It’s impossible to think about acoustic guitars without thinking about Martin. Few brands have a history as storied as Martin, who have been forging a road for guitar development since 1833. As we march into the modern day, Martin is as relevant as ever, now with a huge model lineup to pick from, which means picking the best Martin guitar may not be as simple as you think.
With there being so many Martin guitars available right now, I’ve sorted them by use case to help you narrow your focus on an acoustic guitar that will work particularly well for you. Whether you want to spend on a premium-level instrument, get something low-cost, or just find a great sofa guitar, you’ll find the ideal Martin for you in this guide.
If you want the best overall, I don’t think it gets much better than the Martin D-28. It’s one of the most popular acoustic guitars of all time for good reason, and having tested one myself, I can personally attest to how incredibly one sounds and plays. For those at the other end of the spend spectrum, the Martin D-X2E delivers superb value for money, giving you a Martin acoustic for around the $700 mark.
Regardless of which price point of Martin’s acoustic guitar range you enter, all of their models are built to an excellent standard and will offer you a fantastic playing experience. If you’re buying for the first time, be sure to check out my how to choose section. I’ve also curated a selection of FAQs using over twenty years of guitar playing experience, and a glossary of key terms to help you break down the technical talk used in this article.
Best overall
✅ Buy if: You want an effortlessly resonant, powerful acoustic that works for every genre.
❌ Avoid if: You’re not serious about acoustic guitar; this is a pro-level instrument.
Overview
Possibly the greatest acoustic guitar ever made, the Martin D-28 is a true icon when it comes to acoustic guitars. Having been first introduced in 1931, its tonewood combination remains a classic recipe that still delivers over 90 years later.
Build quality
The build of the D-28 is legendary – you can consider it the benchmark for all acoustic guitars. The D-28 is expertly crafted from top to bottom, with attention to detail clear in every inch of its design. This is a guitar meant to last a lifetime, and chances are it’ll get better with age. Martin wants it to get there too, which is why they throw in a complimentary hard case.
By today’s standards, it’s actually a fairly simple design and aesthetic, but it’s those subtle touches that imply the quality of the instrument, and they are really nicely applied on the model I tested.
Playability
The modified low oval neck profile offers plenty of versatility, whether you're primarily a strummer or you like to go fingerstyle. It might feel a little different if you’re not used to one, however, as it gives you a soft ‘V’ feel in your hand. It didn’t take me long to get used to it, though, and my test model came nicely set up from the factory.
It is a large guitar, so it might not be suitable for younger players or those with smaller dimensions. Like most acoustics, you will get neck dive when you take your fretting hand off, but overall it felt very balanced in my lap, and equally so when on a strap. There’s not an armrest to speak of, but there is a slight rounding of the body to help with the comfort of your picking hand.
Sounds
The first thing I noticed when testing a D-28 was the incredibly dynamic range. It sounds warm and subtle when fingerpicked softly, but can instantly transform to a brash beast when you strike it hard with a guitar pick. It’s got plenty of low-end response, but always with a beautiful balance, which means it never feels overpowering when playing open chords near the nut.
Due to the quality of the build, there are loads of harmonic overtones when playing, which ring out beautifully on long-held chords. It’ll give your licks a new lease of life, adding a more complex sound that is always articulate and powerful when you need it to be.
Best budget
✅ Buy if: You’re looking for a classic Martin dreadnought sound, at a sensible price point.
❌ Avoid if: You want an acoustic made entirely of solid woods rather than laminate.
Overview
Martin’s X series of guitars has been one of their most popular in recent years, and for good reason. Just about every player wants a Martin, but many, or dare I say, most, have been held back by the pricing. With the X series, Martin has produced an acoustic that manages to come in at an affordable price point, without sacrificing significant amounts of quality. Of all the models in the X series, my pick of the range is the DX-2E, which is the everyman’s choice – a sizable dreadnought, that is a jack of all trades.
