Martin Special Edition O’ahu HG-28 Acoustic Guitar, Spruce Top, Koa Back and Sides
It’s in no small part that the Hawaiian music craze of the ’20s and ’30s propelled the modern-day steel string acoustic guitar experience – and to honor that influence, we have the Martin O’ahu HG-28. Chris Martin IV of Martin Guitar discovered this link between Martin’s history and influence as guitar makers and the sweet, tropical sounds of turn-of-the-century America and today introduces this HG-28 as part of Martin’s O’ahu series of instruments.
The influence of Hawaii on American culture during that time is plain to see, and with Martin Guitar Co. being there at the time, we have evidence of the relationship the classically American brand had with tropical areas. The O’ahu series is a tribute to those original Martin models from the height of America’s Hawaiian craze, packed with all the care and serene tone the time is associated with.
The Martin O’ahu HG-28 is distinctly Hawaiian in not only name but in construction. Matching a solid spruce top with a solid flamed Hawaiian koa back and sides, this Martin plays with a wonderfully bright and balanced sound. This pair of tonewoods chimes with excellent projection due to its scalloped X Brace bracing pattern. A point of note, the HG-28 takes a 000-14 Fret shape, best described as a smaller, 14-fret sloped shoulder Dreadnought with a body depth closer to a 000. This particular combination of dimensions makes for a body that is effortlessly slipped into and under the arms for an up-close-and-personal playing experience.
A select hardwood neck extends from this uniquely-dimensioned body. This neck takes a GE Modified Low Oval profile shape and a shorter scale and a satin finish for smooth travels from higher to lower registers. An ebony fingerboard with twenty frets drops in for smooth and articulate fretting, making for a playing experience in the left hand easy like Sunday morning. Across its 24.9″ scale length, the HG-28 offers up a compensated bone saddle and nickel open gear tuning machines for easy stringing and notably low action, contributing to the smooth playing experience with fingerpicking, open tunings, or anything in between.
Further specs to bring this Hawaiian piece together include a herringbone trim and antique white binding to tie the guitar together visually while being reminiscent of Martin’s early Hawaiian-style guitars. Its body is decked in a gloss finish for a sleek feel across the fingers while a faux tortoise pickguard and Old Style 18 top off the experience for an exceptional aesthetic sum. This Martin travels in an included soft shell case.
Ready for sunny sounds and a vintage feel, this Martin O’ahu series entry drops in for an endless summer season after season.
- Martin O’ahu series 000-14 Fret-sized body
- Solid spruce top with scalloped X Brace bracing pattern and gloss finish
- Solid Hawaiian koa back and sides with gloss finish
- Select hardwood neck in GE Modified Low Oval profile with satin finish
- Ebony fingerboard with twenty frets
- Ebony bridge with compensated bone saddle
- Six nickel open gear tuning machines
- Faux tortoise pickguard and Old Style 18 fret inlays
- Herringbone trim and antique white binding
- Martin soft shell hemp case included
