Best Martin Guitar Series for Beginner & Intermediate Players

Are you a beginner or intermediate player interested in purchasing a Martin Guitar as your first instrument? Look no further, we're bringing you a quick overview of some of the most affordable and durable series Martin has to offer. Let's take a closer look and listen at the X Series, Road Series, and 15 Series to see where they land in terms of budget and playability.
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(1:43) X Series → www.alamomusic.com/search.php...
↳ (3:25) GPCX2AEMAC → www.alamomusic.com/martin-gpc...
(4:12) Road Series → www.alamomusic.com/search.php...
↳ (5:52) DRS1 → Coming Soon www.alamomusic.com/search.php...
(6:18) 15 Series → www.alamomusic.com/search.php...
↳ (8:16) D-15M → www.alamomusic.com/martin-d-1...
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[@garyjohnson627]

I justified getting a martin by presenting my wife with the monthly cost her cigarette smoking costs me. I calculated a 1400 pounds guitar is still significantly less than her smoking. She wasn't impressed. But i got my guitar. And my daughter will inherit it. My local guitar shop even considered a similar ad campaign.

[@AlamoMusic]

LEGEND

[@gutenbird]

Smoking makes you healthy. Guitars just go up in smoke.

[@garyjohnson627]

I've since used the same argument and bought a lovely new Tokai black beauty and P90 gold top les paul. Total cost? Approximately 9 months of cigarettes 🚬. Works for me.

[@sillyskeleton]

@@garyjohnson627 That's brilliant, man! Keep making the most of it before the day comes when she quits smoking, lol. You might still have enough years left to grab a nice Fender Strat, Tele, and maybe even a Gibson 335.

[@garyjohnson627]

@@sillyskeleton got news for you. I have all these too and I used the same excuse.

[@LukesVintageRC]

Everyone who loves guitars deserves a Martin guitar 🙏

[@signoperucom]

Amen

[@alejdr]

Maybe I deserve one, but can't afford it 😢

[@caredcatron6045]

I regret getting a Taylor after giving Martin a try, but solution is to get both

[@imchaotix5450]

Cared Catron ive been heavily wanting a Taylor 314ce but the Martin special gpc is catching my eye. Taylor honestly has way to basic of aesthetic for my taste compared to Martin at a 1,000 dollar plus price range. Plus i enjoy a martins tone much more. Can’t wait till this quarantine is over so I can start feeling new guitars again

[@dmar3651]

@@alejdr save up and buy a Dreadnought Junior, or X-Series guitar. I Promise you that they are worth Every Cent. IF you can save more, then get a Road Series guitar and you will have a guitar that will last you a Lifetime and can be passed down to your kids. Again, Worth EVERY cent. I own a Road Series guitar and till Today it serves me well and has Never let me down. If fact, I swear it sounds better the older and more played-in it is.

[@davidaustin1802]

I purchased a 2001 martin D-16 custom the year after it came out when I was 18. Solid rosewood back and sides, spruce top, all solid wood everwhere. Mother of pearl around the sound hole etc. It was one of the best investments I made being so young. It blows people away when they hear it.

[@williamanderson3402]

I just bought a 000 Road Series a few months ago and I love it. Great guitar!

[@miggybyte]

A Martin guitar is expensive but it’s like a good quality watch - it lasts a lifetime and you can hand it down to the next generation. 👌🏽

[@AlamoMusic]

Very True!

[@bobaldo2339]

Steal a man's wallet, and he'll be poor for a week. Teach a man to play the guitar, and where to buy them, and he'll be poor all his life.

[@imannonymous7707]

Ya ya you n my wife are having a lil chuckle huh lol jk peace

[@godo246]

could'nt have said it better.

[@musicdude1coma147]

lol

[@danhannon1324]

A man with music in his heart is never poor.

[@maydanlex]

@@danhannon1324 Truth!

[@kbone1961]

Chris- you definitely provide some of the best reviews on KZbin. Always thorough, informative and entertaining. You have a real gift for doing these. Thanks and keep up the stellar work!

[@AlamoMusic]

I appreciate that!

[@Flyingstorm]

Awesome video, straight to the point and great, brief but no-BS display of tones.

[@rolandking4123]

My first Martin was a d1r. Excellent instrument. I've had it for 25 years now. Best decision ever

[@pdchr]

Just added a DRS1 to my collection - and I love the tone of this guitar. I want to put it out in the open and my guitar room but I want to make sure she keeps the right humidity… So I keep it in the case with the humidity pack. This was a great recommendation… I appreciate it.

