Welcome to the best Martin acoustic guitars guide. The purpose of this guide is to help you pick out a great Martin guitar to meet your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, there’s a Martin for everyone.
Quick Answer: Best Martin Acoustic Guitars
- 1. Best Best Martin Acoustic Guitar Overall: Martin D-45
- 2. Best Cheap Martin Acoustic Guitars: Martin D Jr-10
- 3. Best Martin Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000: GPC-11E
- 4. Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar
- 5. Martin D-18E Acoustic/Electric Guitar
- 6. Little Martin Acoustic/Electric Guitar
- 7. Martin SC-13E Road Series Acoustic Guitar
- 8. Martin OMJM John Mayer Acoustic Guitar
- 9. Martin Authentic D-28 1937
- 10. Martin Backpacker Acoustic Guitar
Martin is well-known for its superior acoustic guitars. It’s one of the top companies in the business. These guitars are played by amateurs and professionals worldwide. You’ll always get a quality guitar when you buy a Martin.
I’ve played acoustic and electric guitars for many years, and Martin always impresses me with the great tone, easy playability, and high quality of their guitars. These guitars are expensive but well worth the price.
About Martin Acoustic Guitars
Martin acoustic guitars are some of the most sought-after guitars in the world. These guitars have been used by countless well-known artists and are the backbone of many famous songs. This is a guitar for any serious player.
Martin has been around since 1833. They’re one of the top producers of high-quality acoustic guitars and a solid choice for any player. These guitars are quite expensive, but recently Martin has introduced some affordable models.
I’ve always loved Martin guitars because they have a great tone and are easy to play. The tone of a Martin can’t be beat, and you’ll have a guitar that will be fun to play for generations.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Martin Acoustic Guitar
There are a few things that you should consider before you pick up a Martin guitar. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect when you buy a Martin guitar.
Size
Most Martin acoustics are full-sized guitars, although they also offer the Junior lineup, which features some smaller guitars geared towards complete beginners or younger players.
The Overall Tone & Sound
Martin guitars have exceptional tones and are suitable for many different guitar styles. You can get guitars with or without a pickup, so they’re ready for recording or stage performances.
If you want a top-tier sound, then picking up a Martin is a solid bet. They are the top choice for many professionals because of their superior acoustic tone.
Price
Martin guitars do cost quite a bit, but they have a few lower-cost models that are now part of their lineup, such as the Junior and Road Worn Series. Here’s what to expect in terms of price.
- Beginner: $500-700
- Intermediate: $500-1500
- Advanced: $1500+
Pickups
Quite a few Martin guitars have pickup and preamp systems, but some guitars don’t. So it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want electronics with your new acoustic guitar.
Types of Martin Acoustic Guitars
Martin has a wide range of different models that you can choose from. They have beginner guitars suitable for students up to professional guitars and Artist Series guitars. Here’s a breakdown of the major models.
Standard Martin Acoustic Guitars
These are the main lineup from Martin. They’re tried and true models that you can’t go wrong with. These instruments have a great tone, easy playability, and they’re guitars you’ll own for a lifetime.
Modern Martin Acoustic Guitars
The modern series takes Martin guitars and kicks them up a notch by incorporating modern technology into some of the most popular Martin guitars of all time.
Junior Martin Acoustic Guitars
These lower-cost guitars are perfect for the younger player or those with a smaller budget. You’ll get the great Martin tone in an affordable package.
Road Series Martin Acoustic Guitars
These instruments are mid-range in price and perfect for the intermediate guitar player that wants to get into Martin guitars. There are several models to choose from in this lineup.
Signature Series Martin Acoustic Guitars
These models are the same guitars used by your favorite players, such as John Mayer, Johnny Cash, and many more. You’ll enjoy the same guitar used by the artists of our time.
Authentic Martin Acoustic Guitars
These guitars are models after Martin guitars from the 1930s. You’ll get a vintage tone and look when you purchase a guitar from the Authentic Series by Martin.
