Head to head
Cort Core-DC Mahogany vs Martin D-28
The short answer is that they sit in different price brackets ($500 - $1,000 against Over $2,000), and the scale lengths are not the same (25.5" against 25.4"). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 21 rows that actually differ marked out.
Core-DC Mahogany
Open Pore Black Burst
All-solid mahogany, bone nut and saddle — the specification usually costs twice this
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Score profile
Six editorial axes, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where the instrument gains ground.
- Cort Core-DC Mahogany8.3
- Martin D-288.8
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Specification by specification
| Core-DC Mahogany | D-28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Cort | Martin |
| Model | Core-DC Mahogany | D-28 |
| Finish | Open Pore Black Burst | Natural |
| Instrument | Acoustic guitar | Acoustic guitar |
| Fretline score | 8.3 / 10 | 8.8 / 10 |
| Value for money | 9 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | — | 4.9 / 5 (41) |
| Price | $500 - $1,000 | Over $2,000 |
| Type | Acoustic-electric guitar | Acoustic guitar |
| Body | Dreadnought cutaway | D-14 fret Dreadnought |
| Body wood | Solid mahogany back and sides | Solid Sitka spruce top with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides |
| Top | Solid mahogany | Solid Sitka spruce with aging toner |
| Back & sides | — | Solid East Indian rosewood |
| Bracing | — | Forward-shifted X-brace, GE-scalloped |
| Neck joint | — | Dovetail neck joint, joins body at the 14th fret |
| Neck wood | Mahogany | Select hardwood in dark mahogany |
| Neck profile | C shape | GE Modified Low Oval with High-Performance Taper |
| Scale length | 25.5" (648 mm) | 25.4" (645 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Ovangkol | Ebony |
| Radius | 15.75" (R400) | — |
| Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Nut | Genuine bone | Bone |
| Nut width | 1.6875" (43 mm) | 1 3/4" (44.5 mm), 2 1/8" at the 12th fret |
| Bridge | Ovangkol | Ebony with bone pins |
| Tuners | Die-cast with black metal knobs | Nickel open-gear with butterbean buttons |
| Electronics | Fishman Presys VT | None |
| Orientation | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced, Professional | Advanced, Professional |
| Styles | Folk, Blues, Country, Rock, Pop, Indie | Folk, Country, Blues, Rock, Pop |
| In the box | — | Molded hardshell case |
A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish — never estimates.
Which one should you buy?
Computed from the specifications and our editorial scores for these two instruments only. It is not a general ranking.
Most versatile
Cort Core-DC MahoganyHighest editorial versatility score, backed by pickup layout and switching.
Most comfortable
Martin D-28Highest editorial comfort score: neck profile, radius and body ergonomics.
Best for the studio
Martin D-28Build and tone scores combined, with credit for tuning-stability hardware that matters when tracking.
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Want a third opinion?
The comparator takes as many instruments as you like, not just two, and recomputes the whole table and every conclusion as you add them.