When it comes to high caliber guitars, Martin is the go-to option for guitar and music enthusiasts. The brand has committed itself to expert craftsmanship, innovation, intonation, and versatility. This is why they are considered to be a good investment for your money, especially if you are serious about your music.
The brand offers a variety of acoustic guitar models that vary in size, scale, and performance level. So, how do you choose the best Martin guitars? Here is a guide to the top Martin guitar models that are worth shelling out your hard-earned cash for.
Martin Standard Series D28
Some Martin guitar enthusiasts would agree that this is the best one from the brand yet. There are plenty of reasons why many have this opinion. Upon first look, you might not expect much with this guitar because it offers a classic design. The real magic happens once you pick up the guitar and start playing it.
It is made with a Sitka spruce top while the back and sides are made with Rosewood. The hardwood neck is also a notable feature because it makes it easy to hold on to. In terms of sound quality, it is topnotch. It is highly recommended for classic rock music.
Pros:
- Superb sound quality
- Great design
- Solid construction
- Suitable for all skill levels
Cons:
- Not a cheap guitar
The Bottom Line:
This guitar is recommended for all skill levels – from beginners to experts. If you must own just one Martin guitar, this is worth your money.
Martin LX1E Little Martin Acoustic Electric Guitar
The LX1E is a well-defined variety from the line of Martin guitars. It is considered by many as the best investment for your money because it is suitable for a variety of people. First off, it is small in size and design that makes it highly portable. It is ideal for small adults and children to learn from.
Despite the small size, it delivers a clear and powerful sound. Since this is an electric guitar, it takes your acoustic playing to the next level. It comes with a solid Sitka Spruce top that contributes to a richer tone. The use of mahogany on the back and sides make it more powerful sounding.
Pros:
- Portable size and design
- Quality sound and tone
- Lightweight
- Vast electronic elements
Cons:
- Sound quality is not as good as other Martin guitars
Bottom Line:
It is a suitable guitar for those who like to play outdoors or travel a lot due to its portable size and quality sound.
Martin D-18E
This guitar model is another triumph for the brand when it comes to music engineering. The D-18E model is one of the best ones worth investing in if you want to own this brand. It comes with a classic design that is similar to that a dreadnought guitar.
In terms of music quality, it offers a rich tone with electronic capabilities. The vintage appointments and musical elements make it suitable for a full acoustic guitar experience. In fact, it sounds excellent when paired with an amplifier.
Pros:
- Vintage tone system
- Excellent build
- Classic design
- Excellent amplification
Cons:
- High price point
The Bottom Line:
The Marin D-18E is on the top of the scale when it comes to build quality and musical performance. It has everything you could want in a Martin guitar with an added electrical functionality.
Martin GPX1AE
If you’re in the market for the best fingerstyle Martin guitar, look no further. This one is worth the money because it delivers consistent tone throughout its range. The best part is that this high-quality guitar comes with an affordable price.
It is made with a Sitka spruce top (like most other Martin guitars on this list) that helps to deliver a bright and even sound. It is recommended for soft fingerpicking. The quality of wood provides quality resonation and is integrated with Fishman Sonitone electronics. As a result, it is easy to control the volume and tone produced from this guitar. The cool thing about it is that it comes with USB functionality so you can easily connect it to a computer.
Pros:
- Even tone
- High quality construction
- Quality materials
- Connectivity with USB
- Affordable
Cons:
- None
The Bottom Line:
The Martin GPX1AE is the best choice for fingerstyle playing. If you like to play jazz and folk music, then this guitar is what you need!
Martin Road Series DRS1 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The DRS1 is one of the most popular guitar models from the Martin brand. This particular model is the ideal choice for guitarists who like to travel because it is portable. Aside from that, it delivers outstanding sound quality.
Since this an acoustic-electric model, it sounds equally good with or without an amplifier. Its solid wooden body also ensures consistent sound quality during practice and performance. Even though the size of the guitar body has been reduced to make it portable, it won’t affect the overall sound quality. Otherwise, it would not make this list.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Impressive sound quality
- Excellent value for money
- Ideal for touring
Cons:
- The compact size is not suited for everyone
The Bottom Line:
If you are a traveling musician or simply want to be able to take your guitars with you, then the DRS1 is an excellent choice. It combines sound quality, solid construction, and practicality into one Martin guitar that you’d love to use for playing at every chance you get.