Build quality
An area where you can expect to see a little drop off from the guitars that sit towards the top of the Martin lineup is in the build of the DX-2E. Firstly, the only solid piece of wood on the guitar is the top, with the back and sides made from high-pressure laminate instead. This isn’t strictly a bad thing, but it does impact the tone somewhat. Otherwise, the D-X2E generally is very well put together and competes with other guitars at a similar price point for build quality.
Playability
Though it sits at the cheaper end of Martin’s range, there are still some classy, premium touches on the D-X2E, such as rounded edges on the body for better comfort during long playing sessions. You’ll want to play for a long time too, as the neck is extremely comfortable and the level of finish is impeccable. To add to that, it is also equipped with Martin’s proprietary E-1 pickup system, making it as perfect for the stage as it is for home use.
Sounds
The D-X2E is a spruce-top dreadnought acoustic guitar that delivers a stunning low-end richness, perfect when accompanying a vocalist. The big dreadnought body shape allows for ample resonance and volume, but with enough brightness to still cut through a mix, rather than being overly boomy.
Best beginner
✅ Buy if: You’re looking for a small acoustic with big acoustic credentials and feel.
❌ Avoid if: You’re a particularly large individual. This really is a very small guitar, and the largest people might make it look like a ukulele.
Overview
The LX1 Little Martin is an iconic guitar in Martin’s product catalog. It might not be the most fancy or expensive model they produce, but the LX1 has gained its reputation as one of the most capable beginner acoustic guitars around, with Ed Sheeran as one of its most prominent adopters in the early stages of his career. The LX1 has proven itself to be near-perfect for beginners, thanks to its reasonable price bracket, or for those with small hands, thanks to the diminutive size.
Build quality
As a 3/4 acoustic guitar, the LX1 is small, compact, and comfortable, and its price point makes it a guitar suitable for a whole array of occasions, but that doesn’t mean it’s been made cheaply. Its top is constructed from the same high-quality Sitka spruce as some of Martin’s higher-end models, while the back and sides are mahogany-patterned high-pressure laminate, which is common at this sort of price.
Playability
The LX1 is definitely small – it’s kind of its “thing” – and that’s worth taking into consideration. A 23” scale length isn’t for everyone, but it perfectly suits beginners and smaller players. I’m not a particularly small individual and have relatively large hands, but I found playing up in the fingerboard’s higher register to be comfortable, and the lower string tension can open up real doors when improving your playing, so even larger beginners may find it really suits them.
Sounds
The LX1 has an impressive, punchy clarity, which Martin guitars are known for, while the smaller body size keeps the low-end in check, without feeling too weedy, as other guitars of this size often can, though it does still have a slight boxiness that is physically impossible to avoid with a guitar of this size.
Best travel
✅ Buy if: You want a travel guitar that doesn’t feel overly small and has a good amount of volume.
❌ Avoid if: You plan on playing unplugged in larger rooms and want significant volume and low end.
Overview
There are a few particularly small guitars in Martin’s range – namely, the aforementioned, LX1 Little Martin – and compactness is a key component for a travel guitar. If you want a full-sized tone too, though, you have to think just a little bigger, which is where the Martin D Jr E comes in. A shrunken dreadnought shape, sitting a little shorter and noticeably thinner than a traditional ‘D’-style acoustic, making it more compact to travel with, but still having a full, fat tone.
Build quality
The D Jr E has a full, solid wood build, with a spruce top and sapele back and sides, providing a bright, smooth tone. It is also equipped with Martin’s excellent E-1 system preamp, which is a joy to use and means any loss of volume for this smaller-bodied guitar can easily be compensated for through front of house. While you shouldn’t expect the overall finesse and craftsmanship of Martin’s premier lineup, it’s a noticeable step up from cheaper instruments.
Playability
Though the smaller body may take a little getting used to if you are used to a standard dreadnought, the neck will be immediately familiar, as it’s the same scale length as Martin’s standard range. It’s quite remarkable how they’ve managed to make a small acoustic feel like a big one.
Sounds
Though compact, this is essentially a full-size guitar, and that has huge ramifications on the tone, cutting out the majority of the notorious and unavoidable boxiness of smaller, travel guitars, though if you’re strumming aggressively, you’ll notice that the midrange pokes through significantly more than the bass. Fingerstyle players will get on with it no problem, with a tone that cuts through, without feeling brash.