[@accountsequity5587]

This was such a good video. I started playing last year in October and I want to buy a new guitar next Christmas but I need something that’s not crazy expensive. Thank you for this

[@MoeLykit]

I'm an intermediateish player and had to sell my guitars due to hard times, when life turned back around my first guitar purchase was the Road series by Martin, Ive owned washburn,breedlove,takamine,yamaha and this is by far my favorite I've ever played

[@ShineDawg]

Thank you for sharing. I've always had $200 guitars and I've always wanted to get a Martin. It's time, and you were right about the tone of the last guitar. Can't wait to get my Martin!

[@sephardim4yeshua155]

I love my Martin dc15e. Its the best guitar that I have ever played. Thanks for showing these guitars. I love Martin guitars.

[@scottpolston6137]

D15 was my fathers first Martin everything plastic is now bone or antler makes a huge difference he’s a old blue grass guy

[@armanzakwan1898]

I play my dad's Martin 00-16C and I absolutely love it

[@kentjax3622]

I began with a Martin and never regretted it. I was told start with a great guitar and they were correct!

[@miramarensis]

Thanks Christopher for the info. I'm in the market for an affordable Martin and didn't know where to start. Your video brings more info so as to make a more educated purchase.

[@cremadehuevo3747]

3:56 gave me chills, the sound of a Martin guitar is just....WOW

[@davidcoleman2463]

I have a Martin drs2 . I love it. I have been playing 5 years .

[@GMC2001]

Nive video brother, thank you! I've got a Martina, a PRS and a flamenco. Love it X

[@badboybootz8]

Great video, straight to the point and detailed reviews 👍

[@fraserhalscheid7777]

GREAT video...super helpful. Thanks

[@opwave79]

I bought a DRS1 back in 2012. Love the tone and the build quality is great.

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

I have a 2017 Road Series DRS2 and absolutely love it

[@davidcoleman2463]

I have one also .I love it .

[@unitybon]

Great video. I bought the DRS1. I love it. They are made in the USA now too.

[@chanceweinberg2334]

Just picked up a beautiful d16e. Thinner body dreadnaught with all the bass and warmth you expect from a traditional dready. The smell and sound of this guitar has me wanting to own every Martin I can possibly afford.

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Give me more Chris Mckee and Cooper Greenberg. Another stellar presentation. Dispelling and explaining the Martin ecosystem. Way to go Chris!

[@thomasjust2663]

I like your explanations, they are simple, to the point and very informative, I live in South Texas, I might travel to SA just to give you guys a visit

[@theabster2853]

I highly recommend the 000-15M. It's the perfect "one-ski quiver." Great for strumming and fingerpicking. Not too big, not too small. Great tone.

[@endocry]

I have the 000-15SM and agree. Best value you can find in my opinion.

[@stevebrooks9119]

I've had a 000-15m for the last 3 years. It replaced my D-28. I much prefer my 000. Fantastic guitar. If your preferred style is finger picking, before you die you must do anything that is not unlawful to get your hands on one of these beauties.

[@walkingalive1093]

@@stevebrooks9119 What do you think how long will the 000-15m still be around? I wanna get one next year but I'm worried I might not find one at that point. Should I be worried about that?

[@stevebrooks9119]

@Who Da Took To be honest I think the 000-15m is one of Martin's bestsellers. I think they're still making them so you shouldn't have any trouble finding one. However if I were you I'd look around for a good pre owned item. You should be able to get one for 60-70% of retail price. Mine was pre owned and cost £850 (around $1000 ?) And being 2 or 3 years old the solid mahogany will have started to open up. Good luck in your search. It'll be a joy forever....

[@walkingalive1093]

@@stevebrooks9119 Thank you very much for the answer. I just realized that it's the 000-15m "Streetmaster" that I was having my eyes on but I'm guessing it still shouldn't be a problem since it's the same series? Anyway thanks for the great insight, sounds like I'll be looking for a retail piece early next year. I believe you on the joy forever part! It'll be my first high quality guitar and I'll definately take good care of it.

[@kentuckyblugrass]

I suggest anyone who has never played a Martin go to your local music shop pick ANY Martin that has at least one part i.e. Top, Sides or Back made out of solid wood...After you strum & pick for a few minutes, stop and put your nose up to the soundhole and inhale as if your tasting a aged scotch. 😵

[@quincygillespie5950]

The 2009 D-1 (1 series) was the best USA purchased Martin per construction/sound value, all wood with scalloped hybrid bracing. Good luck finding one though ;) The D-1 was produced from 1993-2006 and then reissued starting in 2009 until 2012, but with some changes. These include the rosewood fingerboard and bridge was changed to a morado fingerboard and bridge on the later models (a similar feel to rosewood but slightly lighter looking). The later models had Stratabond necks (a type of multilaminate) and solid sapele back and sides (the 1993-2006 models had mahogany necks, laminated mahogany sides and solid mahogany backs). The pickguard was changed from tortoiseshell to black on these later D-1s and a slightly different top bracing pattern was used. The D-1 is an acoustic guitar but you may also purchase it as an electric acoustic. Depending on your needs, whether you’re playing it at the recording studio, shows, a bonfire, or just a jam at home, the D-1 offers a classic sound and it improves with age. Regardless of when your D-1 was made, the sound is undeniably recognizable. The Martin D-1 should be part of any guitar enthusiast’s gear and a return to its original design in 1931.

