11 BEST Martin Guitars You Can Still Get Today ★ Acoustic Tuesday 269

In true countdown fashion, I'll be ranking 11 of my favorite Martin Guitars. There are hundreds of guitars, lines, and years to choose from. Which one will take my number one spot?

@martinguitar has been in the business longer than most American companies. With immigrant roots, Martin Guitars revolutionized the guitar multiple times in the 1900s. From dreadnought builds to X bracing, they've made some incredible strides.

Today, they're one of the most recognizable acoustic guitar brands. They're prized for their value, playability, and collectability. So, given all this, how could I possibly pick my favorite martin — let alone, narrow it down to just 11?

Obvious price is a huge concern. I could sit here and pick out museum quality, six-figure guitars. But I won't. Instead, I'm picking guitars that might be attainable for you. That's right. We're not just daydreaming here. This could be how you find your favorite Martin!

Overall, I wanted these 11 guitars to represent the wealth of offerings that Martin Guitar has. If there was a guitar that struck a chord with you, let me know in the comments! I'd love to see what you liked about it and whether you went through with seeking it out!

Also featured on this episode...

#martinguitar #acousticguitar
00:00 - Intro
01:42 - Top 11 Best Martins
18:47 - My #1 Favorite Martin
21:32 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 1
24:25 - Comments Roundup (Furch)
28:45 - TAC Guitar Lick Challenge
34:05 - Good enough to get "good guitars"?
39:27 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 2

[BrianWMay]

Being 72, I'm finding my D-28 more of a trial to play. My 000-28 is my go to instrument now so I really understand your CEO-7 opinion. Short scale with 11s makes it so comfortable to play, it's such a mood changer. Whatever the world throws at you, a few minutes playing (fingerstyle) washes frustration away. I find myself often just playing the same beautiful, melodic chords over repeatedly, away in a world of my own (the fingers know what to do so I can just let them get on with it).

Unless I win a lottery I'll probably not buy another guitar, if I did it would indeed be the CEO-7. So sticking with my 000-28 is not a problem as it's SO rewarding.

Thanks for telling us your list. I wish I'd had the opportunity to play so many, but am deeply content with the two I own.

[julieb]

That CEO-7 is a little monster of a guitar! One that will never leave me! Great pick!

[ExploreThe]

Tony - another great list. Surprised not to see the M-36 on top of the list. I do appreciate the thought you put into your prioritization.

[jamescavanaugh]

My "go to guitar" is a Martin SC13e. I think it is, by far, the best price / value in the Martin line. I ordered mine before it was even available and got mine a week before the official release date! The neck attachment geometry and lack of a traditional neck heel makes it play like a Fender Stratocaster! Getting up to the high "C" on the high E string is a breeze! Since introducing the SC-13e, Martin recently came out with a new line of SC body shaped guitars. It's incredibly comfortable to play with its unique asymmetrical shape.

[corporalrich]

Tony, I can't believe you said nothing about the Martin D15. It is the Absolute Bass Monster of all Martin's. It plays even better in Drop D tuning and I absolutely love it for acoustic metal or hard rock!

[derekgladden]

Yep, the CEO7 is hands-down my favorite guitar! It’s the one guitar I’ll never let go.

[CameraLaw]

A review of yours convinced me to get a 000-15SM. Light as a feather. 12 fret. Slotted headstock. Dust Bowl vibe. Honest sound. And I got it from Music Villa! Couldn’t be happier. Named her Brown Sugar. Let’s just add her to the list for an even dozen.

[AndreasCordesMusic]

This brought a big smile on my face 😊 I was lucky to buy one a couple of years ago. It sounds so big for its size with clarity and bass response. It has so much dynamic. You can play it softly and it almost creates a compression effect that makes each note jump out of the guitar. Good choice for #1

[longtalljay]

D35 is the best I have played or heard or owned. I have tried about 8 of these and one of HD35s. All 35s are consistent in sound and set up.

[milwsaw]

I've always avoided trying to "buy expertise" by having gear that exceeded my skill level. Except...took the guitar up at age 65. After practicing for a year diligently and making very slow but steady progress, I purchased a Martin OOO-18. If I waited until I was "good enough", at best, I'd have few years to play it, at worst, I'd never have it. My Martin is not played nearly as well as other Martins, but it's a happy guitar because it's played every day.

[scoggers]

Cool list. I'm a big fan of the Martin Dreadnought Jr. All solid wood, very comfortable to play and really nice tone especially for a small-bodied guitar.

[cph]

Tony, don’t change a thing about your show. Yammer all you want! I look forward to watching this every single Tuesday! Christopher_H from TAC btw.

[moosefamilyadventures]

My favorite is the one I have owned since 2017. It’s a 1998 Martin 00-21GE ❤
Lots of great models on your list. Well done.

[scotthansenmtbt]

Tony, I love Martins and own a DSS-17, it’s great….I’m falling in love with Breedlove guitars also….please cover more Breedlove….

I’m a disabled Marine Desert Storm Vet and when going through the toughest struggles and physical problems, I learned playing bass to start and now acoustic guitar has gotten its grip on me….I became aware of guitars4vets through you….thank you, I’m now a supporter ….I’m over 50, and I want people to know it’s never too late to start learning….playing music, helps deal with pain, it’s a welcome distraction…thanks for the show! Greatly appreciated!

[JTubillard]

I play a CEO-7 that I just love. When I started watching this video I didn't expect that the CEO-7 would even get a mention, since it is far from the main stream of Martin guitars. Needless to say I was really happy to see you placed it at #1! Great guitar!!!

[MaurysMusic]

Hey Tony, thanks for the shout-out! 👊

[erinjoy]

Woooo proud ceo-7 owner here!

I ordered mine back in 2021 and it finally came in a few weeks ago. I’m a lefty and mine sings beautifully! Played it every day since I’ve gotten it. I had a 0015m years ago but wished I had gotten the ceo7, although the mahogany 15 was amazing too.

[DaveDiprose]

To my mind the Martin D28 Authentic 1937 is THE standout acoustic guitar you can buy off the shelf today. Incomparable!

[johnhowlett]

D-28 Martin is just one of the best playing, I grew up playing 12 string acoustic fender! The day I played the D-28 Martin!! Well felt like a 12 string to me !! But that's me !!! Johnnypotatoes!! Peace out✌️😎

[cruelycruel]

Wholesome ... this show and Rosa string works are the best 2 acoustic shows on the internet ... cheers man.