Best fingerstyle
✅ Buy if: You want a really comfortable, smaller-bodied guitar for long playing sessions.
❌ Avoid if: The sapele back and sides might not be seen as fancy enough for a guitar over $1,000.
Overview
The 000-12E Retro is part of Martin’s Road Series of guitars, which, while still made in Mexico, represents a step up from the cheaper X series. The price point that the 000-12E sits within is a fair jump up from the aforementioned, but I think it’s worth it.
Build quality
The justification for the price increase between the X and Road series comes down to the quality of materials and the level of finish, with this 000-12E Retro featuring a sapele back and sides, a Sitka spruce top, and an ebony topped-neck. This combination delivers a balanced, sweet tone that is highly versatile – and the ebony fretboard is a particular highlight and upgrade on earlier versions of the 000-12E.
Playability
With a 24.9” scale length, this guitar is slightly shorter than most others on this list, but the smaller scale and lighter string tension provide incredibly easy playability, which is comfortable in virtually any musical scenario, though I think particularly well-adapted to fingerstyle.
Sounds
The characterful sound of the 000-12E is balanced, warm, and articulate with strong, clear mids and a punchy, rather than boomy, bass; all of these characteristics are perfectly suited to fingerstyle playing. The Martin E-1 electronics onboard top this one off for me, enabling you to sound truly authentic when plugged in without any of the harsh top-end you’d expect from cheap electronics and pickups.
Best 12-string
✅ Buy if: You want a dependable premium, big-body 12-string, with added levels of comfort.
❌ Avoid if: You’re looking for the extra bottom-end of a jumbo guitar – this is a little more reserved.
Overview
The Martin Grand J-16E 12-String is a big-bodied acoustic, with a jaw-dropping sound and look that befits a high-end, US-made acoustic like this. It’s by no means the most expensive 12-string in Martin’s range – in fact, it is the third cheapest, following two X Series models – but it is still a significant investment, so it is ideal for seasoned acoustic players looking to add a different type of sound to their collection.
Build quality
As a US-made Martin, the J-16E 12-string is as premium as you can imagine, composed of top-class hardwoods, including East Indian rosewood for the back and sides and a Sitka spruce top. This sits somewhere towards the bottom of Martin’s US range, which means it doesn’t have some of the outrageous, and often largely cosmetic design features you would expect from their top-of-the-line models, but everything feels supremely solid and functional, prioritising build and sound over flash.
Playability
This is a large guitar – or at least you’d think it is from looking at it from the front. It’s actually designed with a slightly slimmer body, which means it’s more comfortable than other jumbo-style guitars. Keeping a 12-string in tune is a challenge at the best of times, and while some light variation in precise tuning helps towards the ensemble nature of these types of instruments, I think most players will be grateful for the addition of a built-in tuner.
Sounds
The spruce top and rosewood back/sides are a match made in heaven, offering a balanced sound with plenty of resonance, and a "chimey" sound which has a controlled low end, though not the big bass you may expect from a full depth jumbo guitar, given its thinner profile, but this works well for the complex overtones of a 12-string, where over-the-top low end can engulf everything else. The integrated Martin E1 electronics give you the option to plug in live, if you need that additional volume.
"If you’re a serious acoustic guitar player, you really should have a 12-string in the arsenal, and this one checks a lot of boxes. We found it fabulous for the studio, both as a textural tool and for rendering outline arrangements, because it helps boil parts down to their essentials. Onstage with a band, it swaps in easily because of the neck playability, manageable depth and bridled low end that doesn’t fight for space with the bass."
Read more: Martin Grand J-16E 12-String review
Also consider
How to choose
Martin guitars are one of those illustrious brands, alongside Gibson and Fender, where the idea of making a ‘wrong’ decision when choosing a model seems preposterous, but it may surprise you just how varied their range is, and with that will inevitably mean there are some models that simply don’t suit you. That doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a bad acoustic among them, but there certainly are things that will make one of their acoustics better or worse for you personally.
