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10 Best Martin Guitars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Martin Guitar Standard Series Acoustic Guitars, Hand-Built Martin Guitars with Authentic Wood D-35 Natural

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,400
Neck Profile

Most important from
4 reviews

Neck Profile
The guitar arrived with strings too tight, causing significant neck bowing. Fortunately, I had a Martin truss rod adjustment wrench to fix it, but this should have been checked before shipping.

The Martin Guitar Standard Series D-35 Acoustic Guitar is a classic choice for guitar enthusiasts who value quality craftsmanship and rich, authentic sound. This model features a traditional body shape that is comfortable to play, making it well-suited for a range of musical styles from folk to blues to rock. The guitar is built with premium tonewoods, including a spruce top for bright, resonant tones, and rosewood back and sides, which contribute to its deep and warm sound profile.

The ebony fretboard adds to the durability and smooth playability, while the mahogany neck is designed for a comfortable grip and ease of playing across different scales. The guitar's adjustable bridge system allows for fine-tuning to achieve the perfect action and intonation. At 17.6 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for an acoustic guitar, making it easy to handle during long playing sessions.

It is important to note that this guitar does not feature built-in electronics, which means it may require additional equipment for amplification in larger performance settings. Additionally, the price point might be on the higher side for beginners, but it is a worthy investment for serious musicians who appreciate the quality and lasting value of a hand-built instrument. The D-35 is a reliable and beautiful instrument that can meet the needs of both intermediate and experienced players looking for a high-quality acoustic guitar.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,400
Neck Profile

Most important from
4 reviews

Neck Profile
The guitar arrived with strings too tight, causing significant neck bowing. Fortunately, I had a Martin truss rod adjustment wrench to fix it, but this should have been checked before shipping.
#2

Martin Guitar OMJM John Mayer Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Hardshell Case, Spruce and Rosewood Construction, Gloss Finish, and 000-14 Fret

Rating
9.8
Tonewoods
Neck Profile

Most important from
5 reviews

Tonewoods
Engelmann spruce top ages uniquely, adding to its high-end appeal.
Neck Profile
Custom-designed neck makes maneuvering up and down the frets amazingly easy.

The Martin Guitar OMJM John Mayer Acoustic-Electric Guitar is crafted for musicians who appreciate quality sound and aesthetic appeal. Its solid Engelmann spruce top combined with solid East Indian rosewood sides and back provides a rich tone, perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking. The guitar's 25.4-inch scale length offers comfortable playability, making it suitable for various playing styles. The warm and resonant sound is enhanced by its quality materials and construction. Additionally, the gloss finish and antique toner add to its visual charm, making it an attractive piece on stage or in a collection.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The guitar is on the heavier side, weighing about 30 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some players, especially during long sessions. While it excels in acoustic performance, beginners may find its features a bit advanced, particularly the electronic components, which might take some getting used to. Also, the fixed bridge system may not appeal to those who prefer the flexibility of a floating bridge.

This guitar is particularly suited for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for a reliable and high-quality acoustic-electric option. It's a standout choice for anyone looking to perform live or record with its excellent sound quality. It’s a premium instrument that balances aesthetics and acoustic performance, but may not be the best fit for absolute beginners or those who prioritize portability.

Rating
9.8
Tonewoods
Neck Profile

Most important from
5 reviews

Tonewoods
Engelmann spruce top ages uniquely, adding to its high-end appeal.
Neck Profile
Custom-designed neck makes maneuvering up and down the frets amazingly easy.
#3

Martin Guitar 000-15M StreetMaster with Gig Bag, Acoustic Guitar for the Working Musician, Mahogany Construction, Distressed Satin Finish, 000-14 Fret, and Low Oval Neck Shape

Rating
9.7
Electronics

Most important from
67 reviews

Electronics
The sound quality holds up well even after installing an under saddle pickup, making it versatile for amplified performances.

The Martin Guitar 000-15M StreetMaster is designed for the working musician, featuring a 000-14 fret body shape that is comfortable to play and produces a rich, balanced tone. Its all-mahogany construction, including solid mahogany top, sides, and back, offers a warm, resonant sound that is ideal for a variety of musical styles. The distressed satin finish gives it a vintage, well-loved look, which some players may find appealing.

The low oval neck shape and Katalox fingerboard ensure smooth playability, making it easy to navigate the fretboard. This guitar is right-handed and comes with a fixed bridge system, which contributes to its stable tuning and sound quality. The phosphor bronze strings included are known for their durability and bright tone, complementing the mahogany wood's warmth.

One notable absence is built-in electronics, which means the guitar is purely acoustic and may not be suitable for those looking to perform amplified on stage without additional equipment. Additionally, while the guitar's vintage look can be a plus, the distressed finish may not appeal to everyone. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Martin 000-15M StreetMaster is well-regarded for its playability and sound quality, making it a great choice for musicians who value traditional acoustic performance and craftsmanship.

Rating
9.7
Electronics

Most important from
67 reviews

Electronics
The sound quality holds up well even after installing an under saddle pickup, making it versatile for amplified performances.

Buying Guide for the Best Martin Guitars

Choosing the right Martin guitar can be a rewarding experience, as these instruments are known for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. To find the best fit for you, it's important to consider several key specifications that will influence the sound, playability, and overall feel of the guitar. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and playing style.
Body ShapeThe body shape of a guitar affects its sound and comfort. Common shapes include Dreadnought, Concert, and Jumbo. Dreadnoughts are known for their powerful, booming sound and are great for strumming and flatpicking. Concert guitars are smaller and more comfortable to hold, making them ideal for fingerpicking and lighter playing styles. Jumbo guitars have a large body that produces a deep, resonant sound, suitable for players who want a big, bold tone. Choose a body shape that feels comfortable to play and matches your musical style.
TonewoodsThe type of wood used in a guitar's construction significantly impacts its sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce tops are versatile and provide a bright, clear tone, making them a popular choice for many styles. Mahogany offers a warm, rich sound with strong midrange frequencies, suitable for blues and folk music. Rosewood produces a deep, complex tone with pronounced bass and treble, ideal for fingerstyle and intricate playing. Consider the tonal qualities you prefer and choose a guitar with tonewoods that match your desired sound.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the guitar's neck, which affects playability and comfort. Common profiles include C-shape, V-shape, and U-shape. C-shape necks are rounded and comfortable for most players, making them a versatile choice. V-shape necks have a more pronounced ridge, which can be comfortable for players who use their thumb over the neck. U-shape necks are thicker and provide a solid grip, suitable for players with larger hands. Choose a neck profile that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your playing style.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge of the guitar, affecting string tension and playability. Common scale lengths include short scale (24.75 inches) and long scale (25.5 inches). Short scale guitars have less string tension, making them easier to play and bend notes, which is great for blues and rock. Long scale guitars have more string tension, providing a tighter feel and more sustain, suitable for genres like metal and jazz. Consider your playing style and choose a scale length that offers the right balance of tension and playability for you.
ElectronicsSome Martin guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing you to amplify your sound for live performances or recording. These systems typically include a pickup and preamp, with controls for volume and tone. If you plan to perform or record with your guitar, having built-in electronics can be a convenient feature. However, if you primarily play acoustically, you may not need this feature. Consider your needs and whether built-in electronics will enhance your playing experience.

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