Martin O'ahu HG-28K2 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar in Koa

The Martin O’ahu HG-28K2 is a stunning all-koa, sloped-shoulder dreadnought that channels the golden age of Hawaiian-inspired acoustic guitar design. With its compact HG 14-fret body, vintage-inspired neck profile and shimmering koa construction, it delivers a warm, expressive voice with strong midrange projection, natural compression and rich overtones, all wrapped up in a beautifully comfortable playing experience.

Inspired by the Hawaiian music craze of the 1920s and early 1930s, the HG-28K2 takes the unique silhouette of the original HG-28 and pairs it with koa for the top, back and sides. The result is a guitar that feels familiar yet distinctive: bold and balanced like a smaller dreadnought, but with the depth of a 000, making it ideal for players who want a powerful acoustic sound without the bulk of a full-size dread.

Visually, the HG-28K2 is pure vintage class. A gloss natural finish lets the figuring of the koa shine, framed by antique white binding, bold herringbone top trim and a Style 28 multi-stripe rosette. Old Style 18 abalone fingerboard inlays and an ebony headplate with the Martin O’ahu script logo complete the look, giving a subtle nod to the instrument’s historic roots while still feeling fresh and contemporary.

Playability is equally refined. The Golden Era Modified Low Oval neck with High Performance Taper offers a comfortable, modern feel that suits both fingerstyle and flatpicking, while the shorter 24.9 inch scale adds a slightly softer, more forgiving string tension. Combined with an ebony fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and compensated bone saddle, the HG-28K2 responds with nuance and clarity, rewarding a light touch as much as a strong strum.

Vintage-Inspired Hawaiian Heritage

The HG-28K2 pays homage to the Hawaiian music boom of the 1920s and early 1930s, a pivotal era in the development of the steel-string acoustic guitar. Its O’ahu script headstock logo, sloped-shoulder outline and period-correct detailing capture the charm of those early instruments, giving you a guitar that feels steeped in history yet ready for modern performance.

All-Koa Construction

With koa used for the top, back and sides, the HG-28K2 offers a distinctive tonal palette: strong, focused mids, natural compression and a sweet, singing top end. The gloss finish highlights the natural beauty of the wood, while the tonal character rewards dynamic playing, from delicate fingerpicking to more percussive strumming.

Comfortable HG 14-Fret Body

The HG body is best described as a smaller sloped-shoulder dreadnought with the depth of a 000. This gives you a bold, balanced acoustic voice in a more approachable size, ideal if you love dreadnought power but prefer a slightly more compact, comfortable feel on the lap and under the arm.

Modern Playability with Golden Era Feel

The Golden Era Modified Low Oval neck with High Performance Taper blends vintage inspiration with contemporary ergonomics. The 1 3/4 inch nut width and 24.9 inch scale length provide ample room for intricate chord voicings and fingerstyle work, while still feeling fast and intuitive for flatpicking and strumming.

• All-Koa Body - Koa top, back and sides deliver a warm, articulate tone with pronounced midrange, natural compression and lush overtones. This makes the HG-28K2 particularly expressive for melodic playing, vocal accompaniment and nuanced dynamics.
• HG Sloped-Shoulder 14-Fret Body - The smaller sloped-shoulder dreadnought shape with 000 depth offers a bold yet balanced sound in a more compact footprint. You get plenty of projection and presence, without the bulk and feel of a full-size dreadnought.
• Golden Era Modified Low Oval Neck - The GE Modified Low Oval profile with High Performance Taper combines vintage character with modern comfort. It supports a wide range of styles, from fingerstyle to flatpicking, and makes extended playing sessions feel relaxed and natural.
• Premium Ebony and Bone Appointments - An ebony fingerboard and modern straightline ebony bridge, paired with a bone nut and compensated bone saddle, enhance sustain, clarity and tuning stability. These traditional materials help the guitar respond quickly and evenly across the fretboard.

Highlights

• Body Size: HG 14-Fret
• Top: Koa
• Back and Sides: Koa
• Neck Shape: Golden Era (GE) Modified Low Oval
• Neck Taper: High Performance Taper
• Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4"
• Case: Hardshell case
• Recommended Strings: Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze - Light

Body

• Body Size: HG 14-Fret
• Construction: Dovetail neck joint
• Top Material: Koa
• Top Finish: Gloss
• Top Colour: Natural
• Top Inlay Material: Bold herringbone
• Top Detail: None
• Back Material: Koa
• Side Material: Koa
• Back and Sides Finish: Gloss
• Back and Sides Colour: Natural
• Back Detail: None
• Side Detail: None
• Back Purfling/Strip: None
• Back Inlay Material: Multi-stripe
• Side Inlay Material: None
• Bracing Pattern: X brace
• Brace Shape: Scalloped
• Brace Material: Spruce
• Brace Size: 1/4"
• Binding: Antique white
• Endpiece: Antique white
• Endpiece Inlay: Multi-stripe
• Rosette: Style 28 multi-stripe
• Pickguard: Faux tortoise
• Pickguard Inlay: None

Neck

• Neck Material: Select hardwood
• Neck Shape: Golden Era (GE) Modified Low Oval
• Neck Taper: High Performance Taper
• Neck Finish: Satin
• Neck Colour: Natural
• Scale Length: 24.9"
• Number of Frets Total: 20
• Neck Joins Body At: 14th fret
• Fingerboard Material: Ebony
• Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4"
• Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8"
• Fingerboard Inlay Style: Old Style 18
• Fingerboard Inlay Material: Abalone
• Fingerboard Binding Material: None
• Side Dots: Vintage white
• Heelcap: Antique white

Hardware

• Bridge Material: Ebony
• Bridge Style: Modern straightline
• Bridge String Spacing: 2 5/32"
• Bridge Pin Material: White plastic
• Bridge Pin Dots: Black plastic
• Saddle: Compensated bone
• Saddle Radius: 16"
• Nut Material: Bone
• Tuning Machines: Nickel open gear
• Knob: Butterbean

Headstock

• Headstock Shape: Solid with square taper and diamond
• Headplate Material: Ebony
• Headplate Logo Style: Martin O’ahu Script Overlay
• Headplate Binding Material: None