The Martin D-28 and D-35 acoustic guitar models are very similar both in look, sound and feel, however there are a few notable differences between them. I’ll be comparing these two guitars in-depth so you are clear about all the differences between them.
Martin D-28 vs D-35
The Martin D-28 has thicker bracing compared to the D-35. This gives the D-35 a warmer sound with more bass compared to the D-28 which has a tighter and more focused sound. The guitars feel identical to one another and look very similar. The D-35 is slightly more expensive.
Here’s a table highlighting the differences between the D-28 and D-35.
| Feature | Martin D-28 | Martin D-35 |
| Brace Size | 0.31” | 0.25″ |
| Neck Side Dots | White | Black |
| Fingerboard Binding | None | Antique White |
| Back | Two-Piece | Three-Piece |
| Tuning Machines | Nickel Open Gear | Chrome Enclosed Gear |
| Finishes Available | Natural | Natural Sunburst Ambertone |
D-28
D-35
Images link to Amazon
Here are links to Guitar Center so you can check the current prices of these two acoustic guitars:
Tone and Bracing Pattern
Both the D-28 and D-35 have a spruce top and rosewood back and sides. They also have forward-shifted non-scalloped X-bracing. This means that they sound very similar to one another. However, there is a notable difference in the bracing size.
- The D-28 has 0.31″ bracing
- The D-35 has 0.25″ bracing
The smaller bracing on the D-35 gives it a slightly airier body.
To my ears the D-35 has more low-end bass response compared to the D-28 which sounds a bit brighter as a result. This is particularly noticeable to me when strumming the two guitars. When fingerpicking, it’s harder to tell the difference.
Here is a great YouTube video by Maury’s Music where you can listen to the difference between the D-28 and D-35.
Cosmetic Differences
Cosmetically these two guitars are almost identical. They both use the same wood, inlays, and pickguard designs so it’s very hard to tell them apart at first glance. However, there are a few minor cosmetic differences between them:
- The side dots on the neck are white on the D-28 and black on the D-35
- The D-35 has antique white fingerboard binding whereas the D-28 doesn’t have any fingerboard binding
- The D-35 has a 3-piece back whereas the D-28 has a 2-piece back
- The D-28 has open nickel tuning machines and the D-35 has closed chrome tuning machines
- The D-35 is available in two extra finishes (sunburst and ambertone)
Similarities
In terms of feel and playability, these two acoustic guitars are exactly the same. They both have the same modified low oval neck shape with high performance taper, the same body size, nut width, scale length and satin neck finish.
The wood used for the top, back and sides, neck, fingerboard and headstock is the same on both guitars which makes them sound very similar to one another. Cosmetically, they also share many of the same features including the rosette, neck binding, pickguard and inlays.
Aside from a few very minor cosmetic differences and the bracing size, these guitars are pretty much identical. You also have the option of a left-handed version and acoustic-electric version with both guitars and they both come with a molded hard-shell case.
Considering other Martin guitars? Check out these comparisons too:
Martin D-18 vs D-28
Martin D-28 vs HD-28
Full Specification Comparison
| Feature | Martin D-28 | Martin D-35 |
| Body Size | D-14 Fret | D-14 Fret |
| Body Finish | Gloss | Gloss |
| Bracing Pattern | Forward-Shifted X-Bracing | Forward-Shifted X-Bracing |
| Scalloped Bracing | No | No |
| Brace Size | 0.31” | 0.25″ |
| Top | Solid Sitka Spruce | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Back and Sides | Solid East Indian Rosewood | Solid East Indian Rosewood |
| Neck | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Scale | 25.4” | 25.4″ |
| Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Nut Width | 1.75” | 1.75″ |
| Fingerboard Width (12th Fret) | 2.13” | 2.13″ |
| Bridge String Spacing | 2.16” | 2.16″ |
| Neck Shape | Modified Low Oval | Modified Low Oval |
| Neck Taper | High Performance Taper | High Performance Taper |
| Neck Joint | Dovetail | Dovetail |
| Neck Joint Position | 14th Fret | 14th Fret |
| Neck Finish | Satin | Satin |
| Bridge | Modern Belly | Modern Belly |
| Saddle | Compensated Bone | Compensated Bone |
| Saddle Radius | 16” | 16″ |
| Binding | Antique White | Antique White |
| Pickguard | Tortoise | Tortoise |
| Top Inlay Material | Multi-Stripe | Multi-Stripe |
| Inlays | Mother of Pearl Dots | Mother of Pearl Dots |
| Neck Side Dots | White | Black |
| Fingerboard Binding | None | Antique White |
| Rosette | Multi-Stripe | Multi-Stripe |
| Headstock Shape | Solid w/ Square Taper | Solid w/ Square Taper |
| Headstock Material | Solid East Indian Rosewood | Solid East Indian Rosewood |
| Headstock Logo | Script Old Style Overlay | Script Old Style Overlay |
| Back Strip | Style-28 | Style-35 |
| Tuning Machines | Nickel Open Gear | Chrome Enclosed Gear |
| Strings | Medium (0.013) | Medium (0.013) |
| Case | Molded Hardshell | Molded Hardshell |
| Left-Hand Available | Yes | Yes |
| Finishes Available | Natural | Natural/Sunburst/Ambertone |
| Average Price | $3200 | $3400 |
Here are links to Guitar Center so you can check the current prices of these two acoustic guitars: