Without the Hawaiian music craze of the 1920s and early ‘30s, it’s safe to say the modern-day steel-string acoustic guitar wouldn’t exist. That’s the link Chris Martin IV discovered while researching the history of Hawaiian music and its importance to the innovation and success of Martin Guitar. The guitars that were built to support that craze led to the “Golden Era” models we know and love today, like the iconic Dreadnought. Inspired by vintage models from the era, the new Martin O’ahu™ HG-28 is a tribute to that period – an approachable body shape for the Martin line made of solid flamed Hawaiian koa back and sides and a solid spruce top for a beautifully-balanced sound. Aside from its looks, anyone who picks up this guitar will instantly notice how comfortable it is. Like a new, old friend.

Making its debut as part of the Martin O’ahu family of instruments, the Martin O'ahu HG-28 is best described as a smaller 14-fret sloped-shoulder Dreadnought with the depth of a 000, ideal for players who love the Dreadnought tone in a more comfortable size. The short-scale satin neck, with its Golden Era modified low oval profile, offers a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The Martin O’ahu HG-28 plays easily with low action and feels right at home in standard tuning or any one of several slack key open tunings such as open G, which is widely used in Hawaiian-style guitar music. Bold herringbone trim and antique white binding add a touch of vintage charm, reminiscent of Martin’s early Hawaiian-style guitars. With the Martin O’ahu HG-28, Martin is ready to make more music history – this time in your hands.