Martin D28 Acoustic Guitar

How to Buy a Martin D15 Guitar

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:36:43 +0000

Looking for that great Martin-guitar sound at a reasonable price. Then you might want to consider the popular Martin D15.

Here are a few facts about the Martin D15 guitar–and how to find a great deal on this excellent instrument.

What the Martin D15 Offers

The D15 model is a great, simple looking and smooth playing guitar. It has the nice tone of mahogany and is finished in a chocolate color. Here

Martin started this line in the 1940′s when it became a very popular model and brought it out again recently. It is presently the most affordable guitar Martin offers and is once again popular.

How the Martin D15 Sounds

The 15 Series uses solid mahogany on the back and sides. This wood offers a brighter tone as opposed to the deep sounding solid rosewood back and sides of a D35.

The brighter sound records a nice acoustic reproduction over a microphone. The clear recorded sound of an acoustic guitar can be kept or equalized according to the effect desired without overriding the mic and distorting.

How the Martin D15 Looks

The guitar stands out for its simplicity and price. The solid wood construction offers the quality of a Martin D15 guitar at a very reasonable price.

It is no wonder the Martin D15 Series guitars are so popular and they come in all shapes and sizes. The rich chocolate stain is accented nicely by the gold Martin logo on the headstock.

Along with the solid wood back and sides, the 15 Series have a satin finish, patented neck mortise, herringbone decal rosette and A-frame; X-bracing for the rich bright sound that mahogany is known for.
Sapele, otherwise known as “African Mahogany” wood is also used on these guitars. It produces the same tone as mahogany with quality of color finish as well.

How to Buy

Things to look for when buying a guitar are sound, quality construction and personal fit. The sound quality is a product of good materials.

Martin does not disappoint in sound quality because of its construction. For the money, this is a fine guitar that is perfectly suited for intermediate to experienced players.

The final thing to consider when buying a Martin acoustic guitar is how it fits in hand. Play them and get one that fits–and you’ll be ready to go.

Best Strings for a Martin D18 Guitar?

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 03:05:14 +0000

I know what you’re going to say, don’t you use Martin Xp strings for your Martin D18. And, yes,I used to. But sometimes you want a little more brightness than the Martin strings can give you. That’s why I like these D’Addario strings for my Martin D18 guitar. Super warm tone, and it’s a tone that lasts a long time. Even if you’re as lazy as I am about changing strings. So…if you want to try something different, go with the D’addario strings. You won’t be sorry.


D'Addario Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar strings are acclaimed worldwide for their great, long-lasting tone. Phosphor Bronze was introduced to string making by D'Addario in 1974 and has become synonymous with warm acoustic tone.

This Martin DX1 is Truly a Work of Art

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 03:03:43 +0000

I’ve always thought Martin guitars were actual “art” but this limited edition Martin DX1 guitar, with customized artwork by Robert Goetzel, goes way beyond. This thing is sweet. It displays a portrait of the founder, C.F. Martin himself, and some Latin which I don’t understand but looks pretty frickin’ cool. It’s also got the typical awesome Martin guitar sound. So if you’re looking a Martin guitar which has just something little extra this is a nice addition to your instrument repertoire.

The Martin DX 175th Limited Edition acoustic features anniversary artwork created by Robert Goetzel that truly tells the story of Martin's legacy and heritage. Boasting a prominent portrait of CF Martin himself, the Latin phrase "Non Multa Sed Multum" graces the top, describing Martin's ardent committment to "Quality, not Quantity," since the very beginning. With its built-to-last rosewood high pressure laminate top, back, and sides, and classic Martin belly-style bridge and headstock, this Limited Edition DX 175th honors Martin's history of fine acoustic craftsmanship.Martin DX 175th Acoustic Guitar Features:* Available only in 2008* Body Style: Dreadnought* Top: Custom design by Robert F. Goetzl on HPL* Top Bracing Pattern: X Series "X"* Top Braces: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16"* Back and Sides: Indian Rosewood Pattern HPL Textured Finish* Neck: Natural Stratabond* Neck Shape: Modified low oval* Nut Material: White Corian* Headstock: Solid/Square Taper* Headplate: Indian Rosewood Pattern HPL* Fingerboard Material: Solid East Indian Rosewood* Scale Length: 25.4"* # of Frets Clear: 14* # of Frets Total: 20* Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1-11/16"* Fingerboard Widge at 12th Fret: 2-1/8"* Bridge Material: Solid East Indian Rosewood* Bridge Style: Belly* Bridge String Spacing: 2-1/8"* Saddle: 16" Radius/Compensated/White Tusq* Tuning Machines: Gotoh Cosmo Black* Bridge and End Pins: White with Black Dots* Interior Label: DX 175th Paper Label* Includes 3-ply Hardshell Case

