The Most Popular Martin Guitar, Ranked

Choose the guitar you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:43
In the world of acoustic guitars, the quest to find the right instrument can be akin to finding a needle in a haystack. For enthusiasts and musicians, the sound and feel of a guitar are paramount, making choosing the right one an essential, but often formidable task. This is where having a carefully curated list of favored Martin guitars comes in handy, helping potential buyers and aficionados make an informed choice based on community preferences. Each guitar brings its unique timbre and construction, resonating differently with every musician's touch and style. By voting for your favorite models, you contribute to a community-driven guide that assists fellow musicians in navigating the broad array of options. This dynamic ranking offers real-time insights into what others in the community value and recommend, making your decision process smoother and more tailored to widespread experiences and preferences.

What Is the Most Popular Martin Guitar?

  1. 1
    63
    votes

    Martin D-28

    C.F. Martin & Company
    Martin D-28 - considered the quintessential Martin guitar, known for its powerful projection and rich, balanced tone.
    The Martin D-28 is a renowned acoustic guitar known for its timeless design, rich sound, and exceptional craftsmanship. It is often considered one of the most beautiful acoustic guitars available.
    • Body Shape: Dreadnought
    • Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
    • Back and Sides Wood: East Indian Rosewood
    • Neck Wood: Select Hardwood
    • Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
    Martin D-28 in other rankings
  2. 2
    31
    votes

    Martin HD-28

    C.F. Martin & Co.
    Martin HD-28 is similar to the D-28 but with herringbone purfling and scalloped bracing for a slightly different tone.
    The Martin HD-28 is an iconic acoustic guitar known for its powerful and balanced sound, exceptional craftsmanship, and timeless design. It is highly regarded among professional musicians and is considered one of the most popular and sought-after models in the Martin line.
    • Body Shape: Dreadnought
    • Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
    • Back & Sides Wood: Solid East Indian Rosewood
    • Neck Wood: Select Hardwood
    • Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
  3. 3
    18
    votes
    Martin D-18
    Lucas Cranach the Elder · Public domain

    Martin D-18

    C.F. Martin & Company
    Martin D-18 is a classic Martin dreadnought with a warm, full-bodied sound that works well for a variety of styles.
    The Martin D-18 is a dreadnought acoustic guitar known for its rich sound and classic design. It is highly regarded for its versatility and is a preferred choice among seasoned musicians and recording artists. The D-18 is suitable for various playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking.
    • Body Shape: Dreadnought
    • Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
    • Back and Sides Wood: Solid Genuine Mahogany
    • Neck Wood: Select Hardwood
    • Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
  4. 4
    13
    votes

    Martin OM-28

    C.F. Martin & Co.
    Martin OM-28 is a smaller-bodied guitar with a balanced, clear tone that's popular with fingerstyle players.
    The Martin OM-28 is a highly regarded acoustic guitar known for its exceptional tonal balance and versatility. It is part of Martin's Standard Series, offering a timeless design and unmatched craftsmanship.
    • Body Shape: Orchestra Model (OM)
    • Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
    • Back & Sides Wood: East Indian Rosewood
    • Neck Wood: Select Hardwood
    • Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
  5. 5
    20
    votes
    Martin 000-28
    US Embassy Tokyo · Public domain

    Martin 000-28

    C. F. Martin & Company
    Martin 000-28 is a mid-sized guitar with a warm, mellow tone that's versatile and easy to play.
    The Martin 000-28 is a highly sought-after acoustic guitar known for its rich tone and exceptional playability. It is part of Martin's 000 series, which features a compact body size with a deep and balanced sound.
    • Body Size: 000
    • Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
    • Back & Sides Wood: East Indian Rosewood
    • Neck Wood: Select Hardwood
    • Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
  6. 6
    17
    votes
    Martin 00-18 is a smaller-bodied guitar with a clear, bright tone that's great for fingerpicking and lighter strumming.
    The Martin 00-18 is a highly regarded acoustic guitar known for its exceptional tone and playability. It is part of Martin's 00 series, which features smaller bodies and a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The 00-18 is a testament to the craftsmanship and enduring popularity of Martin guitars.
    • Body Shape: Double-0 (OO)
    • Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
    • Back & Sides Wood: Solid Mahogany
    • Neck Wood: Select Hardwood (usually mahogany)
    • Scale Length: 24.9 inches
  7. 7
    18
    votes

