Tell me about the Martin M36

[kriso77]

I haven't played one, but online demos sound really good. Would love to know your thoughts if you own or have played one.

Thanks!

[capefisherman]

I've owned three and use one professionally now. Love it!! It's been called the "Swiss Army Knife" of Martins, for good reason. Super comfortable to hold (thinner than a dread) but with plenty of volume, even response, very comfortable neck profile. Sounds great with my K&K pick-up too. The only thing I don't care for is the older style "vintage toner" that Martin has discontinued on all their other guitars, it is too orange-y looking for me but I'll put up with that for all its other qualities.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by kriso77

I haven't played one, but online demos sound really good. Would love to know your thoughts if you own or have played one.

Thanks!

You might find it perfect for you but bear in mind that in 1984 Chris Martin himself added 3/4" body depth to that guitar to create the J-14 fret body.

With that in mind maybe consider the J-40 for comparison.

[HodgdonExtreme]

Awesome guitar with what I consider an almost perfect shape. I'm a dreadnought guy, but when I play an M36 (or a 0000-28), I don't feel like it gives up any tone or volume to the dread. But at same time, it feels like a much smaller guitar that sits really nicely in the lap. Sonically, I'd guess I'd say it has a bit more balance between strings than the dread, but not enough so that it's a "very different" sound.

[BluesBelly]

GREAT Guitar. I absolutely love it. The comments above from other posters ring true!
I have the “reimagined“ version which was introduced in 2018. It has forward shifted scalloped bracing and a 1-3/4” nut. Previous versions have 1-11/16” nut.
Here is an accurate review:

https://pegheadnation.com/instrument...tin-m-36-2018/

Get yourself one.
Blues

[llew]

Nothing wrong with a M36...fine guitar. But I'd prefer the deeper body that the J-40 delivers. Just my two cents?

[capefisherman]

FWIW, my two previous ones had the 1 11/16" nut width, regular (non scalloped) bracing. My latest one is one of the "re-imagined" series and it blows the older ones out of the water both in playability and sound. I did change out the old, big, heavy Grovers to Gotoh Vintage Style 510's, much better not only in tuning function but also in looks (mine are the gold version). I also had one of the rare 0000-28H models, made for only a few years in the late 90s and early 2000s, it was similar to my new one sound-wise due to scalloped braces but had the 1 11/16" nut if I recall....

[BluesBelly]

Originally Posted by capefisherman

FWIW, I did change out the old, big, heavy Grovers to Gotoh Vintage Style 510's, much better not only in tuning function but also in looks (mine are the gold version).

I also dumped the OEM Grover tuners for the new model Gotoh SXN510-06M-GG Open Back tuners in gold. These are made buy Gotoh as direct Replacements for the Grover tuners. These are great tuners at a reasonable price And look sharp. The Ferrell bushings insert from the top and screw into the body of the tuner fore stability. Quite a few color options.

https://www.philadelphialuthiertools...-machines-set/

Blues.

[The Bard Rocks]

I had an M38 (similar only fancier) for many, many years. A very balanced guitar, good stage guitar for a single player and a real pleasure to play when by yourself. I eventually sold it because I was playing more and more with others and was unable to hear myself very well.

[jp2558]

M-36 = Martin’s best kept secret. I have a 2011 with the 1 & 11/16ths nut. It’s my Stradivarius.

[tj_mangum]

Originally Posted by HodgdonExtreme

Awesome guitar with what I consider an almost perfect shape. I'm a dreadnought guy, but when I play an M36 (or a 0000-28), I don't feel like it gives up any tone or volume to the dread. But at same time, it feels like a much smaller guitar that sits really nicely in the lap. Sonically, I'd guess I'd say it has a bit more balance between strings than the dread, but not enough so that it's a "very different" sound.

Plus One! Great guitar that you don't hear about that much.

[kriso77]

Man, you all got me psyched. One of the online stores has them for 20% off plus I had some store credit to play with. I decided to pull the trigger. It will be here Monday. NGD post to follow.

[Silly Moustache]

Had a frind with an M-38 - beautiful guitar. he may have been the reason I bought a J-40 back in the '90s.

Personally , even discregarding the pencil thin neck profile, - the J-40 did not have the character that the M-36/8 had.

[Mr. Paul]

My friend's early 90s M38 has a balanced, creamy tone that is perfect for him. As has been pointed out it is not a particularly loud guitar, which is an asset as a solo guy doing singer songwriter stuff. Enjoy yours!

[rumble]

If your looking for the OM EQ balance and projection but with the Dreadnought presence then the M36,38 is the call. So comfortable to play and hold. X+ factor!