If you were going to buy your first Martin....
 

What would you get? Let’s assume a budget of $3000....

I was going to say a D-18, but with your budget a D-28 Standard is definitely in your budget, and you have enough leftover to install a pickup like a K&K Mini.

I did consider it. The year was 1973. The guitar was a D-35 Martin made with uncured wood in the neck and it continuously warped between warranty repairs by Martin. Have they gotten better since then?

Seriously, though, if I was to consider another Martin it would be a simple OM like the 21.

I'd opt,for either a D-18 or OOO-18. They are both great guitars that are well suited for all types music, playing styles and at less than $1900.00 you'll have a handful of leftover cash.

2018 HD-28...fantastic guitar for a lot less than $3,000. Or you can always move up the food chain for another $500 or so and get a D-41. :D

as usual, it depends. depends upon what you already have, what woods you like as well as what body styles. go play as many as you can until one sings to you.

play music!

I would go out and shop Martin but buy a Gibson. :)

Let’s assume it’s an only acoustic guitar....

A used Martin 0-28vs. Or maybe the 00-28vs.

Just the decision I've been pondering the past few months and I've decided on a 2018 HD-28. Still haven't pulled the trigger, though.

Another vote for the new 2018 HD-28. With enough left over for most any pickup you might want to install. Or just pocket the cash if you don't need a pickup? :D

I’m hoping to get my first Martin someday soon and I’ve played a bunch over the last several years. For me it’s the D-18.

My only Martin is a 00-18. As appointed it was a bit more than $3k, but I would probably make the same choice again.

If I wanted a dreadnought, I would buy an HD-28V. For an OM, I would buy an OM-28. I like spruce over rosewood.

Working through our AGF sponsors, I believe that these guitars would fall into the $3K budget.

- Glenn

Rather than answer your question directly, I would do this. I would contact Maury at Maury's Music or Jon at My Favorite Guitars, let them know my interests and past experiences with other brands as well as the type of music I enjoy, and let them make some suggestions as to what is available in that price range.

You have a lot of Taylor Grand Auditoriums according to your sig. Do you want more auditorium style guitars from a different maker, or do you want to go another body type, or wood type? Do you play fingerstyle, flatpick, or strum? Jazz, country, rock?

Does the history of the people who have played Martin have any influence on you? If you like Clarence White and that D-28, then you may not be satisfied with a Joan Baez orchestra size.

I would reach out to Jon and or Maury instead of taking recommendations from a bunch of unknown strangers who probably have an entirely different reasons to like or dislike Martin guitars.

CK