1. Shape
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Martin has been at the forefront of acoustic guitar body shapes, changing the landscape of acoustic guitars forever with their developments and inventions. The legacy of these designs still lives on in their lineup, with auditorium, concert, and the infamous dreadnought, all having unique characters. Shape will have a huge impact on comfort and playability, with some of their shapes having voluptuous curves that give a unique tonal characteristic, but also a specific feel to hold.
2. Size
Shape is often intrinsically linked to size, though not always, and in some of Martin’s range, some of their traditionally larger shapes have been shrunken down, with models that are in a certain shape and size to produce a specific type of tone or level of volume. For example, the Dreadnought is a shape and size that has specifically been designed to create ample volume, as it was concocted at a time before amplification, and where the acoustic sound was all there was – growth was the only way to achieve this.
With size comes the chance for increased resonance, particularly low-end resonance, which has a profound impact on perceived volume, and the more low-end, the louder it’s going to sound.
3. Integrated electronics
Many acoustic players now don’t want to be limited to the volume that their guitar creates unaided. Yes, Martin has some exceptionally loud, big-bodied acoustics, but that alone still won’t always be enough, which is where a pickup that can amplify your sound further comes in handy.
You absolutely can add pickups to your acoustic post-purchase, but some can require more work than you might like to install correctly, some of which may feel as though it could be detrimental to your acoustic. If you think you may want electronics such as pickups, why not have them fitted on purchase, where you know they will have been paired and optimized to work with your specific model?
Martin guitars price guide
Starting at $399, the LX1 – Martin's cheapest full-bodied acoustic guitar – is a perfect guitar for a beginner or smaller player. Martin’s Mexican-made guitars populate the sub-$1,000 section of the Martin product list, and they are all fantastic – but on some models, you’ll only find a solid top, with the back and sides made from a high-pressure laminate (HPL). These guitars are still brilliantly resonant, and in some cases more durable than their all-solid counterparts, but they don’t quite have the same vibe and feeling as an all-solid, USA-made Martin. That being said, there are few better acoustics you could buy for under a grand.
USA-made Martins start at around $1,500 with the 15 series, so if the country of manufacture is something you’re precious about, then this is the place to start your search. All guitars from this point onwards are made entirely from solid wood, so you can expect the typical Martin resonance that they’ve become so well known for. Although the 15 and 17 series are killer guitars, Martin’s famous D-18 comes in at not much more – around $2,600 – so if you’re after an investment as well as an amazing guitar, then we’d start here.
From $3,000 to $5,000, every guitar you set eyes on will be a world-beater. In this price bracket, you’ve got some of Martin’s most iconic models – most notably the D-28, OM 28 and J-40 guitars. It’s virtually impossible to go wrong here, so it’s just a matter of how much money you’re willing to part with. The difference in quality between a $3,000 and $5,000 Martin is quite negligible, so go with whichever one you prefer the sound of – that’s the most important thing at the end of the day, right?
Upwards of $5,000, and these guitars are in special territory. Most of these Martins are all about the looks and level of finish, with the D-45 being a prime example – thanks to its flashy rosette and inlays on the body and headstock. Martin’s Authentic series, however, is all about the vintage vibe and sound. If that’s what you want, nothing can compare to the Authentic series of guitars – except a genuine golden-era Martin, of course.
Body size guide
Martins come in all shapes and sizes, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble choosing the right one for you.
0/00/000
Martin indicates the body shapes of their smaller guitars with a certain number of ‘0’s. It might look confusing, but it’s very simple – 0 is the smallest, 00 is a bit bigger, and 000 is bigger than that. The larger the body, the louder and fuller the guitar will sound. Any of the ‘0’ body shapes are ideal for finger-style players, as their tones are generally more balanced and the guitars themselves respond better to playing dynamics.
Martin’s OM guitars, including the OMJM included in this guide, use a 000 body shape.
Dreadnought
Dreadnought Martins such as the D-18 and D-28 have a much larger, rich sound. The dreadnought guitar is considered perfect for singer-songwriters or those who want volume without amplification. The wider body shape allows for your tone to resonate more freely inside the body of the guitar, and the generally larger body allows for much more low-end to be produced. These guitars can sometimes feel uncomfortable for smaller players, but the tone is pretty hard to beat. It is worth noting that due to the extra low-end that is produced, if you want a super defined tone, then this isn’t the body shape for you.