10 Best Martin Acoustic Guitars
Here’s a breakdown of the ten best Martin acoustic guitars. All of these models make excellent selections whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced guitar player.
1. Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, hard case
- Pickups: N/A
- Material & finish: Spruce, mahogany, ebony, rosewood, gloss finish
- Best for: Professionals or those with a high budget
The Martin D-45 is a top-of-the-line acoustic guitar for professional players. It’s got a huge dreadnought tone, it looks great, and it offers the player solid performance each time they pick it up.
The Sitka spruce top and rosewood back and sides give this guitar its sought-after tone. The bass notes are enhanced by the scalloped X-bracing. This is a solid guitar that offers the player exceptional performance.
✅ Massive tone
✅ Classic looks
✅ Easy playing
✅ Taper neck
❌ Expensive
❌ Needs a better case
Why I Recommend It
There’s a reason many professionals choose the Martin D-45. This guitar has a tone that’s hard to replicate. It’s a guitar that you can rely on to create the music you want. This is the flagship dreadnought of the Martin lineup.
I like the slimmer neck, which is tapered, so chording and playing single notes are a lot easier. This taper makes strumming a breeze. If you want a near-perfect tone, pick up the D-45. It’s that good.
2. Martin D Jr-10 Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, gig bag
- Material & finish: Spruce, sapele, Richlite, select hardwood, satin finish
- Pickups: N/A
- Best for: Beginners or those on a budget
The Martin D Jr-10 is a great introductory guitar for beginners. It’s made with solid wood and has a dependable and pleasant tone. In addition, the instrument is smaller than a regular dreadnought, making it ideal for kids.
This guitar has a nice satin finish, which gives the guitar an attractive appearance. This is one of the best cheap Martin acoustic guitars for those on a budget or who are just starting out.
✅ Good tone
✅ Gig bag included
✅ Nice neck
✅ Small size
❌ May be too small for some
❌ No pickup
Why I Recommend It
I like this guitar because it’s low-cost but has a tone that far exceeds many other guitars in this price range. In addition, the neck is comfortable to play, and students won’t have any trouble forming their first chords on the instrument.
The smaller dreadnought size is also a plus for adults who are uncomfortable playing a full-sized acoustic guitar. This is the right choice for the first-time player and is one of the better beginner Martin acoustic guitars you can buy.
3. Martin GPC-11E Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Cutaway dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, soft case
- Material & finish: Spruce, sapele, hardwood, Richlite
- Best for: Beginners/intermediate players
The Martin GPC-11E is a great introductory Martin guitar. You get that famous Martin tone in a low-cost package. In addition, this model has a Fishman pickup so that you can use it with your amplifier for amazing plugged-in tones.
The deep cutaway in the body makes it easy to access the higher frets for lead guitar work. The Sitka spruce top gives the guitar a lot of clarity and improved tone no matter what you’re playing on this excellent beginner guitar.
✅ Cutaway
✅ Good tone
✅ Electronics
✅ Performance neck
❌ Needs better case
❌ Wood could be better
Why I Recommend It
A Martin is difficult to afford for beginners, but the GPC-11E is a nice guitar for under $1,000. I love the tone of this guitar, and it’s easy to play thanks to a performance neck, which is slim and easier on your hand.
I like the mute function on the tuner, as it’ll cut any sound when you’re tuning the guitar on stage. The Corina saddle and TUSQ nut improve the tuning and intonation of the guitar, so it’s ready to go when you want to play.
4. Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, hard case
- Pickups: N/A
- Material & finish: Sitka spruce, rosewood, select hardwood, ebony, gloss finish
- Best for: Intermediate/advanced players
The Martin D-28 is the preferred choice of many professionals. This guitar has a rich and full tone that can’t be beat. In addition, the Sitka spruce top gives it good resonance and sound projection in any room.
The back and sides feature Indian rosewood, which further enhances the acoustic tone of this great guitar. It’s got a classic tortoiseshell pickguard and Martin machine heads to round out the looks and hardware.
