Best sounding Martin

[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?

[zoopeda]

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?

They don't sound the same. How close they sound is something we could debate forever. You just need to play them. With a little luck, you'll prefer the cheaper one. If not, you've gotta figure out what you can afford and get the best.

[jsanfilippo5]

Best Martin I ever heard was an hd28 at the Martin guitar factory... I've owned hd28 and played a ton but something about that one was just magical....

[Mbroady]

While shopping for a Martin D-35 I had an opportunity to sample a wide selection of Martin’s . I would say there were at least 30 Martin’s hanging on the wall, with several duplicates to sample. There were several versions of D-18s, 28s, 35s, 41s, 42s and 45s, along with a good selection of OMs, OOO and customs

One of the best sounding guitars was a mid 50s D-18 but the new 41s and 42s were consistently AMAZING. The other guitars were not as consistently fantastic. Out of three D-28 2 were stellar the other 1 was just ok, same for the New HD-28s and the new D18s. All The 35s were consistently amazing as well. To my ears it had just a bit more of what I was looking for (Low end punch with high end sparkle) over the 40 series guitar, which were a bit more balanced.

If it were not for the wider nut I would have walked out with a D-35. So I wound up with a custom D35 order with the smaller nut and a burst finish.

With that said, I think one day I will just have bite the bullet and order D-41s with the smaller nut.

[JTFoote]

Best I ever heard in person was a 1998 D-45SS Stephen Stills dreadnought.

... JT

[HodgdonExtreme]

Boy, reading thru this thread sure makes me want to try out "authentic" versions of D18 and D28!

...or maybe I should specifically avoid trying them?!?!?

[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.

[PiousDevil]

For me it’s my lowly 000-15sm. My D18 sounds great, but there’s just something special about the 000-15sm.

[Cool555]

Depends if you’re a Mahogany or Rosewood or Mango wood lover... lol

For me, it’s my humble 00-15M.

[pagedr]

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?

The MMV has a slightly different bracing pattern than a D-28 but it still sounds pretty good and punches well above its price point if you buy one used.

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by jsanfilippo5

Best Martin I ever heard was an hd28 at the Martin guitar factory... I've owned hd28 and played a ton but something about that one was just magical....

Sometimes they'll be one in a batch that stands out like that.

The best standard Martin D Series I ever played was a D-18 at McCabes in Santa Monice. Oh my Lord. It was PERFECT.

I have an agreement with myself that I've kept for years. When I go into a guitar store, I intentionally leave my wallet in the car. I had to run out of the store before I bought that monster. What a guitar.

scott memmer

[Dbone]

The one you hear and love in person yourself.

[takamineGD93]

Maybe you can rephrase the question to "What martin guitar capture the martin sound best?"

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by takamineGD93

Maybe you can rephrase the question to "What martin guitar capture the martin sound best?"

Okay, I'll welcome answers to that, also.

[Mr. Paul]

In the search for the Martin tone you'll like the best, finding the body shape / wood combo you prefer in the Authentic series is a good place to start.