Jumbo
Martin doesn't make many jumbo sized acoustic guitars, but one of its staple plus-sized offerings is the J-40. The jumbo body shape looks a lot like the 000 from a distance, but up close you’ll notice that all of the body measurements have been increased. This larger body size allows for the balanced tone of the 000 to be accentuated and augmented, with more low-end, and more high-end too. It’s the ultimate Swiss Army Knife acoustic body size, but it is pretty big. If you’re a small person, this could be a step too far.
FAQs
Should I go for the D-18 or the D-28?
If you were to ask the head honchos at Martin this question, they’d probably react as though you were asking to pick between their children – how can you possibly choose?
Both guitars sit towards the top of Martin’s range, and are both phenomenal guitars – to be clear, you will not go “wrong” with either – but there are some subtle differences.
While both are spruce-topped, dreadnought-shaped acoustics, their primary difference is in their other tonewoods. The D-18 uses mahogany and has a distinctive, warm, and punchy, mid-range focused tone, with a "woody" sound. The D-28, on the other hand, uses rosewood, which offers a deeper, richer, and, some may argue, more complex tone with rich bass. If you are looking for a studio guitar, the D-18 works great on record, as it can cut through the mix and not clog up the low mid-range too much, whereas if you are a solo performer, the D-28 is a perfect companion, as it has an almost orchestral-like fullness and body, perfect for big open-chord strumming.
Finally, there is a price discrepancy, with the D-28 coming in a few hundred dollars more than the D-18, though when you get to the kind of price point these guitars sit at, this may not be such an issue.
What is the 'Reimagined' series?
The Reimagined series is Martin’s way of bringing old models into the future, taking classic styling and tones, and introducing new features for modern levels of playability. For example, traditional models such as the D-18 are enhanced with forward-shifted scalloped bracing, aged toner finishes, and open-gear tuners, plus equipped with a new neck profile to increase comfort. These aren’t changes that should drastically alter the guitar; they are subtle improvements coming from years of research, trial, and error, to make the best possible acoustic guitars.
What is the Martin binding issue?
The Martin binding issue is a manufacturing defect in Martin acoustics, with models in the Standard series among those most prevalently impacted. This particular defect sees the decorative plastic binding shrink and separate from the wooden body, typically starting at the waist. It’s potentially caused by several things, including the binding material itself shrinking with age, changes in glue formulas and their relationship with the binding material, and environmental changes – particularly heat.
Fortunately, these issues are often cosmetic only and repaired under warranty by Martin, and occurrences are significantly less common than at their peak (during the ‘10s).
Is a Mexican-made Martin a good instrument?
In the same way that Mexican Fenders are great instruments, so too are Mexican-made Martins. Renowned for being solid, well-built instruments that happen to also be great value, Mexican Martins are made in their own factory and to their own high specs rather than being outsourced. Costs are saved with these models as they often use slightly cheaper woods and simpler construction, but they still deliver reliable playability and the classic Martin sound. Where you may notice some slight differences from their US-made brothers is a slight lack of refinement, but for most players, they’re excellent, gig-worthy guitars that punch above their price point.
What's the best value for money in the Martin lineup?
Each individual will have a different perspective on which is the best bang-for-buck model in Martin’s range. If I had to pick the standout, it would unquestionably be the models in the Road series. They are the bridge point between Martin’s entry-level models and premium US-made range, and come in ‘Retro’ or ‘Modern’ flavors. They offer a true taste of premium Martin guitars, but at a price point that feels attainable for many players, with some of the models sitting below $1,000. The quality sits extremely high, with excellent tonewoods used, premium electronics (if you elect for a model with them), and even comes with high-end Martin soft cases as standard. If you’re making your first foray into high-end acoustics, this would be a good first step.
Do I need to humidify my Martin?
