerboard. Example: HD-35 CFM IV 60th Anniversary and D-12-35 50th Anniversary.
A friend who has just come into some inheritance wants to treat himself to a Les Paul Classic and has asked me to come along for the purchase. They have at least one Martin acoustic room where you can try out the guitars, so i will take him up on the offer when the coast is clear virus-wise. It's much easier to pretend to have three grand ready to spend when your mate is parting with 1650 quid at a shop you have recommended.
Alas, my wife's ever growing list of expensive home improvements means i shall be leaving the shop empty handed.😏
Found this YouTube video regarding the D-35 and the HD-35. Basically the difference is scalloped bracing and herringbone trim for the HD-35.
Found the 35 description on onemanz.com (One Man's Guitar), and he probably found it on Martin's website.
Style 35 (2018)
Indian rosewood sides and three-piece back. Sitka spruce top with aging in toner, and forward-shifted, non-scalloped 1/4" braces, ebony fingerboard and bridge, white mother-of-pearl dot markers, Antique White binding including neck, faux tortoise pick guard, closed silver tuners with large buttons. OM-35E and HD-35 have scalloped 1/4" braces.
Pre-2018 Style 35 has stark white binding, black pickguard, natural top toner, non-forward-shifted braces. OM-35 has scalloped braces. HD-35 has herringbone top trim and back strips, scalloped braces, faux tortoise pick guard.
Style 35 first appeared in 1965 and had Brazilian rosewood (until 1969,) and faux tortoise binding and pickguard, which were changed to black in 1966.
"35" has appeared in the model name of several special or limited editions, with woods or appointments different from above. The defining 35 features being a three-piece back and a bound fingerboard. Example: HD-35 CFM IV 60th Anniversary and D-12-35 50th Anniversary.
Great demo 👍
Not a D-35 but a cool video non the less
The D-28 and `18 have 5/16" bracing.... The 35 has 1/4in bracing. It is not a preferred guitar for bluegrass as the lighter bracing is considered by many to make the guitar woofy, or too bassy, and does not project mid and trebles as well. Now this is common opinion and everyone's ears are different. Go to a few bluegrass jams and you rarely see a 35. BUT ii is an awesome strummer...the preferred guitar for rhythm...and Johnny Cash's favorite. All in all though, try it. You may completely disagree with common opinion.
Right - the problem is finding a shop with all of the models. We have three good Martin dealers in Denver but none have the full complement of 18s, 28s, & 35s. Closest shop with them all is an 8-hour drive.
Clearly the 18s and 28s are the bluegrass standards but I was wondering if anyone has personal experience with the 35s?
I’ve read and seen demos where very good flat pickers and finger stylists prefer the overtones of the 35s over the 28. So that’s attractive as long as it still sits in the ensemble mix well enough.
