Martin M-36 Demo and Review | Martin's Unsung Hero

[@227djc]

I bought my Martin M36 from Alamo Music because of this video and today I realized that I literally bought THAT guitar! The one in the video! It hadn't occurred to me until today then I looked at the pick guard and every spot is in the exact same spot. Makes it even cooler :)

[@227djc]

@chris rocco It’s a great guitar man. I’ve been struggling to find the strings that came on it. I don’t think they were the Martin Sps. When I got it it had fantastic base, put a new set of the recommended strings and not as much. Just put Elixir nanowebs on and sounds very very good!

[@texhaines9957]

@@227djc original strings might have been bronze instead of phosphor bronze. You could also try Martin Retro or D'Addario NB.

[@todddammit4628]

@@227djc If it was at Alamo for more than a month or two there's a good chance they restrung it. See if they have a common set they use for their restrings. You might be surprised to find out its just bulk Ernie Ball or D'Addario strings that come in big tubes.

[@todddammit4628]

@Dylan Campbell, also what a way to buy a guitar online lol. Get a legit demo of it to know its a good copy.

[@truthof7382]

I like big bouts and I cannot lie...

[@wadebeasley]

Based on this video and my playing this one as well as the Martin D-35 and D-28, the Taylor K24CE, Taylor 816CE, and Taylor 818e I purchased the Martin M-36 today and I really love it. The sound is amazing and it is really easy to play. Love the neck action, the thinner body, and the great tone I was sold on this one. I purchased mine in Lexington, KY at Willcutt's Guitars. Excellent and loving playing it tonight!

[@entropy_sci]

I think many people that spend a significant chunk of change on anything have a tendency to "sell it" in reviews, sometimes as a defense mechanism to reinforce their decision making. I bought one of these about a month ago. I can honestly say that this is a remarkable instrument. Great tone, great warmth, great projection. I don't put it down. Several times I have woken up with the guitar in my hands after falling asleep, sitting bolt upright on the couch. If you end up with an M-36, you will not be disappointed.

[@billbailey9833]

Chris, another fine video. As you reported, the M-36 is not the first thing guitarists think about when you say Martin. I'd never heard of it before. Thanks for bringing it to the attention of the rest of the unimformed guitar world. It has a wonderful tone and I would love to have one; however, at the moment, my guitarsinal is full, at least according to my wife. You referenced the Martin Jumbo line and also mentioned the Martin 15 line. One reason that my current guitar acquiring capacity is limited is that my wife found an old Martin J-15 at a garage sale. It was in very good to excellent condition with only a few scratches on the corners. I think I got it for a killer price. I tried to get more information about it, but Martin had discontinued the model and I couldn't find any information on their website. Based on the serial number, I found out that it was made in 1978. I finally called them and talked to a very nice person who emailed me the original spec sheet. It's a no frills guitar, but the all mahonany instrument has a wonderful tone and it's easy to play. I don't know what all this has to do with your fine review, but the J-15's the only Martin I have and I would like another one.

[@AlamoMusic]

Thanks for sharing! Enjoyed reading it!

[@justinburnettemusic]

I love this!! Great explanation of what this guitar is and can do. I played so many Martin’s and Taylor’s last year and fell in love with this guitar. I do a lot of fingerpicking (Jim Croce, James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, etc). This is so comfortable and has a solid sound all around. ❤️❤️❤️. Beautiful playing!

[@justinburnettemusic]

@chris rocco It does sound good for strumming also, but it is not as loud and boomy as a dreadnaught. I do a bit lighter strums on it. Check out some of my recordings on the M-36. (Like Mr Bojangles) kzbin.info

[@justinburnettemusic]

@chris rocco Thanks for checking out my youtube channel! The M36 is the most comfortable and well-rounded sound. It is my number 1. I purchased it last year and love it. I've been playing a 1973 Guild D-25, and I have been borrowing my dad's 1984 Martin D-28. Each has a different sound. The M-36 is the most fun to pickup and play all around. I'll be performing with it after the pandemic is over. I'll get an LR Baggs Anthem pickup put in soon.

[@afreebird53]

Fell in love with this guitar at my local guitar shop. Full warm sound, deep bass, and articulate. Bought one in July and LOVE playing it. I dream about how nice this guitar sounds

[@tcjensen1]

Can’t believe everyone that has slept ok this guitar. It’s amazing

[@toddbeeman5933]

That's the best sounding acoustic guitar I've ever heard on this channel! I'm in awe. I'd never heard of the model.. but I'm very interested in the idea of a jumbo-sized OM type guitar. Thanks for sharing! Hopefully I can afford one and they're not super expensive. Haha

[@TaartjeMetSlagroom]

This guitar sounds absolutely beautiful. The bass sounds very deep and the rest of the guitar sounds bright. A beautiful combination.

