To mark the United States’ 250th birthday, legendary instrument maker Martin Guitar has pulled out all the stops. The company has officially unveiled the Martin HD-28 Semiquincentennial, a strictly limited-edition acoustic guitar that serves as a tribute to both American history and the brand’s own legacy.
With only 250 units being produced worldwide, this American-made instrument is set to become an instant collector’s item. It bridges the gap between musical craftsmanship and national heritage by incorporating wood from one of the most significant botanical landmarks in American history: the Basking Ridge “Holy Oak.”
A Guitar Built from History
The star of the new model is the legendary Basking Ridge white oak. The 600-year-old tree, which once stood in New Jersey, witnessed generations of American history, including the Revolutionary War. Local lore suggests that George Washington’s troops drilled within its shade, and that the first president himself picnicked beneath its branches with the Marquis de Lafayette.
Martin has honored this historic tree by repurposing its wood for the guitar’s endpiece, heelcap, and a stunning Liberty Bell headplate inlay.
A Dual Anniversary
The release of the Semiquincentennial model is significant for a second reason: it marks the 50th anniversary of the Martin HD-28. First introduced in 1976—America’s Bicentennial year—the HD-28 has cemented itself as the gold standard of rosewood Dreadnoughts. By using this iconic platform as the foundation for the Semiquincentennial, Martin is paying homage to its own place in the American story.
“This is one of those projects where a lot of history comes together,” said Chris Martin IV, the sixth-generation leader and current CEO of Martin. “Martin has been part of the American story for nearly 200 years, and our family has its own connection to the Revolution, so celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary feels especially meaningful.”
Design and Specifications
While the guitar is steeped in history, it remains a professional-grade instrument. Beneath the patriotic flourishes, it retains the classic specs that players expect from an HD-28, along with premium custom appointments:
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Construction: Dreadnought body with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides.
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Artistry: A reclaimed Sitka spruce top featuring custom artwork by Robert Goetzl, depicting a bald eagle, Independence Hall, and a colonial-era American flag.
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Performance: Golden Era scalloped forward-shifted X-bracing for superior resonance and volume.
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Playability: Golden Era Modified Low Oval neck profile, ebony Golden Era modern belly bridge, and bone bridge pins.
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Custom Details: A unique Semiquincentennial star fingerboard inlay crafted from paua and mother of pearl, finished with antique white binding.
Each guitar comes factory-strung with Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 strings and includes a custom-fitted hardshell case.
Why This Matters
For collectors and musicians alike, the HD-28 Semiquincentennial represents a rare convergence of provenance and performance. By anchoring the build in both the history of the nation and the evolution of the acoustic guitar, Martin has created an instrument that serves as a tangible link to the past.
“Fifty years later, using that same model as the foundation for this guitar just felt right,” added Chris Martin IV. “It’s a really special way to celebrate the past while creating something that can carry the story forward.”
MSRP – $6,299/€8,999
For more details, specifications, and availability, visit the official Martin Guitar product page.
#Martin #HD-28 Semiquincentennial
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