[@macksquared]

I just got an HD-28 and have a D-1R with a Fishman pickup ready to sell.

[@paulgrimm7842]

I bought a Martin custom seven years ago. Simple wit a flat finish .

[@Mike-zm8pm]

Thanks for the great videos. I’ve had the same Tak G340SC for the past 10 years as I’ve tried to advance through my guitar skills and I’m finally ready for a new addition, this guitar now leaves me frustrated. This is probably the 100th video I’ve watched (50 of those were probably yours)... so many models, manufacturers and price points. I’ve gone into my local shop and just get quickly overwhelmed by the choices and not really comfortable playing in a public setting like a store. But those few points you made, I think you’ve finally help me narrow down my choices to these last two guitars. My search may be over.

[@ianson3]

This video was made in February 2018. Since then, prices have gone up quite a bit and at least one model has been discontinued. I guess the lesson is, if you see something you like, buy it quickly. I'm typing this in June 2019.

[@itsBennett]

Love this review may I suggest playing the same thing on all 3 guitars so we can hear the sound/tonality differences.

[@DolbyAtmosMixing]

Just bought a D-13E 💯💯💯💯

[@rogerpoindexter849]

I just bought a gprs1 ,it's an awesome guitar. Plays and sounds great. I like it better than my gpcpa4 wich I paid 3 times the money for

[@schummansi5471]

Thanks. It is useful and valuable information. You play the guitar with great skill. 😊🙏⚘ from Puebla, México

[@jrodjrod4670]

Just got my first Martin. Im like a kid at Christmas!

[@jmjrevelation4449]

WOW SIR U PLAYED BEAUTIFULLY

[@carltonholderjr]

I just bought the martin dx1 x series special ! I love it and I didn't break the bank .

[@dons1493]

My first Martin guitar is 1999 D-35. I bought it in Jan 2019 and it is absolutely an amazing guitar! The low and highs are brilliant....and I'm a intermediate player. It makes me want to learn more!

[@fredmayfield2195]

I have a dm15 I use it as a truck guitar on the road trucking it has made me a better player and we'll worth it

[@ScootinIsLife]

I own the Martin DX1 Dreadnought, and Love it ! Made In USA ! Purchased New For Around $500.

[@ibfubar]

very informative. 🤙

[@scottpolston6137]

Ok an opinion from a long time musician find the instrument that speaks to you for me it’s a American fender jazz bass th elite to be exact it speaks to me

[@mnynlvr4347]

My favorite martin guitar is the LX1E its little and its the best size for me

[@scottpolston6137]

Love Martin my pop has 3 d15 d18v and a d1 love the d15 the best sweet sounding all mohagany

[@jimlatorra2693]

Where does the DC one with the strata Bond neck made in USA fit in this category? Thank you. Great video.

[@buskingbetty7135]

Like your video's a lot. Nice job on explaining & showing features, playing , etc. Thanks !

[@colakeith1]

I would also add that the 16 series as well. Actually as an affordable Martin with the GREAT MARTIN tone and feel. And About the same cost of of a 15 series. Well, actually sometimes, less.

[@johnharpin8039]

Thanks for the insight, looking to replace my current instrument.

[@snowcoveredplainswalker442]

How about a direct comparison video between the DRS1 and D-15M?

[@garyt7622]

one thing that you didn't mention about the D-15M Burst is that the dot markers are different from a typical 15 as well as the rosette which is actually inlaid rather than a decal like typical D-15. I found one with a gorgeous pattern and figuring on the back, On the verge of quilting.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Thank You Mr Alamo , I Just Bought a New Mexican Made Taylor 110e , Best Guitar I Have Ever Played . I Also Like C. F. Martin Guitars. Could You Show Us The Tablature Of The Country Riff You Played ?

[@stanwarner8700]

Hi Chris could you do review on the Recording King acoustic guitar line. I'm looking for a camp-fire guitar and was told they are a good option I trust your word, what do you think?

