The Martin Oahu HG-28 Special-Edition acoustic guitar is a stunning homage to the Hawaiian music craze of the 1920s and 1930s. This guitar introduces an all-new, more approachable body size to the Martin lineup, offering a smaller 14-fret sloped-shoulder Dreadnought design with the depth of a 000. Ideal for players who love the power of a Dreadnought but seek a more comfortable size, the HG-28 provides a rich, balanced tone with articulate highs and warm lows. Built with solid flamed Hawaiian koa back and sides and a solid spruce top, this guitar delivers exceptional resonance and visual appeal.
Hawaiian Roots With Vintage Martin Craftsmanship
At the heart of the HG-28 is its solid flamed Hawaiian koa back and sides, paired with a solid spruce top. This combination of tonewoods provides the guitar with a warm, rich tone perfect for everything from intricate island melodies to bold strumming patterns. The scalloped spruce X-bracing enhances sustain and resonance, while the high-gloss finish highlights the natural beauty of the koa and spruce. The bold herringbone trim and antique white binding give this guitar a vintage aesthetic, reminiscent of Martin’s early Hawaiian-style guitars.
Comfortable Playability With Shorter Scale Length
Designed for ease of playability, the HG-28 features a satin-finished select hardwood neck with a Golden Era modified low oval profile and a high-performance taper. The shorter 24.9” scale length offers a more relaxed string feel, making it perfect for strumming, fingerpicking, and slack key open tunings like open G. With low action and an overall comfortable design, this guitar feels as though it’s been a lifelong companion, delivering exceptional tone and response.
Vintage Details and Modern Performance
The HG-28 boasts vintage-style appointments, including bold herringbone trim and Style 28 multi-stripe rosette, which give a nod to Martin’s historical craftsmanship. The Old Style 18 abalone fingerboard inlays and nickel open-gear tuners with butter bean knobs complete the guitar’s timeless look. Though inspired by the past, the HG-28 is equipped with modern construction techniques like the Plek’d setup for precise intonation and playability.
A Modern Homage to a Historic Era
Making its debut as part of the new Martin Oahu family of instruments, the HG-28 is not only a tribute to the Hawaiian music craze that shaped acoustic guitar history but also a testament to Martin's ongoing commitment to innovation. Whether you're performing traditional Hawaiian music, contemporary acoustic styles, or something in between, the HG-28 offers the perfect balance of vintage tone and modern performance.