✅ Big tone
✅ Easy playing neck
✅ Good case
✅ Classic acoustic looks
❌ Expensive
❌ No electronics
Why I Recommend It
Those that want classic acoustic guitar tones can’t go wrong with the Martin D-28. The tone you get from this guitar is pretty much unmatched in this price range. The guitar responds to whatever you want to play.
This classic guitar is rather plain with no bells and whistles, but the sound you get out of it is the reason why you want to purchase it. I’ve always been impressed with D-28 tones, and so will you.
5. Martin D-18E Acoustic/Electric Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, hard case
- Pickups: Fishman Aura VT
- Material & finish: Spruce, mahogany, rosewood, ebony gloss finish
- Best for: Intermediate/advanced players
The Martin D-18E is a great guitar for many different guitar styles, and it’s ready for the stage with a Fishman pickup system. The top wood is aged thanks to the vintage tone system, so you get broken-in tones.
You’ll enjoy effortless chording on the smooth ebony fingerboard. The solid mahogany neck is stable and comfortable on your hand at all positions. This is a clear winner for intermediate or advanced guitar players.
✅ Great tone
✅ Electronics
✅ Vintage tone system
✅ Great neck
❌ Expensive
❌ No cutaway
Why I Recommend It
The D-18E is another classic Martin guitar, and I like this one because of the Fishman pickup. The mahogany back and sides give you nice tones when recording, which is why many pick this particular guitar.
There’s not much this guitar can’t do in terms of tone. No matter what you play, you’re going to get an amazing tone out of the Martin D18-E. The guitar also has a solid steel truss rod for long life and durability.
6. Little Martin Acoustic/Electric Guitar
- Type: Small dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, gig bag
- Pickups: Fishman Sonitone
- Material & finish: Spruce, Richlite, mahogany, rosewood satin finish
- Best for: Beginner guitar players
The Little Martin is an excellent guitar for beginners. It’s got a pickup system for you to use it with an amplifier. The spruce top gives it a great tone. The Gotoh machine heads keep your instrument in perfect tune.
The fingerboard is Richlite, and it’s smooth up and down the neck. The first-time player will have no trouble playing their first chords on this neck. The padded gig bag keeps the guitar safe from damage.
✅ Great tone
✅ Pickup system
✅ Nice fretboard
✅ Easy playing
❌ May be too small for some
❌ May need a bit of setup
Why I Recommend It
The Little Martin is a great guitar for under $500. It’s got a superb tone for this price range, and it’s better than a lot of similar guitars out there. In addition, the smaller size means it’s perfect for students or even travelers.
I like the fact that this lower-cost Martin has a pickup, as many guitars in this range don’t come with one. The Fishman sounds great with your amp. This is a solid pick for a beginner or those on a budget.
7. Martin SC-13E Road Series Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Cutaway dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, soft case
- Pickup: Fishman MX-T
- Material & finish: Spruce, koa, select hardwood, ebony, gloss finish
- Best for: Intermediate players
The Martin SC-13E is a great guitar for intermediate players. It’s ready for any amp, thanks to the Fishman pickup system, which sounds amazing. The deep cutaway gives you easy access to the higher frets for solos.
The spruce top gives the guitar a lot of volume, which is further enhanced by the koa wood back and sides. The slim body makes the guitar easy to hold while you’re standing up in a club or bar for a long set.
✅ Slim body
✅ Electronics
✅ Good tone
✅ Cutaway body
❌ A bit expensive
❌ Case could be better
Why I Recommend It
I like the Martin SC-13E because it has an attractive price point for intermediate players. The guitar has a nice tone and it’s a good model for those writing songs. The electronics come with a tuner, so you’ll always be in perfect tune.
The guitar has a heelless neck, so the bottom part of the guitar doesn’t cramp your hand when you’re playing higher up. My only complaint is the case. You should get a hardshell case at this price, but this is a minor issue.