How a Martin D28 is Made ~ Acoustic Guitar Magazine Back Issue

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:05:52 +0000

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Vintage Martin Sigma Guitar Ad From 1970

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:00:15 +0000


An original vintage magazine ad print from the year published. Print ads make unique gift items that can be framed as artwork. Shipped flat un-framed in plastic sleeve with backing board.

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Martin DX1 Acoustic Guitar for the Lefties

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:58:26 +0000


The Martin DX1AE features a solid Sitka spruce top, Mahogany HPL back and sides and Martin's D1 style bracing for stability and resonance. C.F. Martin & Co. has always made a prudent use of natural resources, especially rare or endangered t...

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Martin D35 Acoustic Guitar on Sale

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:55:25 +0000


Dark warmth and bold projection comes from a body made of East Indian Rosewood supporting a solid top of select Sitka Spruce. A low profile neck made of genuine Mahogany is the foundation for a 20-fret fingerboard of solid Striped Ebony. Body and ne...

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Martin D35 Acoustic Guitar Review

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:13:40 +0000

Who didn’t play the Martin D35? Johnny Cash, Elvis… most hard-core studio Nashville musicians.

I never took woodshop in school, but I wish I would have. Then I’d know why the East Indian rosewood on this Martin D35 guitar sound so kick ass. Talk about warm.

And if I’ve been playing this thing I never need to plug it in–it’s got plenty of natural projection.

My only complaint would be its a bit spendy. But when you’re getting the BMW of acoustic guitars, you got to spend a little dosh.

Martin D15 Guitar (Dreadnought) Review

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:48:20 +0000

When it comes to awesome dreadnought guitar sound there might be nothing better than the Martin D15.

This killer offering in the stellar Martin acoustic guitar line is the best of both worlds: vintage (retro) features and ultra-modern technology.

Of course this Martin D15 guitar has got the sitka spruce frame. But it’s the tone I love. Warm. Gorgeous. Unpretentious. Kinda like Natalie Portman.

All in all, I heartily recommend the Martin D15 to add to your collection.

Musician’s Guide to the Martin Sigma

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 01:10:30 +0000

Looking for a Martin Sigma? Not sure if you should pull the trigger on buying the discontinued Martin Sigma guitar? Here’s some facts about this popular acoustic guitar–and tips for locating this hard-to-find instrument.

History of the Martin Sigma

In the early 1970’s Martin Guitars started a new line of guitars called Sigma to compete with the influx of cheap imported guitars from Japan. The Martin Sigma guitar was typically an acoustic dreadnought, though there were stage and classical guitars made during that time period.

Martin Sigma guitars were discontinued in 2007. The typical Sigma is characterized by a deep, rich sound though not comparable with the best of Martin’s guitars, was often a good deal better than other imports. (The guitars were manufactured in Japan, then later Korea and Taiwan, following the strict instructions of Martin guitars.)

Martin Sigma…Made in the USA?

The Sigma line of guitars were named by their quality and the materials used. For example, the company labeled them D for dreadnought, M for Mahogany, and R for rosewood 1-7, 7 being the highest quality in the line.

There is controversy regarding where the Martin Sigma guitars were actually being made. Owners of some of the guitars swear they were made in the USA as the back stamp or label says so.

The fact is that none of their guitars were fully made in the USA. In some cases, the materials were cut and manufactured in Japan and the pieces were assembled in the USA.

It is not possible to say that any Sigma guitar was sourced, manufactured, cut, and assembled in the USA alone, though.

How to Find a Martin Sigma Guitar

Since the Sigma brand has been discontinued, it is rare that you will find it in your regular music store. However, there are still places where they can be found, including in second hand shops.

You may have luck searching on craigslist or Amazon for people selling their Sigma guitars. Be careful when buying online.

It is always better to be able to inspect the piece in person. Musical instruments are delicate, especially Martin acoustic guitars, and you do not want to rely on a picture alone.