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10 Best Martin Guitars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#2

Martin Guitar Road Series GPC-11E Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Gig Bag, Sitka Spruce and Sapele Construction, GPC-14 Fret and Performing Artist Neck Shape with High-Performance Taper Natural

The Martin Guitar Road Series GPC-11E Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a well-rounded instrument suited for both acoustic and electric playing. It features a Grand Performance Cutaway (GPC) body shape, which offers comfort and ease of playability, making it a good choice for various playing styles. The sitka spruce top combined with sapele back and sides provides a rich and balanced tone, suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

The neck, made of hardwood, has a Performing Artist profile with a high-performance taper, ensuring smooth and fast playability, ideal for both beginners and seasoned players. With a scale length of 25.4 inches, it offers a familiar feel and good string tension for clear and resonant sounds. Equipped with Fishman MX-T electronics, this guitar allows for easy amplification without sacrificing the acoustic quality, making it a versatile option for live performances and recording.

The use of either rosewood or ebony for the fretboard adds to the luxurious feel and playability. Weighing 8 pounds and measuring 37 x 16 x 7 inches, it’s relatively lightweight and portable, which is great for traveling musicians. On the downside, the higher price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious players. This guitar is well-received and offers a high-quality playing experience. It’s particularly suitable for those looking for a reliable, versatile acoustic-electric guitar capable of delivering excellent sound both unplugged and amplified.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Tonewoods
As the strings age, the guitar sounds better and better with well-balanced tones.
Electronics
The unplugged sound is a bit quiet, but the amplified tone is excellent.
#3

Martin D-28 - Natural

The Martin D-28 is a renowned acoustic guitar that stands out for its quality and craftsmanship, making it a great choice for serious musicians and enthusiasts alike. One of its key strengths is its construction, featuring a solid spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, which together produce a rich and powerful sound. The dreadnought body shape enhances volume and projection, making it particularly suitable for strumming and flatpicking styles. The ebony fingerboard and bridge not only add to its aesthetic appeal but also offer a smooth playing experience. With a scale length of 25.4 inches, it provides a comfortable reach for most players.

However, it’s worth noting that the D-28 is relatively heavy, weighing 17.6 pounds, which could be a concern for players who travel or perform frequently. Additionally, while its price reflects its high-quality materials and brand reputation, it may be considered steep for beginners or casual players who might not need such a premium instrument.

The Martin D-28 is a fantastic choice if you're seeking a durable, high-performance acoustic guitar that delivers exceptional sound quality.

Buying Guide for the Best Martin Guitars

Choosing the right Martin guitar can be a rewarding experience, as these instruments are known for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. To find the best fit for you, it's important to consider several key specifications that will influence the sound, playability, and overall feel of the guitar. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and playing style.
Body ShapeThe body shape of a guitar affects its sound and comfort. Common shapes include Dreadnought, Concert, and Jumbo. Dreadnoughts are known for their powerful, booming sound and are great for strumming and flatpicking. Concert guitars are smaller and more comfortable to hold, making them ideal for fingerpicking and lighter playing styles. Jumbo guitars have a large body that produces a deep, resonant sound, suitable for players who want a big, bold tone. Choose a body shape that feels comfortable to play and matches your musical style.
TonewoodsThe type of wood used in a guitar's construction significantly impacts its sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce tops are versatile and provide a bright, clear tone, making them a popular choice for many styles. Mahogany offers a warm, rich sound with strong midrange frequencies, suitable for blues and folk music. Rosewood produces a deep, complex tone with pronounced bass and treble, ideal for fingerstyle and intricate playing. Consider the tonal qualities you prefer and choose a guitar with tonewoods that match your desired sound.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the guitar's neck, which affects playability and comfort. Common profiles include C-shape, V-shape, and U-shape. C-shape necks are rounded and comfortable for most players, making them a versatile choice. V-shape necks have a more pronounced ridge, which can be comfortable for players who use their thumb over the neck. U-shape necks are thicker and provide a solid grip, suitable for players with larger hands. Choose a neck profile that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your playing style.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge of the guitar, affecting string tension and playability. Common scale lengths include short scale (24.75 inches) and long scale (25.5 inches). Short scale guitars have less string tension, making them easier to play and bend notes, which is great for blues and rock. Long scale guitars have more string tension, providing a tighter feel and more sustain, suitable for genres like metal and jazz. Consider your playing style and choose a scale length that offers the right balance of tension and playability for you.
ElectronicsSome Martin guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing you to amplify your sound for live performances or recording. These systems typically include a pickup and preamp, with controls for volume and tone. If you plan to perform or record with your guitar, having built-in electronics can be a convenient feature. However, if you primarily play acoustically, you may not need this feature. Consider your needs and whether built-in electronics will enhance your playing experience.

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