[@WysteriaGuitar]

As an owner of many Martins from 15's to 41's I can say if you are a beginner or intermediate save your money and get yourself an ALL WOOD Martin 00-15, 000-15, or D-15. It will sound much better than any laminate and also sound better and better the more you play it.

[@Mikenewman__]

I agree man. I have a d-15M and honestly think it competes with the more expensive Martins

[@davidsanchez1]

Mike Newman i am agree too.

[@bvdatech1]

I just bought a D 15m and agree completely

[@SixStringRedandGold]

Just bought my d15m streetmaster and I absolutely love it

[@abejacgot]

Just make sure the action is playable with the D-15. Mine needed a "set up"

[@dougmcmillan2483]

I just bought a DRS-2 and absolutely love it, what a beautiful sound

[@imannonymous7707]

Love the 15 mahogany

[@birthaappleshirt7404]

I got the 20th anniversary one and omg❤️❤️❤️

[@tacoman864]

I love my drs2 and d10e

[@Casinooctopus]

Does the fretboard last longer before wearing out and getting grooves, with more expensive guitars?

[@Born2RiffRock]

What is a great sound guitar for advanced D-28 or HD 28 or other ? I play a lot of blue and rock on the acoustic. Like to have a vintage instrument..

[@peterjhillier7659]

What an excellent Critique I liked the sweet sound of that DRS1……..for ca$700 is good value how high is the Action?

[@bonkant6584]

Question. Did you find the mahogany d-15m to be quieter/not as loud as the Sitka road series?

[@strokingoutloudpodcast]

A long time friend I play music with is moving away. He has a drs1. I have a decent Alvarez 6 string but it’s got some buzzes and whatnot because it 20 years old For sure not a stage guitar. My friend Is a guitar collector of sorts. Probably has about 20 guitars in working condition. The Martin 6 is my favorite guitar of his next to his Martin 12 string. My friend gave me his road series Martin Drs1 to remember him by. Brought me to tears dude. No ones ever done anything like that for me before. Thought I’d share my Martin story.

[@AlamoMusic]

He sounds like a great friend!

[@strokingoutloudpodcast]

Alamo Music Center haha he definitely is. He hasn’t moved yet but he’s going to within the next two weeks. We will jam plenty of times before he goes! Thanks for reading my story. You guys are awesome!

[@AlamoMusic]

Thank you! We enjoyed your comment!

[@peterludwig237]

I was waiting to see the x series

[@AlamoMusic]

Will pass that on to Chris!

[@evalolacookie]

I love my custom x series !!

[@countstoneula]

Great video and fantastic guitars of course. But I don't think I'd recommend these to a beginner unless they had money to burn. If they continued to play they wouldn't regret it, but I know far too many people that have "played guitar" for a short time and quit and the 15 series are almost $2000 in Canada these days with inflation being so bad.

[@ajafterparty]

im not sure anyone has said this but i've seen a lot of your videos and while helpful i think it would be better if you used a more standard mic, like a neumann u87... the current mic is so dark and boomy, its hard to tell the actual tone of the guitar. the Neumann is more linear and of higher fidelity.

[@mwdollar]

Get the best Martin you can afford. The better the guitar the more it will motivate you to play. Take it from a lifelong music teacher.

[@michaelhayes9773]

I would recommend a road series for beginner, then as you get better you can move up the chain and keep the road series as a back-up/porch guitar. But if you want and can afford a standard series by all means go get one.

[@aarnavtonpay3966]

Would you recommend it to someone who's been playing 8 years? I've played cheap guitars all this while and I feel the need to upgrade

[@michaelhayes9773]

@@aarnavtonpay3966 I would yes, my suggestion is always buy what you can afford, don't scrimp if you don't have to, but don't buy what you may not be able to afford. Good luck

[@NoCoverCharge]

Going out Martin hunting today looking for the d-16e

[@krismcreynolds984]

You can't get a better guitar than the 15 series for the same money! I love the road series and currently own the 000 RS1 and think it's great value but the 15 series punches way above its weight.. have only owned my 000 15m for 3 months and already its my favourite! It tops even my Taylor 814ce

[@gerthie]

Thanks

[@rickthomas9278]

Get the DRS1 or the 15 ... I got the 15... Love it !

[@paulgrimm7842]

I love a flat finish

[@davemeadows6688]

I love the first one you played. I'm in the UK. Can you tell me the name of that first one please?

