Quick answer: The best Martin guitar for most players who can stretch the budget is the D-18, a classic all-solid mahogany dreadnought. The D-28 is the iconic rosewood choice, the all-mahogany D-15M offers solid-wood Martin tone for less, and the LX1E Little Martin is the best travel and beginner Martin.
Martin has been building acoustic guitars since 1833, and its dreadnought shape is the template for countless guitars. A Martin’s deep, warm tone has been part of folk, country and worship music for generations.
Martin’s range now spans affordable X Series and Little Martin guitars up to the Standard Series D-28 and D-18. Here are six currently sold Martins and who each one suits.
New to this? Start with our guide on how to choose an acoustic guitar.
Related: 9 ways to make an acoustic guitar quieter, 9 reasons why acoustic guitars sound better with age, and 7 steps to making your acoustic guitar electric.
New to this? You may also like my guides to best acoustic guitars and best guitar brands.
Our top picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Key features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin D-28 Standard | The iconic Martin sound | Solid spruce top, solid East Indian rosewood, dreadnought, case | Check current price |
| Martin D-18 | Most players wanting a pro Martin | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, dreadnought | Check current price |
| Martin D-15M | All-solid Martin for less | All-solid mahogany, dreadnought, satin finish | Check current price |
| Martin 000-15M | Fingerstyle and smaller players | All-solid mahogany, 000 body | Check current price |
| Martin D-X2E Figured Mahogany | Affordable stage Martin | Dreadnought, HPL back/sides, Fishman electronics | Check current price |
| Martin LX1E Little Martin | Travel, kids and beginners | Compact body, solid spruce top, Fishman electronics, gig bag | Check current price |
Best Martin Guitars: reviews
1. Martin D-28 Standard — best for the iconic Martin sound
Key features: Solid spruce top, solid East Indian rosewood, dreadnought, case
The D-28 is the guitar many people picture when they hear ‘Martin.’ Solid East Indian rosewood back and sides with a solid spruce top give deep bass, sparkling highs and huge projection.
It’s a lifetime guitar for strumming, bluegrass flatpicking and leading worship with a big, full sound. It’s a serious investment, so play one if you can.
Pros:
- Legendary rosewood tone
- Huge projection
- Heirloom build
Cons:
- High price
- No electronics as standard
2. Martin D-18 — best for most players wanting a pro Martin
Key features: Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, dreadnought
The D-18 is the mahogany sibling of the D-28. Mahogany gives a drier, punchier, more focused tone that many players find easier to sit in a mix with vocals.
It’s my pick for most players who want a professional Martin. It records beautifully and works for strumming and singing.
Pros:
- Focused, woody tone
- Great for singing along
- Usually less than the D-28
Cons:
- Still expensive
- No pickup as standard
3. Martin D-15M — best for all-solid Martin for less
Key features: All-solid mahogany, dreadnought, satin finish
The D-15M is an all-mahogany dreadnought, top included. It has a warm, mellow, slightly vintage sound that suits blues, folk and gentle worship.
It gives you all-solid-wood Martin construction at a lower price than the Standard Series, with a simple satin finish.
Pros:
- All-solid wood
- Warm, vintage character
- Lower price than Standard Series
Cons:
- Less sparkle than spruce tops
- Plain look
4. Martin 000-15M — best for fingerstyle and smaller players
Key features: All-solid mahogany, 000 body
The 000-15M uses Martin’s smaller 000 body. It’s more comfortable to hold than a dreadnought and has a balanced, intimate tone that’s great for fingerpicking.
If dreadnoughts feel too big, this is a great all-solid Martin to consider.
Pros:
- Comfortable size
- Balanced fingerstyle tone
- All-solid mahogany
Cons:
- Less volume for hard strumming
- No electronics
5. Martin D-X2E Figured Mahogany — best for affordable stage Martin
Key features: Dreadnought, HPL back/sides, Fishman electronics
The X Series uses Martin’s durable high-pressure laminate for the back and sides, which helps it handle temperature and humidity swings. The D-X2E adds Fishman electronics so you can plug in.
It’s a practical, affordable Martin for gigs, youth groups and players who want the name and the dreadnought sound without the Standard Series price.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Built-in electronics
- Affordable Martin
Cons:
- Laminate back and sides</