The 7 Best Sounding Martin Guitars for the Money

The Martin D-28 is easily one of the top guitars in the long line Martin acoustics. While it may look like your standard dreadnought guitar right off the bat, it sounds unlike anything you’ve ever heard.

When you play it for the first time, the sound resonates like magic.

It is made with a Sitka spruce top, a hardwood neck, and Indian Rosewood back and sides, for a unique tone.

Hardwood necks are some of the best, as they feel like nothing else in the hands, which makes it very easy to play. Beyond the tone, having serious playability is of the utmost importance.

In terms of tone, the D-28 has this gorgeous, vintage tone that sounds a lot like the acoustic guitars that you hear on acoustic rock records of the 1970s. That is because this guitar was played by some of the greats, including Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Jimmy Paige, Elvis Presley, and more.

The high-quality construction means that it is durable and ages nicely. The more you play your D-28, the better it will sound.

This little Martin guitar is one of the best portable guitars in Martin’s line, though even with its small size, provides a clear, powerful sound. You’d be surprised as to how dynamic this thing plays the first time you strum it.

Of course, there is a regular LX1 model, though the added “E” gives it those handy electronics to take your live performance to the next level.

The guitar has a solid Sitka Spruce top, which delivers a rich, high-quality tone. Pair that with the Mahogany on the back and sides, and you get an unreal sound.

Yes, it does have a laminate top, but it doesn’t take away from the tone. In fact, it only adds to the overall durability, perfect for those who live in more extreme climates or like to travel.

The beauty of this guitar is that it is incredibly lightweight and perfect for young kids or those with small hands. It’s great for those who like to travel too, as it takes up almost no space on the plane or in the trunk.

When it comes to playing fingerstyle, you need a guitar that has an even tone throughout the full range. One of the best fingerstyle guitars in the Martin line is the GPX1AE.

What is even better is that this high-quality guitar won’t break the bank. It comes with a top-tier, Sitka Spruce top that provides you with a bright and even sound that is great for soft fingerpicking.

The wood resonates really nicely too, so if you want to add a little bit of fist drumming to your playing, you’ll be happy to get a deep, Cajon-like boom.

Like many of the Martin acoustic-electric guitars, this one comes with Fishman Sonitone electronics, giving you total control over your volume and tone. It even comes with a cool USB feature that allows you to plug and play on your computer.

Martins aren’t known for being cheap, though if your aim is to get a budget acoustic guitar with the Martin name, the LXM is one of the best. The laminate spruce design gives it a brilliant tone and tons of projection, perfect for playing without a microphone or amplifier. If you’re someone who goes on the road a lot with your guitar, you won’t feel as guilty bringing this little guy with you.

The Micarta fretboard holds the strings together really nicely and connects with a strong, Indian Rosewood bridge. Like a lot of the small Martin guitars, it comes with a small, easy-to-play neck that contains Martin-standard Mortise for added durability.

Even in this budget guitar, you get high-quality Gotoh tuners that keep the instrument sounding well-intonated no matter how much you are playing.

Thanks to the 23″ scale length, this little guitar is also perfect for players with smaller hands. While you may consider a D-28 Martin to be a high-quality, once-in-a-lifetime guitar, the LXM is a daily driver that can be played just about anywhere, anytime.

The Martin D Jr 10 is a junior-sized guitar that is perfect for beginner players or even veteran players who are looking for something that is more portable.

The D Jr 10 comes with a Sitka Spruce Top and Sapele back and sides, which delivers a rich, warm tone across the entire range of frequencies. The hardwood neck provides a pristine feel while the high-quality Richlite fingerboard gives you comfortable chording for any style of playing.

One of our favorite parts about this guitar is the shape. The small, dreadnought style makes it easy to hold and play, especially for those with small hands. Even with the small size, it projects well with a sharp focus. The final tone is balanced and bright, perfect for recording pop-style acoustic guitar too.

If you’re just starting out, having something that feels and sounds good is incredibly important, as it will help to keep you motivated throughout the process.

The Martin D-16E is interesting, as Martin doesn’t make very many cutaway acoustic guitars. The best part about cutaway guitars is that they have a tighter sound overall with a better treble response and less bass. This makes it the perfect guitar for recording.

The DC-16E uses a variety of high-quality tonewoods, including a Sitka Spruce top, sycamore back and sides, and a solid, black ebony fingerboard.

The guitar projects nicely for a cutaway guitar with only five inches of space. If you’re looking to play live, you’ll be happy to know that it uses Fishman Matrix VT Enhance electronics, providing you with a crisp and clear sound.

Even when you play the guitar with a strong force, the tone retains itself very nicely. The forward-shifted X Scalloped bracing is incredibly durable too, making it perfect for taking on tour or to your next gig.

In terms of playability, the low oval neck shape provides a smooth feel that you can play for hours without feeling worn out. Overall, it’s one of our favorites in the 16-series, providing players with an innovative tone and feel.

The Martin D-15 is a classic that is very reminiscent of the guitars Martin made in the first half of the 20th century. It has solid wood construction with a high-quality mahogany top, back, and sides. The neck is also made of durable Mahogany that pairs well with the Indian rosewood fingerboard.

In terms of tone, the Martin D-15 provides you with a warm low-frequency range and a beautiful balance of mids and highs. Thanks to the Mahogany materials, this guitar is one of the most unique sounding on our list.

When it comes to aesthetics, the D-15 keeps it pretty simple, great for the classic player. It has a smooth satin finish that makes it very comfortable to play too. You can strum on this thing for hours without feeling fatigued.

It’s not often that you come across a dreadnought guitar like this. It is what makes the D-15 such an instantly recognizable guitar for players worldwide.