    Martin D-35

    C.F. Martin & Company
    Martin D-35 is a larger-bodied guitar with a distinctive three-piece back and a bold, full sound.
    The Martin D-35 is a highly regarded acoustic guitar known for its powerful, rich sound and exceptional craftsmanship. It is one of the most popular models produced by the Martin Guitar Company.
    • Body Shape: Dreadnought
    • Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
    • Back and Sides Wood: Solid East Indian Rosewood
    • Neck Wood: Select Hardwood
    • Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    Martin D-45 is a luxurious, ornate guitar with intricate inlays and a powerful, resonant tone.
    The Martin D-45 is a highly coveted acoustic guitar known for its exceptional craftsmanship and rich, full-bodied tone. It is considered one of Martin's flagship models.
    • Body Shape: Dreadnought
    • Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
    • Back and Side Wood: Solid East Indian Rosewood
    • Neck Wood: Select Hardwood
    • Fingerboard Wood: Solid Ebony
  9. 9
    13
    votes
    Martin 000-15M
    Hans Burgkmair the Elder · Public domain

    Martin 000-15M

    C.F. Martin & Co.
    Martin 000-15M is a smaller-bodied, all-mahogany guitar with a warm, woody tone that's popular with blues and folk players.
    The Martin 000-15M is a popular acoustic guitar known for its rich and warm sound. It is part of Martin's 15 Series, which features all-mahogany construction for a unique tonal quality. The 000-15M is designed for players who prefer a smaller body size with a comfortable playing experience.
    • Body Shape: 000 (Triple-O)
    • Top Wood: Solid Mahogany
    • Back and Sides Wood: Solid Mahogany
    • Neck Wood: Mahogany
    • Fingerboard Wood: East Indian Rosewood
  10. 10
    1
    votes

    Martin LX1E

    C.F. Martin & Co.
    Martin LX1E is a compact, travel-sized guitar with a surprisingly full sound thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top and Fishman electronics.
    The Martin LX1E is a compact and portable acoustic-electric guitar that offers excellent playability and comfort for players of all levels. It is part of the Little Martin series, known for their small size and big sound. The LX1E features a solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany pattern high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides, delivering a rich and balanced tone. The guitar also includes a Fishman Sonitone pickup system, allowing for amplified performances and easy plug-and-play connectivity.
    • Body Shape: Modified 0-14 Fret
    • Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
    • Back and Sides: Mahogany Pattern HPL
    • Neck Material: Rust Birch Laminate
    • Fingerboard Material: FSC Certified Richlite
    Martin LX1E in other rankings

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular guitar

  1. Sound quality
    The primary reason for the popularity of a guitar is its sound. A popular Martin guitar should have a well-balanced, rich, and warm tone that appeals to a wide range of players.
  2. Craftsmanship and build quality
    Martin guitars are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. A popular model should display these features, including solid construction, durable materials, and reliable performance over time.
  3. Playability
    The guitar should be easy and comfortable to play, regardless of the player's skill level. Factors affecting playability include the guitar's size, shape, neck profile, and action.
  4. Signature models and artists
    Guitars that are associated with popular artists or designed in collaboration with them often gain popularity due to the artist's fan base and influence.
  5. Aesthetics
    Although not directly related to the guitar's performance, the visual appeal can be an important factor in a guitar's popularity. Unique design elements, attractive finishes, or custom artwork can contribute to the desirability of a model.
  6. Reputation
    Martin has a long history and is known for producing high-quality acoustic guitars. Models that have been popular over time and have maintained their reputation, both in terms of sound quality and durability, should be considered.
  7. Versatility
    A popular Martin guitar should be suitable for various playing styles and genres, from fingerpicking to strumming, and from blues to rock.
  8. Value
    While Martin guitars tend to be on the higher end of the price range, a popular model should provide a good value considering its features, sound quality, and craftsmanship.
  9. Availability and accessibility
    A popular Martin guitar should be readily available in stores and online, so potential buyers can easily find and try out the instrument.
  10. Reviews and recommendations
    Lastly, consider the opinions of musicians, music industry professionals, and consumer reviews when assessing the popularity of a Martin guitar. A model that consistently attracts positive feedback and is highly recommended is likely to be a popular choice.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Martin guitar. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Guitar is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2271 views
  • 182 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Guitar once every 24 hours. The rank of each Guitar is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular martin guitar

Martin guitars are some of the most revered and sought-after instruments in the world. C.F. Martin & Company has been producing high-quality guitars for over 180 years, and their instruments have been played by some of the most iconic musicians in history. Martin guitars are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, beautiful tone, and timeless design. With countless models and variations available, it can be difficult to determine which Martin guitar is the most popular. However, through our polls and rankings, we have discovered which models are the most beloved by musicians and fans alike.

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