Your First Martin, what would you buy?

[pjroberts]

Originally Posted by JayBee1404

1st choice - a D-18
2nd choice - a D-28
3rd choice - a J-40 (actually it would be my 1st choice, but it's quite a bit more expensive than a D-18 or D-28).

The usual disclaimers apply......IMHO, YMMV etc.

Yes on the J-40. Someone is selling a nice looking specimen in classifieds. Maury’s also sometimes has a lower cost J-28, which is same guitar without the bling ... too bad that’s not a standard model. For me, the J is the most versatile Martin in my experience. But virtually unknown. Same depth as a dread, with a curvier bout, so easier to play, and without the dread boom — plenty of bass, but defined, along with other mid and high characteristics of the D28. Fingerstyle and strumming ... you name it.

[CaptRedbeard]

I agree with many of the others. Go play a D-18 or D-28 and, if you like one or the other, buy it , search for it, or save for it.