Best Value Martin?

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by Kyle215

The 16’s do have scalloped X bracing... I believe it’s forward shifted so I was wondering if that was the point of difference. I have a 16 GT and an 18. The 18 is most certainly a superior instrument, but if one is looking around $1k new, the 16’s are I think a pretty good value. They widened the nut to 1 3/4 on the newer 16’s so that’s something to be aware of.

The 16 series still utilizes hybrid A frame X bracing. The 17s do not, they look the same as an 18 does under the hood.

[Cool555]

Best value Martin is the 15 series or the 18 series if you're a Mahogany lover.... or the 28 series if you're a Rosewood lover. Select the body size according to your preference.

[Kyle215]

Originally Posted by UncleJesse

The 16 series still utilizes hybrid A frame X bracing. The 17s do not, they look the same as an 18 does under the hood.

Interesting, I’ve actually never looked under the hood. Curious to do so now, next time I change the strings. Their posted specs aren’t specific on that point.

[fuman]

I appreciate all of the responses. I definitely plan to get out and play as many as I can, but you have to have some focus, and this is very helpful. Thank you,

Mike

[archerscreek]

The best value for me would be a new D-18 from a forum sponsor if they’re still going for roughly $1900. 1) You can spend a lot more money and not like the sound any better than what you might have with the D-18. 2) They’re so highly regarded that people regularly try to sell them used for more than the $1900 you can/could get a brand new one for from a sponsor. If they came with a Mod V neck and at least a 2 1/4” string spacing I’d own one and I already have two Martin dreadnoughts I love.

[RP]

I'd cast my vote for Martin's Plain Jane D-18 as offering a lot of bang for the buck...

[warfrat73]

It was the new D-18 that made me pay attention to Martin again. And if you can get 40% off MSRP on a new one, I do think that's about the best value.

It really depends on what you like, though.

Folks saying Custom D, MMV, 15 series, 16 series... but you gotta like what you're getting. I've played multiple version of each of these and been left pretty flat, if I'm honest. I remember, in particular, wanting to like some D-16 models that I tried, but them just not doing anything for me... this was quite a few years ago now, mind you. Could have been the strings, or the day of the week, or duds, or my point of comparison, or just personal preference. So many variables. Not trying to bash these guitars... just saying they didn't do anything for me personally.
There's more to the formula than just: Martin+Solid Top=What You'll be Happy With

[DukeX]

Best value = 000-15sm for me. Awesome guitar for < $1,300.

[aeisen93]

I have a X1-DE. Full size Dred. I got it on sale new for $460... it's one of the best sounding guitars I have ever played (especially at that price!). You should definitely check them out! I think they are called the DX1AE now...

[Scotso]

My advice...get a std series like an 18 in whatever body size you like. They will have the best resale relative to purchase price in the event/when you sell the guitar. And it will serve your needs better in the long run.

[Brucebubs]

Last year it seemed like every 2nd thread on the AGF was extolling the virtues of the D-18.

[Greyhound]

Just an FYI in the COVID constrained inventory environment I would not count on a 40% discount as in the past. Last quote I got from a forum sponsor was 33%. Understandable and probably necessary to stay in business with so little to sell.

[pszy22]

I'll echo what a few other folks have said. The best value Martin is one of the Standard Series. They are called Standard for a reason. It seems like alot of folks start off with something that is almost just as good, later decide they want a Standard, and end up selling the original guitar(s) they bought. That is the most expensive way to get from here to there.

[Steel and wood]

Martin's 16 Series guitars, although not as affordable as they once were. (At least not here in Australia).

[kliend]

I find the Martin naming and lines exceedingly confusing... Which one is which?