[@greghall7640]

Great review and glorious sounding Martin. I must have one……lock and load

[@ektalon1]

Glorious sound. Maybe, the Martin I like best. Clear highs and lows-no muddiness. Great job demonstrating it, Chris.

[@AlamoMusic]

Thanks for listening Barry!

[@DavidOHara-t4b]

Never heard of this until today when I was reading through used guitars on reverb . Now you're playing one ! It's a sign I tell you ! M36 here I come!

[@paulhamilton6652]

One of the best sounding guitars you’ve done! Great job Chris!

[@AlamoMusic]

Glad you like it!

[@paulhamilton6652]

Alamo Music Center I hope they bring back the sunburst version. I will have one someday. For now I’ll enjoy my 814CE V-Class!

[@seanhallahan14]

OMG, I'm the first like! You always do a great and informative job. Thank you. Best & cheers, Sean

[@AlamoMusic]

You're the best Sean!

[@AndEis93]

These reviews as amazing. Literally every guitar I search for on KZbin you have reviews of. Thanks!

[@scottf2199]

Agree with Chris - this has become one our 2 favorite Martins

[@carpediem4413]

Had my heart set on an OM-28 (or OMJM). Played the M-36 and was blown away by how much better it sounded than the OM-28 & OMJM. I was really shocked I have never heard of the M-36 before. It stood out in a room/demo of 20+ Santa Cruz, Martin, Taylor, Boucher, Collings $6K + guitars. BTW, love the 224CE-K Koa DLX I bought from Alamo (that guitar punches well above its price).

[@todddammit4628]

I just found this out too. I've been shopping for either a OOO or OM, but I think I just got talked out of those and into one of these.

[@gpapa31]

Serious, the M-36 sounded better than the OMJM? I did play the OM28 and loved the M36 more but never thought it would surpass the OMJM.

[@carpediem4413]

@@gpapa31 I’m sure the OMJM is better in many ways but the price/markup of it just had me a bit like “damn, is it THAT much better?” IMO, the M36 for the price is as good or better but to each their own.

[@gpapa31]

@@carpediem4413 gotcha. I can believe you since I played several guitars more expensive than the M36 and I ended up with the M36 when I could afford all the others too.

[@gpapa31]

@chris rocco you’re right. Luckily (for me) I managed to get a pre 2018 model with the 1 11/16" nut. I have small hands so it’s ideal.

[@wscarborough3472]

I love hearing the beautiful extra work put into every song you play. Thank!

[@artfulalias3984]

Amazing sound from that big boy. I think if I could afford a custom I'd get this in a sunburst and dark bindings.

[@alphasportstv]

This is the best review and explanation on the web, seriously. Had an M36 several years ago, this has me thinking of going back! Cheers

[@waterfordrs22]

I was under the impression the inspiration of these came during the folk boom of the sixties. There was a famous luthier from NYC who was taking Martin archtops from the thirties which were not highly regarded by jazz players. This man would replace the carved top with a spruce top. David Bromberg is a prominent example. The guitars however are two piece backs, the donor guitars predating the three piece back by about thirty years. Great sounding guitar that clearly has its won thing going on.

[@Jasper_Yay636]

Thanks for throwing my favorite hymn in the mix. “Onward Through The Fog”

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

I’m no nashville session player, but I love my all mahogany martin’s for recording best. It’s cool that martin makes this “in between “ size guitar. I have never had the chance to actually play one, but they have been on my radar for a long time. the narrow waist creates more clarity, the shallow depth creates more presence, and the big lower bout creates more bass. It’s a great sound, for sure, but do I really want ANOTHER martin? I have a Maestro OO MH on its way, but if I didn’t already have one coming, I might seek out this martin. cool demo, Chris! 🐰❤️🎸🎶🤝🎶

[@jamesridener3573]

I had the chance to play one of these at the local GC and was blown away. Excellent guitar. My only gripe, and it's a minor one, is that the fingerboard binding was a little sharp to the touch. Easily remedied and not enough to take this out of the top spot on my dream guitar list.

[@danswansonguitar]

I visited the Martin factory, got to play the M36 in their showroom and brought it home with me. Wow, for me the perfect guitar!

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

If we ever met, and had a conversation about my favorite acoustic guitars, this would have been the first words I spoke.

[@jaeyooncho2712]

Now I am a proud owner of M36 thanks to your excellent review! I also have HD28v and CEO7. In fact M36 covers both areas of D body and small body.

[@dwightlowes]

I’ve watched several videos and the M-36 will be my next Martin💯 I’ve got a Taylor I’m excited about and it will be my Next then the M-36 will follow!🎶🎶🔥

[@DirdyBirdy]

Hey Chris that was a brilliant demo. I recently bought a GPC-MMVE and love it. I'll have to check out the M-36 because it sounds really nice. However I'm getting a D-18 next. By the way you played very well in this demo. Great job bud...

