Fingerstylists - which Martin?

[Acoustic Wolf]

A question for those who play fingerstyle and enjoy the fine tone of Martin guitars... What Martin (currently in the lineup and not a custom) would you consider to be the best for it?

I think it might be the OMJM, with its Engelmann Spruce top over Indian Rosewood for that sweet overtone content.

Has anyone tried the Martin Grand Performance models, and how do you feel they compare to Taylor Grand Auditoriums for fingerstyle purposes? Personally, I quite like Taylor Grand Auditoriums in DADGAD. Would the signature Martin tone make their Grand Performance models a bit muddier in DADGAD, or would you say that they are relatively balanced as well?

[RP]

I'd say the 000-18.......

[GTRGUY005]

My CEO7 is a great fingerstyle guitar.

[Rosewood99]

I would highly recommend the OM-15 all mahogany.

[Silly Moustache]

I would have recommended the 12 fret 0,00, or 000, "VS" models which retained the fingerstyle fretboard widths, but I believe that Martin have discontinued them.

The only choice that Martin offers are 1 &3/4" nut widths which might suit you, but are essentially rhythm necks, however many like the OM 14 fret design.

[dspoel]

Originally Posted by GTRGUY005

My CEO7 is a great fingerstyle guitar.

+1 to the above [emoji2]

[justonwo]

There’s an enormous variety of Martins that can be used for fingerstyle. OMs, 12 frets with 000, 00, or 0 size, 12 fret dreads, even regular dreadnoughts. It all boils down to what flavor you’re looking for. The OM is a good all-arounder. If you want more bass and reverb, consider rosewood. If you prefer a drier sound with stronger midrange consider mahogany. 12 frets add a bit more girth, in general, but may present upper fret access issues.

I have Martin style guitars in OM and 12 fret configurations and love them all for various reasons.

[Joe Beamish]

Originally Posted by justonwo

There’s an enormous variety of Martins that can be used for fingerstyle. OMs, 12 frets with 000, 00, or 0 size, 12 fret dreads, even regular dreadnoughts. It all boils down to what flavor you’re looking for. The OM is a good all-arounder. If you want more bass and reverb, consider rosewood. If you prefer a drier sound with stronger midrange consider mahogany. 12 frets add a bit more girth, in general, but may present upper fret access issues.

I have Martin style guitars in OM and 12 fret configurations and love them all for various reasons.

Agreed. Many people love the 000/OM body size for “finger style” playing, but it all comes down the “flavor” you want.

These are all just tools. There are no rules.

[SprintBob]

I’d personally narrow it down to short scale 000. YMMV.

[Ukulele_Eddie]

I second the motion for the VS series.

I have a 0-28VS Custom (Carpathian spruce/Amazon rosewood). I've also owned and enjoyed a standard 0-28VS. I do prefer the Custom over the standard but both are wonderful. Full disclosure that I may be listing it along with several others as I've been buying quite a few guitars lately and need to make room. All part of the journey!

[offkey]

I have to think there is not a best finger style Martin but rather a lot of great ones, among which the 00 17 and 00 18 Authentic models have to rate right up there.

000-28VS. Too bad they discontinued it.

[llew]

A 000-15SM might fit the bill.

[Monts]

I have an 0017s (12 fret), I'd highly recommend for fingerstyle, blues, etc. They also made an 00L17 pretty much the same except 14 frets. They are both discontinued... there's a lot of info and reviews on them you may want to check out.

[musicman1951]

Mine is a beauty, but they only made 155.

My current choice would be a 000-28.