This is a hands-on review and video demo of the Martin HD-7 Roger McGuinn signature acoustic — a 7-string dreadnought with a doubled G string that delivers 12-string jangle with a 6-string feel. In the video below, you’ll hear it played live on camera and get a close look at the specs, including the dovetail neck joint and the “Apex head carve” it checks off the Bucket List. If you’re curious about this unusual Martin, or you’re chasing that McGuinn 12-string shimmer without relearning the instrument, this page walks you through the guitar and the full demo.

What Makes It a 7-String

And today we add a new tool to the kit. Well, it’s not really net-new, as this is replacing my trusty Martin MMV acoustic guitar. This is the Martin HD-7, which is a 7-string guitar. But it’s not like any other 7-string where there’s just another string below the low E. This is a standard 6-string that has only the G string doubled. So, there’s a G note in a lower octave and one in a higher octave right next to each other. This creates that familiar jangle effect that you hear on 12-string guitars but it still plays and feels just like a 6-string. It really is the best of both worlds.

Feel and Specs

This is the Roger McGuinn signature model HD7 and is a fancier version of the D7. It also has a dovetail joint for the neck, which is something my MMV didn’t have. Check out the video for all the other details and to hear how this cool model sounds! Oh and by the way, it checks “Apex head carve” off of the Bucket List!

The Demo

The Verdict

A 12-string jangle with a 6-string feel — the HD-7 really is the best of both worlds, and it earns its place on the list.

More Guitars Like This

Watch the full Martin HD-7 Roger McGuinn demo on YouTube, and keep exploring with two more related reviews: the Martin MMV Acoustic Guitar (the trusty acoustic this HD-7 replaced) and the Rickenbacker 360/12C63 for more 12-string jangle. You can also browse every review in the Guitar Reviews hub.