[@haryowijoyo5979]

Always love that song you played 👍

[@AlamoMusic]

Thanks!

[@davidcudlip6587]

I agree, the Martin M-36 is a killer guitar. I play Bluegrass and this guitar is my go to guitar before I even think of picking up a dread.

[@themightyship]

I can't afford an M36, but your video intrigued me. I did recently find and purchase an M16GT though. I didn't even know this model existed. I'm a big fan of the 16 series so it seemed like a good compromise. It has a bigger, deeper, warmer, and woodier sound than my 00016GT so I used it for recording tonight and was not disappointed.

[@MrAbelone]

I’ve been a life long SJ200 guy other than the cheap Applauses and Yamahas I grew up with with. Found one of these at Nashville New and Used. I was in love with 1st strum but I had just bought a new SJ. I’m in and out of there for 6 months and I couldn’t believe that guitar was still there. So like any guitarist, I rationalized that the Universe wanted me to have that one. It’s about all I play for writing and singer/writer jams. My only issue is the neck is a bit wider than what I’m used to, and makes it difficult to jump right into intricate chords higher up the neck coming from any other electric or Gibson acoustic. 9/10 for me.

[@dwightlowes]

Outstanding love the guitar! Chris you always do the best at explaining the reasons why...!Amazing thank you!!💯

[@AlamoMusic]

I appreciate that!

[@slpc30]

Wow this was such an informative video . Thank you Chris

[@rogerd9150]

Great video as usual. I have 4 martin guitars and had never heard of the M-36. Sounded wonderful. But I’m sorry, I’ll have to take exception to the guitar smashing at the end. For a guitar lover, it was somewhat unsettling to say the least.

[@AlamoMusic]

Guitar was beyond repair. The top and sides were cracked with an inch missing on the back after UPS ran a forklift through it.

[@rogerd9150]

Alamo Music Center. Hi Chris. Thanks, I saw your explanation in another reply. I understand but somehow it still sticks in my brain. Poor guitar!

[@dgsoriano]

Love your rendition of "Amazing Grace "!!!

[@masonneal1654]

I love anything that covers a lot of ground... I’ll have to try this one

[@jrlopez4341]

I have two and 36 love them awesome guitars

[@DavidHaile_profile]

I have a 1937 Authentic D28, 2019 I believe. I just bought a 2020 M36 with the idea to sell that D28. The M36 just has a better pop up near the 8-10 frets. It is very strong and even everywhere. Plus I like its modern neck. Good to hear your opinions on it.

[@hemantthaiya7350]

Really like the channel. You do an amazing job Chris. Could you please do a comparison video between : 1. Martin GPC 11E 2. Furch Blue CM Plus 3.Taylor 214 ce Plus I am planning to buy my first solid wood guitar and confused between the above options. (I know Taylor 214 is not solid wood but its in same price range as the other two.)

[@redson425]

I'd be interested to hear this too. I'm guessing the Blue CM plus comes out best.

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

hemant thaiya Go with the Furch! They are excellent!! 🐰❤️🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@hemantthaiya7350]

@@JackTheRabbitMusic I am also leaning towards Furch. They look and sound great.

[@AlamoMusic]

We'll look into it!

[@hemantthaiya7350]

@@AlamoMusic Thank you very much. Looking forward to it. :)

[@kk-px7lu]

As always, lovely guitar. Truth is Martin, Taylor, Gibson and loads more all make lovely guitars of some model or other. Enjoyed the guitar smash, shame some people got upset about harmless fun.

[@robertlester641]

Great info about a model I was unfamiliar with. Its characteristics are exactly why I love jumbos and OM sized guitars. They sit better on my knee and I have a light touch. Dreads (especially Martins) are just too boomy for me but I love their mahogany 000 models. This would balance perfectly in all areas.

[@Darltornjacket]

I love my M-36. Martins best kept secret

[@gillesserrigny6324]

I play practically always in open tuning. The M 36 is a good guitar in that way?

[@ccaissie113]

Did you say CEDAR and rosewood? 6:12 I have an Ibanez Andorra GA400 with that combo, but it's a recital guitar...

[@Hun_Uinaq]

Good Lord. That part at the end was a bit of a shock.

[@kitjones9188]

I had one, I really miss it. But I never liked the white binding on fretboard and sold it. Now 10 yrs later I want it back.

[@christopher7310]

You make every guitar sound great. Thanks for the demo. It sounds lovely. If only it came in a burst finish. Or at least a darker top.

[@AlamoMusic]

That would be cool!

[@Rinty145]

The finish is darker than some other Martin models, I love it . But yes, it would be interesting to see it in a sunburst or even black, or how about a burgundy, WOW.

[@josephliptak]

I really like my M38. Great tone and looks.

[@mojoefelix]

You said it is cedar top. It is not. It is spruce top per Martin website.

