MARTIN O'AHU™ | The Martin O'ahu™ family of instruments pays homage to the Hawaiian music craze of the 1920s and early '30s, a pivotal era that helped shape the modern steel-string acoustic guitar. At the heart of this collection, joining the Custom K-1 Major Kealakai, is the all-new HG-28, a fresh take on a classic design with Hawaiian roots. Featuring a unique body size, solid flamed Hawaiian koa back and sides, and a solid spruce top, the HG-28 delivers the unmistakable Martin sound in an approachable, comfortable size - ideal for musicians looking to make their own mark on music history.
Behind the Design
Martin O'ahu HG-28
Go behind the design of the all-new Martin O'ahu HG-28 with Chris Martin IV and Instrument Design Manager Tim Teel. Learn how a rare vintage model found at auction sparked the idea for this uniquely-shaped instrument - an innovative new design that combines vintage inspiration with modern craftsmanship to deliver an unparalleled playing experience that also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiian music.
About Martin O'ahu
The Martin O'ahu family of instruments is a tribute to the role Hawaiian music played in shaping modern guitar design. With unique body shapes and premium materials, Martin O'ahu connects the past and future of Martin craftsmanship.
About the Custom K-1 Major Kealakai
Hawaiian musician Major Kealakai, and his Martin guitar, helped shape the course of music history. Kealakai was a guitarist and conductor of the Royal Hawaiian Band, and in 1916, Martin made him a unique custom guitar that was wider, deeper, and longer than a 000 to provide more volume and help fill concert halls. That one-off guitar was the precursor to the iconic Dreadnought. Now, Martin is honoring that historic milestone with this new take on his 12-fret guitar.
About the Martin O'ahu HG-28
The Martin O'ahu HG-28 features an approachable body shape for the Martin line - a smaller sloped-shoulder body that's ideal for players who love the Dreadnought tone in a more comfortable size. Crafted with flamed Hawaiian koa back and sides and a solid spruce top, it produces a beautifully balanced sound. The satin-finished short-scale neck offers smooth playability, while the bold herringbone trim and antique white binding add some vintage charm, reminiscent of Martin’s early Hawaiian-style guitars.