Entry Level Martin

[lowrider]

Here are some of the Martin 000 guitars that will fall into you price range with the discount available through our forum sponsors;

https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/

You will get a 40% discount off of the price on the Martin website on the 15 series and above and about 35% on a Road Series. With the internet pricing, Martin guitars become the real bargains of the guitar world.

[SFCRetired]

It's good to see people offer alternatives and I won't discount the guitars they have mentioned. But if you want a Martin get a Martin and don't get dragged into the"it's close to a Martin" and then find yourself still wanting a Martin. The Road series line of guitars is probably one of the best bang for your buck guitars on the market.

People used to always get a 16 series to save money and get close to a D-18 or D-28 in sound. I have had 3 of them and they are really great guitars. But they have revamped the 16 series and what you will find is the revamped Road Series line of Martin's is about the same thing as the old 16 series is. Same woods, same neck joint, same fret board richlite. The road series does have a couple of different types of woods to choose from but they are all fine woods. Decide what nut size you want 1 11/16 or 1.75. Then you can decide if you want to look for a used 16 series, all in your budget, or go with a new road series in the 1.75 nut size. You can also find used Road series for way less than your budget is. Take it from someone who used to think I could get close to a Martin and found out after buying selling many guitars I wanted a Martin all along, just like I thought I did.

[Kitkatjoe]

Reverb has been good for me. You can find many Martin’s for sale there. It’s my favorite place to visit daily.[emoji847]

[Mad Max]

I just bought a D-13e and I love it. Same specs as the 000 version besides different body style obviously, all solid wood for $1149, new. Richlite is not the same as plastic.

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by sschw

(no laminate or plastic fingerboard)

If this is a reference to Richlite, your fears are unfounded. It's an excellent fretboard material and is in no way inferior to ebony in tone nor quality. There have been numerous discussions about it.

[Neil K Walk]

Originally Posted by TBman

Look at the Martin 16 series.

+1

You should be able to find a used D-16GT for less than $1000. For an OM I’d recommend Larrivee. I prefer theirs over Martin’s.

[lastingimage]

Just wanted to correct some slight mis-information someone posted here. The Martin 15 series guitars are not part of the Standard Series guitars. The Standard Series includes guitars with the 18 designation on up. The 15,16,and 17 series models are made in Nazareth and are fine instrument but they are made from different materials and with different construction techniques. They just aren't in the Standard Series.

[Llewlyn]

Another vote for Martin 000-15SM.

Ll.

[Neil K Walk]

Originally Posted by jim1960

If this is a reference to Richlite, your fears are unfounded. It's an excellent fretboard material and is in no way inferior to ebony in tone nor quality. There have been numerous discussions about it.

+1

My two main acoustics are a D-16GT with the richlite bridge and fingerboard and a Larrivee with streaked ebony bridge and fingerboard. Both feel exactly the same - though the bridge on the Martin has sharp edges that I don't particularly care for. That has nothing to do with the material IMO.

[catdaddy]

Originally Posted by Neil K Walk

+1

My two main acoustics are a D-16GT with the richlite bridge and fingerboard and a Larrivee with streaked ebony bridge and fingerboard. Both feel exactly the same - though the bridge on the Martin has sharp edges that I don't particularly care for. That has nothing to do with the material IMO.

+2

The richlite fingerboard on my Martin 000X1AE looks and feels the same as the ebony fingerboard on my Bourgeois.

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by sschw

Can an all solid wood (no laminate or plastic fingerboard) be had used for under 1300 or so? Looking at the 000 body style.

There are 85 000-Martins on Reverb for $1300 or less.

[SFCRetired]

If you are going to look at a 16 series make sure you know which series you are looking at. The old series will usually have a GT-GTE or the like after the 16. The new ones have a 000 depth body and only have an E(for electric) after the 16. There is a newer style 16 on Reverb called a GPC-16E for a tad over 1300, at least it was there this morning. If you don't mind a cut away that would be the guitar I would consider if I wanted a 000, because it is a little bigger than an 000 is but the depth is the same and they come with electronics although I haven't hear many good things about that particular pick up system.

The 000-16Gt prices are all over the map but usually range from 1200-900 today. There is an OM-16GT with a 1.75 nut on reverb that has had a crack split that would make a great guitar. The split has been repaired and you can't even see where it was. shipped is less than 1K, with a K&K in it. If I wanted a 000 inexpensive Martin that is the one I would buy. No affiliation with the seller. But the Road series 000 is also a good selection.

[texaspicker]

Originally Posted by sschw

Hi all,

Thinking its time to graduate from the plywood guitar I've been playing. Really want a Martin but don't want to have to sell my car to get one.

Can an all solid wood (no laminate or plastic fingerboard) be had used for under 1300 or so? Looking at the 000 body style.

Would love to hear all input/opinions on the matter.

Thanks!

I just picked up one of Martin's X Series guitars and I have to say I was extremely impressed with the tone and playability of this guitar. Having owned high end Taylors I have to honestly say this guitar which was under $500 can compete and even supersede the qualities of the all wood guitars I currently own.

Seriously, go play one. I was really surprised and quite delighted in my find.

[UncleJesse]

At that price Eastman E10D or Martin 000-15SM

[Dbone]

Originally Posted by jim1960

If this is a reference to Richlite, your fears are unfounded. It's an excellent fretboard material and is in no way inferior to ebony in tone nor quality. There have been numerous discussions about it.

Apparently it is more expensive than ebony for builders.