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If nobody mentioned that Martin’s new Standard line had been updated, a player might be forgiven for not immediately noticing that the latest D-28 has been subtly changed. After all, it’s the D-28 – one of the most recognizable and enduring American icons – and the thought of altering such a flagship is likely to raise some eyebrows.
Martin is calling it the Standard Series Refresh, and the company has made changes to its entire line of Standards from the 18 series up, and added three models. The tweaks are significant, and many players will find something to like in the new approach.
Aesthetically, the Standard has undergone a minor refresh, with a modified heel that Martin calls “vintage-style” and a long diamond neck transition that is similar to (but more substantial than) the diamond volute on prior models. The bone nut is now cut at an angle to offer a cleaner transition between the headstock and the fretboard, and bridge pins have been upgraded to bone.
Beyond the 28’s appearance, the big rosewood box has changed in some very real ways, borrowing from Martin’s Golden Era specs. The Sitka spruce bracing is now scalloped/forward-shifted X-pattern, and the neck profile Martin calls the “Golden Era modified low oval” feels a bit fuller than the performance models. Perhaps the biggest change is the ebony fretboard, which is noticeably thinner than previous iterations, with a beveled edge.
At just 4.2 pounds, the tester felt light and delicate. Projection was no issue, and the forward-shifted bracing means this dreadnought punches hard in the lower registers. And as impressive as it was sonically, the real star of the show is its neck; it may be coincidental, but the thinner fretboard on the satin neck makes the guitar feel broken-in straight out of the box. That new configuration gets partial credit, but stellar workmanship and care during the build gets the rest. Either way, this new D-28 feels like it’s been played for a while.
It’s still the D-28 Standard, but this version feels like Martin is incorporating features of its higher-end models to deliver an upgraded experience in the Standard package. – Michael Shirek
This article originally appeared in VG’s May 2025 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.
