Martin HD-28LSV 2004 Large Soundhole - Original Hardshell Case – Used Very Good
The HD-28LSV is one of the most specific and purposeful guitars Martin has ever built, and the story behind it is worth telling. The model was introduced in 1998 and draws its DNA directly from a single instrument — a 1935 Martin D-28 herringbone that passed through the hands of Clarence White and then Tony Rice, two of the most influential flatpickers in the history of American music. Tony Rice's playing on that guitar defined the sound of bluegrass and newgrass for a generation, and Martin's decision to build a production model inspired by it was a direct acknowledgment of how significant that instrument had become. The LSV designation tells the story in shorthand — Large Soundhole, Vintage. The oversized 4-15/16 inch soundhole is the defining visual and acoustic feature, borrowed from the Clarence White guitar and designed to maximize projection and volume in an acoustic setting where competing with banjos, fiddles, and mandolins without amplification is a genuine requirement. The result is a dreadnought that is louder and more directional than a standard HD-28 — what players who know these guitars describe as a cannon. The solid Sitka spruce top with forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing gives it that combination of immediate response and long sustain that scalloped bracing is known for, and the solid East Indian rosewood back and sides contribute the complex lows and shimmering highs that make a herringbone Martin so distinctive. The mahogany neck has a modified V profile — chunky and substantial in a way that Martin necks of the Standard Series typically are not — and the bound ebony fingerboard has no position markers, exactly like the Tony Rice guitar that inspired the model. Herringbone top purfling, zigzag back center strip, grained ivoroid binding, tortoise pickguard, Waverly-style open gear tuners, and a rosewood headstock overlay complete an instrument that is as historically grounded as any production guitar Martin makes. The V series specs that define this model have become increasingly expensive new from Martin, which makes a well-maintained used example a genuinely compelling value proposition in today's market.
This one was purchased new at Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island — one of the most respected instrument dealers in the country during their years of operation — and has been a one-owner guitar ever since. It has been played but never abused, and it shows. Just set up through our shop, action at Martin factory spec with room to adjust in either direction, almost no fret wear, nut, saddle, and bridge all in great shape. The finish has a nice gloss to it and the guitar presents really well for a twenty-two year old instrument. There is one small ding on the top treble side lower bout, one small ding on the neck behind the ninth fret, some minor surface scratches here and there, and some pick scratching near the soundhole — very little cosmetic wear overall, all shown clearly in the photos. It plays and sounds like a really sweet vintage-style 28 — all of the classic sounds you look for, with that large soundhole projection and presence that sets the LSV apart from everything else in Martin's lineup. The case has some color fading on the interior and is otherwise in great structural shape and looks good.
- Make: Martin
- Model: HD-28LSV
- Year: 2004
- Country of origin: USA (Nazareth, PA)
- Body shape: Dreadnought
- Top: Solid Sitka spruce, gloss finish
- Back and sides: Solid East Indian rosewood
- Bracing: Forward-shifted scalloped X-brace
- Soundhole: Large, 4-15/16"
- Neck: Mahogany, modified V profile, dovetail joint
- Fingerboard: Bound ebony, no position markers
- Bridge: Ebony belly bridge
- Nut: Bone, 1-3/4"
- Saddle: Bone, good material remaining
- Scale length: 25.4"
- Frets: 21
- Purfling: Herringbone top trim
- Back strip: Zigzag center purfling
- Binding: Grained ivoroid
- Pickguard: Tortoise
- Tuners: Waverly-style open gear, nickel
- Headstock overlay: Rosewood with diamond volute
- Provenance: Purchased new at Mandolin Brothers, Staten Island, NY — one owner
- Modifications: None
- Condition: Used Very Good – one small ding on top treble side lower bout, one small ding on neck behind 9th fret, minor surface scratches, pick scratching near soundhole, minimal fret wear, presents very well overall
- Includes: Original Martin hardshell case
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
