What is the best and least expensive US made Martin?
 

I am in the market but don't want to go crazy!
Thanks for the input!

15 or 16 series. Used.

And welcome to the forum. :)

A 1 series will be least expensive USA made, the 15's, 16's and up add better materials and features along with increased cost. You can find used for less so keep that option open.

For not a whole lot more the Martin MMV is pretty darn nice.

Yeah, the 00-15,000-15, and D-15 are probably your best bang for your buck at that price range from Martin. Mine is a total keeper. If you go Used you will really get in at a great price. Good luck searching.

I'm going to go with the DSR. Matte finish version of the MMV with rosewood fingerboard at 2/3rd the price of the MMV.

+1

And keep an eye out for the 000-15S, the 12-fret version. It has the vintage 1 3/4" nut width, and the larger body volume of the 12-fret design. It's such a shame these were discontinued.

Guitar Center's website is still showing an M16GT at the Laredo, TX store for an absurdly low price. It's worth looking into. If it's still there after the 1st of the month it might come to my house.

I bought a new D1 not long ago with the thought of it being a back up to my adi topped Custom but it's turning into a joy to play. It's opened up some and the only upgrade I did to it was add bone bridge pins. It has that sitka/hog sound kind of woody with an outstanding bass and much better high end than I expected. I have ended up playing it about everyday it's a great Martin for a small price(as Martins go).

Martin guitars
 

000-15. Light weight, comfortable neck, fantastic sound. I found one on e-bay from a seller at 60% of new in mint condition. Arrived by Fed-Ex in two days from CT. expertly packed and un-damaged.If you may prefer a dread, the MMV from GC is a great deal new or used. Keep looking. be careful who you by from and be patient. It will pay off.

I am really enjoying my D-1. However, while I am not a bad player, I haven't played a whole lot of different guitars. So I can't offer much by way of comparative analysis, but can just say that playing my D-1 always makes me want to play more.

+1 I agree!

The D15s are incredible. I have the D15-S, a friend the D-15, a former guitar teacher also played a D15. They are bold, full range, great guitars.

JackL

My favorite are the 15-series but the 1-series is less expensive, made in the US and is an outstanding guitar.

I highly recommend an OM-1. Solid top and body. Comes with a Martin hardshell case. Plays just great.