8. Martin OMJM John Mayer Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Orchestra dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, vintage case
- Pickups: Martin Gold Plus
- Material & finish: Spruce, cedar, ebony, rosewood, gloss finish
- Best for: John Mayer fans
The Martin OMJM John Mayer is a superior guitar with a lot going for it. This guitar has a Martin Gold Plus pickup system for excellent amplified tones. The smaller body makes the guitar excellent for fingerstyle guitar.
The Spanish cedar neck and ebony fingerboard are comfortable for your fingers as you play up and down the fretboard. The vintage case protects your valuable investment from damage.
✅ Easy to play
✅ Electronics
✅ Big tone
✅ Cedar neck
❌ Expensive
❌ May be too small for some
Why I Recommend It
The Martin Gold Plus electronics system is the highlight of this guitar. It sounds great through any amp, and it’s ready for recording or live sessions. The volume and tone controls are mounted in the soundhole for easy access.
The neck has a nice low profile, so playing chords or single notes is effortless no matter where you’re on the neck. For fingerstyle work such as blues, this guitar is a top pick. This is one of the best Martin acoustic guitars.
9. Martin Authentic D-28 1937
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, hard case
- Pickups: N/A
- Material & finish: Spruce, mahogany, rosewood, ebony
- Best for: Professionals or those that like vintage-style guitars
The Martin D-28 1937 is a classic recreation of a famous guitar. If you want a vintage Martin tone, this is a guitar you should consider buying. The wood is aged, so you get a vintage sound right out of the box.
The guitar has a rich sound that’s hard to beat, making it perfect for many guitar styles, especially fingerpicking, bluegrass, and country, thanks to an enhanced bass end. This is a classic guitar for today’s player.
✅ Historic recreation
✅ Great tone
✅ Classic looks
✅ Quality wood
❌ Expensive
❌ No pickup
Why I Recommend It
The Authentic Series is expensive, but these guitars recreate some of the best Matin tones to a high degree. The D-28 1937 is one of those guitars. If you want near-spot-on vintage looks, this guitar delivers that.
The guitar is based on an old Martin D-28 from a museum, so you’re getting the real deal. If you’re a collector, this is a nice model to own. The real reason to own it is the tone, as the D-28 has a tone that you’ll love every time you play.
10. Martin Backpacker Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Travel guitar
- What’s included: Guitar, case
- Pickup: N/A
- Material & finish: Spruce, hardwood, matte finish
- Best for: Students and frequent travelers
For those that travel, the Martin Backpacker is the ideal guitar. It’s also a good choice if you take lessons or don’t have a lot of room. You get classic Martin tone in a small package.
The guitar is solid wood, so it’s got a nice tone. You get a good projection from the spruce top. The guitar is easy to hold and can go with you anywhere you want. It has a great acoustic guitar tone, making it an inexpensive option for players.
✅ Good tone
✅ Low price
✅ Solid wood
✅ Travel case
❌ Not practical for every player
❌ Strumming area limited
Why I Recommend It
If you want a basic guitar, you can’t go wrong with the Martin Backpacker. It’s inexpensive, so you won’t break your bank account if you’re curious about guitar and want to learn.
This is the best cheap Martin guitar for travelers and students. It’s portable, easy to play, and has a surprisingly good tone despite its small size. It’s the perfect starter guitar for any player or those constantly on the go.
Martin Acoustic Guitars Aesthetics & Build
Martin guitars are built well. Here’s what to expect regarding the build quality and materials found in various Martin guitar models.
Material
Martin uses premium wood, which gives their guitars a vibrant tone. Here’s a rundown of the basic woods used in their guitars.
- Sitka spruce: This wood has a rich and warm tone and is mainly used for guitar tops.
- Rosewood: This wood is used in Martin backs, sides, and fingerboards. The wood is smooth and gives off a nice tone.
- Mahogany: This wood is used for guitar necks, sides, and backs as the tones are rich and vibrant.
- Select hardwood: This is usually a combination of wood mainly used for some guitar necks.
- Ebony: This is an alternative to rosewood that is smooth and used for fingerboards.
- Richlite: Another alternative to rosewood with the same smooth consistency
Finish
Martin guitars have several different finishes. Here’s what you can expect to find with most acoustic guitars on the market.
