Best sounding Martin

[llew]

Originally Posted by Sundown52

I have played many guitars over my 54 plus years picking. One day I picked up a 2018 reimagined Martin D-41 and was blown away and now own it. Then I played a new standard D-18 and fell in love with it and now own it. I am blessed to have two very different sounding guitars which I love to play equally. Find the one or two which speak to you. Once you do you will smile every time you play them.

Those two Martin's will cover most anything you could want. Congrats on a fine pair of dreads...well done!

[Arjan1961]

For me my Martin D41 special, that sound puts a spell on me... had lots of guitars and still have a few but the D41 will never be sold.

[catdaddy]

Originally Posted by Troubador

Thanks for all of your comments so far -- very enjoyable and informative.

Let me ask this: In your opinion, are there any lower-end Martins -- Custom D rosewood, MMV, D-16RGT, etc. -- that come close in sound/tone to the higher-end Martins such as D-28, D- 35, D-41?

Last year I met a young lady who owns an MMV that I felt sounded as good as any rosewood Martin guitar I've ever heard. I've played a few MMVs, but none were as good as this one. I believe there are gems out there at every price level if you look diligently for them.

As for my favorites in the Martin line, I've consistently liked the sound of the D-18GEs and the D35s that I've played over the years. My personal favorite though is my 2007 Martin J-15. It has opened up over the years into something that gives me chills every time I play it; fundamental tone as smooth as velvet and deep as the ocean.

[hairpuller]

My 000-18 is tough to beat, but I must admit I've played two guitars that were sublime. One was a '64 D28, and I'm not even a dread guy. Second, a 50's 000-28 that I was pulling my wallet out for until I saw the tag...$26k!!

scott

[Charmed Life Picks]

Bruce, you're a subversive naughty boy.

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by Troubador

I know this is subjective, but I just want opinions anyway. What is the best sounding Martin guitar, considering both low-end and high-end price-wise?

I can't imagine how this information would be useful to you.
The only people you're going to find who have played every Martin are likely going to be dealers.
Go out to stores and play as many as you can, listen to YouTube reviews and comparisons, find the Martin that inspires YOU and not someone else.

[Neil K Walk]

The best sounding Martin I ever played was a Martin Marquis D-28 with an Adirondack spruce top and Madagascar Rosewood back and sides - or as I like to call it, "the Maddie Addie." Runner up was the America's Guitar they built for the 175th anniversary. I was also tempted by the D-21 Special back in those days.

I was also a fan of the HD-35 and HD-28V before all this talk of torrification and VTS and "reimagining." Don't get me wrong; I think the new D-28 and HD-28 are great but I don't care to pay more for VTS. I'm patient enough for it to open up as I break it in - otherwise I'd prefer to look at used guitars.

[Sonics]

Originally Posted by Troubador

I know this is subjective, but I just want opinions anyway. What is the best sounding Martin guitar, considering both low-end and high-end price-wise?

Strummer, finger picker...or both? Big low-end, balanced or sweet mids? Large, mid-size or small guitar? Do you have a heavy or a light hand? All these factors will affect your sound, so you should have a tone in your head and find the instrument which is congruent to that tone. If you understand wood combinations, then you already have a head start...

This isn't Martin specific, however you, et al, may find it useful.

[DaveKell]

My first Martin was a 1983 (150th anniversary) D28. AFter the top sustained a serious injury I sent it back to Nazareth and requested the tightest, straight grain top they could find. I also requested shaved braces like an HD but without the herringbone trim as I wanted to be the only one who knew it was now an HD. 7 months later I got back what I thought was the best sounding guitar on the planet. Circumstances forced its sale at a huge loss.

Since that time a number of other guitars have come and gone. I recently traded a custom shop Gibson advanced jumbo maple for a Martin custom shop HD28 VTS. It immediately blew away my lingering regret over the loss of the D28. It's a standout sound at my weekly jam in a room full of high end acoustics. It doesn't compete with my 1982 DY90 Yairi that a wealthy individual commissioned Kazuo to build, but neither does any other guitar I've ever heard. The Martin is my choice for jams and open mics though since it's very outstanding and keeps the Yairi safe at home. I was also amazed at the affordability of newer Martins like my HD.

[kentwinterton]

I bought a D-35 back in 1977 when I was 14 but didn't know what I had at the time. Now I appreciate it for what it is and am so glad I have it. I have played many other Martin guitars and own other brands but to me the D-35 is the cream of my guitar crop.

1977 Martin D-35
2017 Martin HD-28e
2016 Taylor 914cd
Dangelico ES1 Archtop
Taylor GS Mini
Yamaha FG-150

[TDavis]

I've had to move away from dreadnought acoustics toward smaller body guitars...and I've found the two Martin guitars that I believe capture the tones and sounds I want in a Martin guitar. The OM-28 Standard and the 00-18 Standard.

[Dreadful]

I like the rosewood dread sound. Of the newer Martin guitars, my Authentic D-28 1931 12 fret, a close second and best 14 fret is my CS-21-11.

[Pender]

IMHO, the current 000-18 is one of the best sounding Martin guitars, even compared with other high end and boutique makers.

[brencat]

I’ve owned a bunch of Martins. To me, the ‘Hall of Fame’ among modern/non-vintage production models includes the following:

D-28 Marquis
D-18 Authentic 1937
HD-28v

I did not include the D-28A 1937 because the neck is unlike most vintage Martins and is incredibly polarizing — super thin in 1st position, becoming a bat by the 6th fret, that people either love it or hate it. The three guitars I listed above are largely universally loved and consistently good sounding.

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

I like this one.



Martin liked it so much that they decided to make it too ... but not as good.

I've not played either of these (would love to!), but the Martin is much nicer looking (although the headstock's a little wonky).