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10 Best Martin Guitars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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
9.9
Chosen by1,214
Electronics

Most important from
68 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
9.9
Chosen by1,214
Electronics

Most important from
68 reviews

Electronics
The sound quality holds up well even after installing an under saddle pickup, making it versatile for amplified performances.
#2

Martin D-28 Modern Deluxe

Rating
9.8
Neck Profile

Most important from
5 reviews

Neck Profile
The new neck shape fits like a glove, and the titanium truss rod makes it slightly lighter, enhancing playability to its highest level.

The Martin D-28 Modern Deluxe is a premium 6-string acoustic guitar designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The body shape is traditional dreadnought, which is ideal for powerful sound projection and a full, rich tone. The use of Sitka spruce for the top and East Indian rosewood for the back and sides contributes to its superior resonance and sustain, making it a great choice for both strumming and fingerpicking styles.

The ebony fretboard adds durability and a smooth playing surface, while the mahogany neck provides a comfortable grip with its well-designed profile. The scale length of 25.4 inches is standard, offering a balanced tension and playability. Although it lacks built-in electronics, which may be a drawback for performers needing amplification, this can be easily remedied with external pickups. Its fixed bridge system ensures stable tuning and intonation.

The guitar is visually appealing with its natural finish, and the use of premium tonewoods ensures long-term durability and sound quality. Weighing 8 pounds, it is relatively light and portable. However, considering its high-quality materials and build, it comes with a higher price tag, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. With excellent customer reviews and a strong reputation, the Martin D-28 Modern Deluxe is best suited for serious musicians and enthusiasts who value top-notch acoustic performance and craftsmanship.

Rating
9.8
Neck Profile

Most important from
5 reviews

Neck Profile
The new neck shape fits like a glove, and the titanium truss rod makes it slightly lighter, enhancing playability to its highest level.
#3

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

Rating
9.7
Tonewoods

Most important from
59 reviews

Tonewoods
The tone is exceptional, and the feel of the guitar is terrific.

The Martin Guitar D-15M is a solid choice for working musicians looking for a reliable and high-quality acoustic guitar. Its D-14 fret body shape is a classic design that offers great projection and volume, making it suitable for various playing styles. The use of solid genuine mahogany for the back, sides, and top provides a warm, rich tone that is highly valued among acoustic guitarists. Additionally, the rosewood fretboard adds to the smooth playability and comfort of the instrument. The low oval neck shape makes it easy to navigate up and down the fretboard, which is particularly beneficial for those who play for extended periods.

The satin finish not only enhances the guitar's aesthetics but also contributes to its smooth feel and ease of handling. The absence of electronics might be a drawback for those who need amplification for larger venues, but it keeps the instrument pure and traditional for acoustic settings. At 6 strings and with a nickel string material, it maintains a standard setup that is familiar and easy to maintain. Weighing very little and coming with a gig bag, it's highly portable, which is ideal for musicians on the go. However, the guitar bridge system being hardtails means it may not be suitable for players looking to incorporate a lot of vibrato in their play.

With a high customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, the D-15M is well-received and respected in the musical community, further establishing its reliability and performance. The Martin Guitar D-15M offers excellent tone and build quality, making it a great option for professionals and serious hobbyists alike. The key considerations are its pure acoustic nature without built-in electronics and its traditional, warm sound profile suited for various acoustic performances.

Rating
9.7
Tonewoods

Most important from
59 reviews

Tonewoods
The tone is exceptional, and the feel of the guitar is terrific.

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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