This will depend on where you live – if you’re based somewhere in the Amazon, you’re probably fine! – but for most, yes, humidifying your Martin is a wise move in dryer periods (including winter). Because of the solid wood Martin builds their guitars from, they expand and shrink with humidity, which is less than ideal for an instrument that you want to keep as stable as possible. Martin recommends keeping their guitars at around 45–55% relative humidity. If you don’t humidify your guitar, you can expect to see cracks appear in the top or back, fret sprout, string buzzing, and even warping. You can solve this by using a soundhole humidifier, which can be picked up very cheaply.
Key terms
- Action: The height of the strings above the fretboard—lower action is easier to play, while higher action can allow for louder, cleaner notes.
- Adirondack: A type of spruce often used for guitar tops, prized for its strong headroom and powerful, dynamic tone.
- Binding: The protective strip of material that runs along the edges of a guitar’s body and sometimes the fretboard.
- Bone: A natural material commonly used for nuts and saddles, valued for its durability and tonal clarity.
- Bracing: The internal wooden support structure inside an acoustic guitar that strengthens the top and shapes the instrument’s tone.
- CITES: An international agreement that regulates the trade of certain woods and materials to protect endangered species.
- Dreadnought: A large-bodied acoustic guitar shape known for its big volume, strong bass, and powerful strumming tone.
- Dovetail: A traditional neck joint used by some high-end acoustics where the neck is fitted into the body with a tapered, interlocking joint.
- Fingerboard (fretboard): The flat wooden surface on the neck where the frets are installed and where you press the strings to form notes and chords.
- Finish checking: Fine hairline cracks that can appear in a guitar’s finish over time, often due to temperature or humidity changes.
- Forward-shifted bracing: A bracing pattern where the internal braces are positioned slightly closer to the soundhole, typically giving the guitar more bass and openness.
- Gloss: A shiny, polished finish that highlights the wood grain and provides a classic look.
- HPL: High-pressure laminate, a durable composite material sometimes used for guitar backs and sides.
- Luthier: A craftsperson who builds, repairs, or modifies stringed instruments.
- Modified low oval: A neck shape designed by Martin that feels slim and comfortable for many players.
- Neck reset: A major repair that adjusts the neck angle of an acoustic guitar to restore proper playability and action.
- Nitrocellulose (Nitro): A traditional guitar finish known for being thin and resonant, often aging in a way many players find attractive.
- Pickguard: The protective plate on the guitar’s top that prevents scratches from picks or fingernails.
- Richlite: A synthetic material sometimes used for fretboards and bridges as an alternative to traditional hardwoods.
- Saddle: The small strip – usually bone or synthetic – set into the bridge that supports the strings and helps transfer vibration to the guitar top.
- Scalloped bracing: A bracing style where sections of the braces are carved away to allow the top to vibrate more freely.
- Sitka spruce: The most common spruce used for acoustic guitar tops, known for its balanced tone and versatility.
- Tonewood: Any wood specifically chosen for its tonal qualities when used in a musical instrument.
- Torrefaction (VTS): A heat-treatment process that “ages” wood to mimic the sound and responsiveness of older instruments. Martin calls their torrefaction process ‘Vintage Tone System’ or VTS for short.
- Satin: A smooth but non-glossy finish that feels fast to the touch and has a more understated look.
How we test
At Guitar Player, we understand the timeless appeal and impeccable craftsmanship of Martin guitars. With our dedication to providing valuable insights for guitar enthusiasts, we have meticulously researched and tested a wide range of Martin guitars to identify the best options available for you.
To compile our list of top Martin guitars, we combine our expertise, meticulous research, and insightful discussions with our editorial team. We consider factors such as tonal quality, playability, construction, materials, and historical significance, ensuring that we showcase the finest Martin guitars that resonate with musicians who appreciate the rich heritage and legendary sound of these instruments.
As passionate guitar aficionados ourselves, we recognize the allure of owning a Martin guitar, a symbol of exceptional quality and superb tonal characteristics. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a dedicated enthusiast, or an aspiring player, our goal is to provide reliable and informed recommendations that help you find the best Martin guitar that suits your musical aspirations and personal style.
Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player.
