C.F. Martin & Co HD12-28 LH 2025

A "Golden Era" 12-string: Nazareth tradition and Standard finishes

Inspired by the historic dreadnoughts that shaped folk and rock, the HD12-28 LH embraces the codes of traditional high-end lutherie: neck/body joint at the 14th fret, dovetail assembly, and herringbone ornamentation. It retains the "Golden Era" DNA in terms of vibration and details, while incorporating choices designed for modern playability, allowing you to enjoy the power of a 12-string without sacrificing comfort.

A guitar designed for left-handers: who it's for and suitable styles

This 12-string left-handed acoustic guitar is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists seeking a full, precise, and inspiring instrument for accompaniment. It excels in folk, pop, rock, and country, whether strumming broadly or playing open arpeggios, delivering a naturally "chorused" sound that highlights chords and voicings. Whether in a home studio or unamplified acoustic playing, it commands a broad and balanced presence.

Sound

The spruce (Sitka) top provides a clear attack, clarity, and a wide dynamic range, while the East Indian rosewood enhances the depth of the lows and the brilliance of the highs, with rich harmonics. The offset and scalloped X-bracing frees the top and enhances projection, offering long sustain and a sensitive touch response. The D-14 Fret dreadnought body adds volume and sonic width, and the 12-string setup unfolds bright octaves and a majestic shimmer, equally clear in picking and powerful in rhythm playing.

Recommended compatible accessories

To preserve its solid woods and get the best brightness from a 12-string, favor a 12-string acoustic string set (phosphor bronze) and a humidifier suitable for acoustic guitars, especially during heating seasons. A precise chromatic tuner is also very useful for stabilizing tuning, which is often more demanding on a 12-string.

Technical specifications

Category	Steel String Shaped Body	Fingerboard	Ebony
Format	Dreadnought	Nbrs of frets	20
Left handed	Yes	Headstock	East Indian rosewood
Cutaway	No	Neck Type	Glued
Strings	Steel	Electroacoustic	No
Nbr of strings	6	Color	Natural
Top	Spruce	Finishing	Glossy
Neck	Selected wood	Hardware	Nickel

Size/shape	Dreadnought D-14 Fret	Saddle	compensated bone
Top purfling	herringbone	Saddle radius	16" / 406.4 mm
Rosette	multi-stripes	String spacing at bridge	2.15" / 54.7 mm
Bracing	forward-shifted X-bracing	Bridge pins	white plastic (decorative "faux tortoise" dots)
Brace shape	scalloped	Material	selected hardwood (dark mahogany tone)
Bracing material	spruce	Profile	GE Modified Low Oval
Brace size	5/16" / 7.9 mm	Taper	High-Performance
Back and sides	East Indian rosewood	Body/neck joint	dovetail at 14th fret
Back strip	zig-zag pattern	Scale length	25.4" / 645 mm
Back inlays	multi-stripes	Frets	20
Finish	gloss top, gloss back and sides	Nut width	1.73" / 44 mm
Bindings/joints	antique white	Width at 12th fret	2.13" / 54 mm
Pickguard	tortoise shell pattern	Fingerboard inlays	"long diamonds and squares" abalone pattern
Bridge	ebony, "Modern Belly - Drop-In Saddle" style	Side dots	white