- Satin: A smooth finish that doesn’t have a lot of shine. It brings out the natural feel of the wood.
- Gloss: A smooth finish with a lot of shine to it that’s long lasting
- Nitrocellulose lacquer: A common finish with a hard, durable coat
- Polyurethane: A durable finish with long life and lots of shine
- Polyester: A hard finish that has good shine and long life
Color
Most Martin guitars have natural wood as the main color. There are a few different colors, like sunburst, but natural wood is the main color that you’ll find on a Martin guitar.
Pickups
Martin features guitars with and without pickups. Make sure you have pickups professionally installed if your guitar isn’t equipped with one. You don’t want to ruin the expensive wood of your Martin.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some frequently asked questions that people ask about Martin guitars. This should make it easier for you to make an informed decision about your new Martin guitar.
How Much Do Martin Acoustic Guitars Cost?
Martin guitars are expensive, but they do have several models that are affordable even for modest budgets. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect to pay as a beginner, intermediate, and advanced guitar player.
- Beginner: $500-700
- Intermediate: $500-1500
- Advanced: $1500+
What Are the Best Martin Acoustic Guitars?
Here are the top three best Martin acoustic guitars for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players. There’s a Martin guitar for you, no matter your playing ability or budget.
Martin D Jr-10: Best for Beginners
The Martin D Jr-10 guitar has a nice Sitka spruce top for a good overall tone. The neck is easy to play, and the guitar gives you that same Martin feel, but at an affordable cost for beginning guitar players.
Martin GPC-11e: Best for Intermediate Players
The Martin GPC-11E is a steal at under $1,000. You get a nice cutaway for easy access to all of the frets, a Fishman pickup system, a smooth neck, and a great Martin tone.
Martin D-45: Best for Professional Players
The Martin D-45 is a premium acoustic guitar. It’s made with top-quality wood and has a huge tone. It’s been a top choice for years, and it’s been used on countless albums and has been the backbone of many songs. The D-45 gets the job done.
Where are Martin Acoustic Guitars Made?
Martin guitars are made in the USA. The quality of these guitars is pretty much unmatched in the music world. You’ll get a guitar that lasts forever. They’re made with quality materials and superb craftsmanship.
What is the Best Sounding Martin Acoustic Guitars?
The Martin D-45 is probably the best-sounding Martin guitar. It’s been their flagship guitar for generations. It’s a huge-sounding dreadnought with a top-quality acoustic tone and easy playability. The sound of the D-45 is legendary.
Where to Buy Martin Acoustic Guitars
There are several places where you can buy a new Martin guitar. It can be easier to buy online, but you don’t get to try the guitars out first-hand. The benefit to online ordering is a much better product selection.
Amazon
Amazon is a great online retailer for musical instruments, including Martin guitars. They have an extensive product selection, fast shipping times, good customer service, and you can read reviews before ordering your new guitar.
Online Music Retailers
Sweetwater and Guitar Center are two other excellent online locations for musical instruments. Both offer a vast product selection, fast shipping times, and superb customer service.
Your Local Music Store
Your local music store may also have Martin guitars in stock. Unfortunately, not all locations will have every model, so you may have to do a bit of shopping or custom order the guitar you’re interested in.
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Table of Contents
- Acoustic Guitar Brands
- About Martin Acoustic Guitars
- Things to Consider When Choosing a Martin Acoustic Guitar
- Acoustic Guitars
- Types of Martin Acoustic Guitars
- Acoustic Guitar Reviews
- 10 Best Martin Acoustic Guitars
- Martin Acoustic Guitars Aesthetics & Build
- Acoustic Guitar Accessories
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- In Conclusion
In Conclusion
Thank you for reading my best Martin acoustic guitars guide. Martin makes excellent acoustic guitars, and they have instruments for all playing levels. You’re sure to find a great guitar with this company.
Please comment, like, and share the article. I look forward to speaking to you about Martin guitars and other guitars. Have fun playing your new Martin guitar.
