Best Martin Guitar Series for Beginner & Intermediate Players

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@anthonyfowler2623]

Yup

[@kentjax3622]

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

[@williamanderson3402]

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

[@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.

[@rolandking4123]

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

[@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

[@cremadehuevo3747]

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

[@Greymannn]

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

[@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!

[@Flyingstorm]

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

[@MrKrampyHands]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@ZealotSixString]

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"

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ScootinIsLife]

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

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

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

[@jrodjrod4670]

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

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

I have a 2017 Road Series DRS2 and absolutely love it

[@davidcoleman2463]

I have one also .I love it .

[@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.

[@carltonholderjr]

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

[@DolbyAtmosMixing]

Just bought a D-13E 💯💯💯💯

[@armanzakwan1898]

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

[@itsBennett]

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

[@paulgrimm7842]

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

[@unitybon]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@snowcoveredplainswalker442]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnelliott5859]

Purchase a Martin OOO jr. LOve it. Great guitar. Fantastic value.

[@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!

[@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

[@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. 😵

[@schummansi5471]

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

[@opwave79]

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

[@fraserhalscheid7777]

GREAT video...super helpful. Thanks

[@MrKrampyHands]

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

[@pinklefloyd5881]

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

[@imannonymous7707]

Love the 15 mahogany

[@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

[@rickthomas9278]

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

[@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

[@badboybootz8]

Great video, straight to the point and detailed reviews 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@peterjhillier7659]

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

[@daniellamarche354]

I feel that the Godin family of acoustic guitars are a fantastic value that cannot be beaten. I own three guitars from that little town in Quebec Canada. I bought my LaPatrie etude for $40, because the nut and saddle were missing. I bought a Tusk nut and saddle, then set her up and adjusted the truss rod. Eveyone that plays it falls in love. They also have with a bolt on neck joint and a very mild radius to the frets. The solid top is old growth cedar and I mean a very tight grained top. You can buy one of these Etudes new today for $450 CAD. The grain isn't as tight as it was in the earlier Etudes, but still an outstanding guitar for the money. My Etude has cat claw marks in the top and overall it looks like a "junk-yard dog" but I just love it and can honestly say that in my 45 years of playing, I've never heard or played ANY guitar that even comes close to this entry level model that LaPatrie makes. As long as you compare according to price.

[@nevadajensen1383]

Daniel Lamarche jkiuuuu

[@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.

[@davemeadows6688]

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

[@johnharpin8039]

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

[@ibfubar]

very informative. 🤙

[@NoCoverCharge]

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

[@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.

[@Davman316]

Martins seem a lot cheaper in the US than what we have to pay in the UK.

[@andrewpolitano]

Probably due to import taxes and fees, passed on to the consumer in other countries. But holy crap...I paid $550 for my DX1AE, in the UK, that translates to almost $950?! That isn't even a mid-range Martin, WTF.

[@Snowcountry556]

Almost worth buying a plane ticket to New York and picking one up there. They increased the price massively after the pound fell off a cliff after Brexit though, it wasn’t quite as bad a couple of years ago.

[@alankendall1786]

UK Import duty 3.2% + VAT at 20%. State sales tax varies in the US but the max is around 10%. Exchange rates. Martin, Taylor, Fender etc. will all price their goods in USD. As has been pointed out the weak £ following Brexit will have pushed up prices significantly at that point, but it will always be a factor.

[@AbeladiMC]

Davman Same here, in Spain :(

[@vinnieirvine1365]

That’s why we have Tanglewood

[@chriswoolridge3886]

Love my D 15 M Burst

[@MrKrampyHands]

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

[@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.

[@dougmcmillan2483]

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

[@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?

[@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 ?

[@evalolacookie]

I love my custom x series !!

[@buskingbetty7135]

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

[@grangerousdesigns4678]

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

[@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

[@mnynlvr4347]

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

[@Hogie_GT]

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.

[@vicakostik310]

Is it possible Sir to order directly from the company that you are endorcing? Thank you.

[@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.

[@matrixmodulator]

3:50 5:53 8:18

[@teodor1745]

What song do you play at 3:31 ?

[@timhooper9779]

What is your opinion of the D10E

[@jimlatorra2693]

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

[@perrysar5954]

Play a Martian if you want your playing to be out of this world...

[@AlamoMusic]

This joke makes us happy

[@jmjrevelation4449]

WOW SIR U PLAYED BEAUTIFULLY

[@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?

[@peterludwig237]

I was waiting to see the x series

[@AlamoMusic]

Will pass that on to Chris!

[@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.

[@Casinooctopus]

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

[@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.

[@nycowboy2288]

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

[@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

[@rodrigoschunck]

do you guys ship to Brazil?

[@very9000]

Hey. Tell me, what are the strings on the guitar from your video: from which company and from what alloy are they made?

[@josephlaming8209]

I'm guessing based on what we see those are a phosphor bronze 92/8, I bet they are Light, and I bet those are martin uncoated strings.

[@stefhen71]

how about a dreadnaught Jr? tnx

[@birthaappleshirt7404]

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

[@Bill_Jones.]

My first guitar was a Martin D16 which I loved (and continue to love). My 2nd guitar was a Martin D28 which blew me away and sort of became my main go-to choice for playing. After breaking both of my wrists I’ve come to a point where playing is no longer fun, just painful. I’m thinking about selling both guitars. Someone please give me some inspiration to keep them. I’m depressed.

[@miggybyte]

Same here. I just let my wrist rest for a while. Yours might be carpal tunnel. Wrist brace? Don’t sell the guitar just yet.

[@philipmumford7871]

Maybe try some slide?

[@tacoman864]

I love my drs2 and d10e

[@gerthie]

Thanks