[@senditffh7919]

This is the video I've been looking for! I'm fairly new to playing a about two years but I'm wanting to upgrade. I'm 5'8 so don't have a huge reach around the guitar. I'm into Merle Haggard all the way to Pearl Jam any suggestions on which guitar I should go with? Thanks

[@robertnewell5057]

Any Martin 000. they have a more waisted shape, which manes them easier for the smaller person, but retain a very full sound, and are excellent for song accompaniment. If you are into Merle, you will want that country/bluegrass sound, which is typically associated with dreadnoughts, but a 000 will easily deliver

[@kenz2756]

Bruh, people in my country that is above 5 7 is considered a decent height, and they're not that picky when it comes to playing a guitar.

[@nycowboy2288]

I just got the dreadlock I’m a new guitar player my question is do you recommend changing the strings and the height ?

[@pinklefloyd5881]

Holy shit you sold it to me by saving that line about MacBook PRO. Fucking legend.

[@MandalorianFanboy]

When I click the link to your website for the gpcx2ae the page says “coming soon”. What does that mean? Do you have some on order? Also, the links to the road series don’t work. Thanks

[@thomaspaine6496]

I have one. It has less bass then the Dreadnaughts but only slightly. You may have to get the action lowered at the store.

[@JeffinBville]

This was great. Could you, or have you already, done a similar video for other guitar makers?

[@AlamoMusic]

We have produced a lot of similar videos for both acoustic and electric guitars and there are more to come! Is there a certain brand you're interested in?

[@JeffinBville]

There was a Taylor 214e ($849) that I was salivating over last year at a local music shop here in Kalamazoo. And seeing that it was in the same price range of the guitars you were displaying in this video I thought it would be interesting to see something similar for the Taylor line.

[@aaronwilson8966]

What's your view on HPL tops like the Martin X series special Rosewood/Macassar/Koa tops?

[@ScottyBrunton]

I bought a "backpacker" Martin for $230.00 and it was made in Mexico and sounds great. It's cheap enough to put into an overhead compartment on an airplane and not worry about it, It came with a soft case that has shoulder straps to carry on your back and has served me very well. I am an intermediate player and will probably never buy another guitar. I also have an Ovation that I hardly ever play anymore. I love my little backpacker! It fits me! And it stays tuned!

[@petegaskell4274]

ScottyBrunton slacken off the strings when you fly with it though 👍🏻

[@ScottyBrunton]

Good advice!

[@yarbgreat1]

I've got one of these cheaper guitars. I've had it since 2013. I gig with it all the time, and I play pretty rough. I do a lot of percussive playing, and I've dropped it a few times. At the end of the day, its a great guitar. Everyone I know that plays it really likes it. My next acoustic is probably gonna be a Seagull though.

[@filip6665]

I am interested in buying new acoustic guitar and my doubt is in which one to invest. My doubt is either Yamaha AC5 series (made in Japan) or one of these Martin guitars in this video. Considering that Yamaha AC5 is also all solid wood guitar that makes me confusing?? Could you advise me?

[@twedledumb3672]

well my first acoustic is a 1955 martin D-28 Brazilian rosewood valued at $20,000 and what was the name of the song played at 5:50

[@chriswoolridge3886]

Love my D 15 M Burst

[@MErwin]

Hello! I have a Martin DX1AE Electro Acoustic that has a white sticker instead of black which I see in all Martin DX1AE Electro Acoustic . Do you happen to know why is that so?

[@raechel0823]

I used to have an X series until my sister used it and dropped it on the floor and cracked open the bindings on the back :( I am looking into buying another one because it was my all-time favorite and I just have never loved another guitar like I loved that one

[@franklin618]

Martin D15 M... I Want it!!!!

[@AlamoMusic]

Call or contact us, Fran, and we'll get you set up! ;)

[@siddhartharasaily517]

You get it

[@patrickwilliams6567]

I just got mine. Mind blowingly awesome.

[@jimkirkpatrick7269]

Great video! But as an FYI, sapele wood is pronounced, sa-pee-lay

[@Born2RiffRock]

I love those 3 piece backs but I read they don't have the best sound?

[@richardlucascronley5128]

Id say the 15 series is the best value and quality of ANY series of guitars, period. Thankfully I have "cheap" tastes and love the tone of mohagany.

[@dylanfee1635]

What was that 1st song you played

[@michaelsotomayor5001]

those reasons you gave.. I actually value how it feels when I play it. Not only in my hands and finger tips but all around comfort.. that for me is the number one reason I like these expensive guitars. My first guitar was a $300 Fender after a few rounds of playing it would destroy my finger tips.. even having the strings changed. But a Martin.. man it's so smooth I could play it for hours and hours a day.. And I would at a guitar center lol..

[@timhooper9779]

What is your opinion of the D10E

[@grangerousdesigns4678]

Boy, Martin sure makes it easy to remember model numbers.Can you give me that first model number again?