Complete Guide to Martin Guitars: Body Sizes, Tonewoods, and Series

Martin guitars have set the benchmark for acoustic excellence since 1833. From their iconic dreadnoughts to compact travel guitars, Martin continues to be a top choice for artists and hobbyists around the world. Whether you’re looking for beginner guitars or some of the best acoustic guitars available, Martin offers a versatile lineup that combines heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation.

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Martin Guitars Body Sizes

Martin offers a variety of body sizes that influence tonal character, projection, and comfort. Here’s a breakdown of their core shapes:

Dreadnought (D)

The most iconic Martin shape, the dreadnought is known for its booming low end, powerful projection, and robust presence. Ideal for strumming and flatpicking, it’s a staple among singer-songwriters and country players.

000 / Auditorium

More compact than a dreadnought, the 000 body offers balanced tone with articulate mids and highs. It’s versatile enough for fingerpicking and light strumming.

OM (Orchestra Model)

Similar in size to the 000 but with a longer scale length, the OM provides extra string tension and dynamic response, making it suitable for nuanced playing styles and alternate tunings.

00 / Grand Concert

Smaller and more intimate, the 00 is a great choice for light touch players, fingerstyle guitarists, and anyone seeking a warm, responsive tone.

0 / Concert

The smallest traditional body shape, the 0-size offers a sweet, delicate voice. It’s perfect for intimate settings or light studio work.

Jumbo / Grand Jumbo (J)

The largest Martin shape, the jumbo delivers booming bass and strong volume. It’s a popular choice for live performers who need to cut through a mix.

Grand Performance (GP)

A modern, versatile body size that offers a comfortable feel with full tonal balance. Similar to Taylor’s Grand Auditorium, it suits a wide range of styles.

Parlor

A compact, vintage-inspired body with focused tone and historical appeal. Ideal for blues, folk, and light acoustic work.

Travel & Junior Sizes (LX, Little Martin, DJr, 000 Jr)

These downsized models offer excellent portability and are ideal for practice, travel, or younger players. Despite their smaller size, they deliver quality tone and build.

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Martin Guitars Tonewoods

Tonewoods play a major role in the sound and feel of Martin guitars. Here are some of the most common:

• Sitka Spruce – The standard top wood for most models, offering clarity, strength, and dynamic range.
• Adirondack Spruce – A premium choice for added headroom and brightness, often found in vintage-inspired or custom models.
• Mahogany – Known for its warm, woody tone with strong mids and controlled bass.
• East Indian Rosewood – Rich in overtones with deep lows and sparkling highs, used in many high quality guitars.
• Koa – Visually stunning and tonally complex, koa produces a bright, focused tone that evolves over time.
• Sapele – Similar to mahogany but slightly brighter, often used in more affordable models.
• Maple – Bright and articulate, excellent for cutting through dense mixes.
• HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) – Durable and environmentally friendly, used in many beginner guitars like the Little Martin.

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Martin Guitars Series (Model Categories)

Martin organizes its offerings into several series based on materials, price, and player needs. Here’s an overview of each:

X Series

The X Series offers some of the best beginner guitars in Martin’s lineup. These models are made with HPL back and sides and solid spruce or HPL tops.

• Affordable and durable
• Great for travel or first-time players
• Available in D, 000, and GP sizes
• Built-in electronics on many models

Road Series

Designed for gigging musicians, the Road Series combines solid woods with built-in electronics at a midrange price.

• All-solid construction
• Fishman MX-T electronics
• Great tone, durability, and affordability
• Ideal for performing artists and serious hobbyists

Junior Series (DJr, 000 Jr)

A smaller, lighter guitar with full solid wood construction and excellent tone for its size. Perfect for younger players or those needing a travel-friendly option.

• Compact scale
• Solid tops and layered or solid backs
• Available with electronics
• Great for everyday playing

15 Series

Known for their all-mahogany construction, the 15 Series offers rich, warm tones with a minimalist look.

• All-solid mahogany body
• Satin finishes
• Excellent for blues, folk, and roots music

16 Series

Made in the USA, the 16 Series blends high-end features with modern body shapes and performance-ready specs.

• Solid tonewoods
• Comfortable body contours
• Electronics included
• Available in traditional and modern shapes like GP and 000

17 Series

Vintage-inspired guitars with unique finishes and throwback tone. A favorite for players seeking a rootsy, bluesy sound.

• Solid spruce tops with mahogany backs and sides
• Distinctive satin finishes
• Focused, midrange-rich tone

Standard Series (18–28 Models)

The heart of Martin’s lineup, the Standard Series includes historic models like the D-18 and D-28. These guitars set the standard for high quality guitars and are favored by professional musicians.

• Solid spruce tops with mahogany or rosewood back and sides
• Scalloped or forward-shifted bracing
• Iconic tone and appearance
• Dreadnoughts, OMs, 000s, and more

Modern Deluxe Series

A luxurious twist on the Standard Series with modern enhancements like titanium truss rods, Liquidmetal bridge pins, and vintage-voiced VTS tops.

• Premium appointments
• Lightweight construction
• Innovative materials for enhanced tone and feel

Authentic Series

True recreations of pre-war Martin guitars, built with hide glue and period-correct specs. Ideal for collectors and tone purists.

• Aged tonewoods
• Historically accurate features
• Premium craftsmanship
• Among the best acoustic guitars in terms of legacy and tone

Custom Shop

Martin’s Custom Shop allows players to design one-of-a-kind instruments using rare woods, inlays, and construction styles. These guitars are often masterpieces of artistry and sound.

• Fully customizable
• Top-tier luthier craftsmanship
• Built to exact player specifications

Signature Models

Martin collaborates with world-renowned artists to produce signature models that reflect their style, specs, and sonic preferences.

• Popular models from players like Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and Ed Sheeran
• Unique tonewoods and design elements
• Limited edition runs