[@YourGuitarHelper]

YES! I knew I had an amazing guitar, but now I'm sure of it thanks to your elaborate and great review. Also, I love your playing! It's so true that no one talks about the M36 but wow what a guitar! Thank you for sharing the good news ;) (p.s. what strings do you use?)

[@jhustler1992]

I own a 2013 Martin M36 and it smokes just about every acoustic guitar out there.

[@gpapa31]

Recent owner of a 2015 M-36 model orange brown looking top). I was wondering whether I should sell it and get the re imagined model? Have you played a post 2018 model, Is the scalloped bracing giving the new guitar a better tone?

[@SingSurfStrum]

Great Job Chris, I love that, may replace my J200 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@butcharmstrong9645]

Beautiful.

[@markgoh83]

Hope you have tabs for the songs you play. It’s just so soothing and lovely. Love the M-36. Thinking of either the M-36 or and OMC-28e

[@patricklundquist9869]

This guitar sounds SO much more open and woody than the 1970 D-28 I was playing yesterday, which sounded like a Martin for sure but kind of boxy. The one thing I'll give that D-28, LOUD!

[@BAMyerson]

I have a d28 and om28. I do a lot of recording for my singer/songwriter type of music, do you think the m36 is better for recording then the om28? I do a lot of strumming and some lead parts but not really a finger picker.

[@Magnustroye]

Just sold my d18 for an M36, and trust me the D18 was boomy and insaly good sounding. But it is alot easier to record with

[@arthurallen7868]

I've owned (and currently own) high-end Martin's and Taylors . (Currently have a Martin CEO-4R and Taylor 714ce Limited Edition (torrefied sitka/brazilian rosewood). My M-36 is my go-to main player. I think it may be the answer to "what if Martin and Taylor had a love child?".

[@texhaines9957]

Great demo. Can you do a video on that Amazing Grace tune? Don't like smashing guitars

[@texhaines9957]

Ok, I tried an M-36, 0000-28 Custom Shop, & their Custom Shop Jumbo (0000-28 but deeper like a dreadnought). Falling in love with a CS 0000-28 12 fret short scale large sound hole.

[@dougstump2520]

Thanks for the video! The Martin M36 is on my short list, the other is a Taylor 714. I don't live near a store where I can try both, and I'm so hesitant to buy something without trying it. I know you've played both, any comments on how these two guitars go head to head? Thanks.

[@JesseStoneMusic]

Great video I want one!

[@stevelandress]

I'm glad I watched this to the end. Thanks for a good laugh.

[@dougrobinson8602]

Cue up John Hiatt's 'Smashing a perfectly good guitar'! Honestly, you can see that guitar had a heinous crack in the top. Probably cost more to repair than what the guitar is (was) worth, but it's disturbing nonetheless. Nice tone on that M-36, but seemed a bit light on the bottom end. Love it when you play 'Amazing Grace".

[@AlamoMusic]

Big crack in the back and side as well. UPS destroyed it. -Chris

[@stevekelley1536]

@@AlamoMusic I'm sorry but it could have been repaired or cut open to show martin's bracing.

[@tcjensen1]

1st take was with a Martin full HPL but they couldn’t break it

[@texhaines9957]

If I recall, they also make these in 12 fret and large sound hole

[@Tigerex966]

Great info.

[@AlamoMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cfibb]

@6:11 I think you meant spruce not cedar.

[@GuitarSavvy]

I would like to know the name of the song he starts playing at 10:45. Anyone know it? I know I've heard it before but don't know where to start looking. Thanks!

[@gpapa31]

Recent owner of a 2015 M-36 model orange brown looking top). I was wondering whether I should sell it and get the re imagined model? Is the scalloped bracing giving the new guitar a better tone?

[@haroldclark1787]

The guitar smash at the end was about as funny as leukemia.

[@billphillips9772]

My #1

[@NicholasANappiNick]

A real winner

[@reydelagarza2953]

Hello from McAllen! So have they always been made in the same manner with simlar bracing or binding, or some years better than others? Been looking at a 2007....

[@heyimmitul]

Very informative video, thanks for aiding making my decision on the purchase! But please, the outro is a bit profound.

[@MartinLutherMcCoy]

Sold. 10:39 tho (ten fire emojis)

[@artrogers3985]

🎸Nice Chris. Thanks

[@zollyclaman]

I find the 00018 also doesn't come up too much. There isnt even a half decent review on KZbin. Why is this?

[@colakeith1]

Please, please i love your reviews but the M-36 is Sitka Spruce top and Indian Rosewood back and sides But you are right it IS the unsung hero of Martin's line up.

[@1olddoggie]

that ending was a little jarring!

[@rogergroot2950]

My 93 year old trucker friend we trucked coast to coast bought a D- 38 (not "M") at a pawn shop in 1960`s for $165.00.He sold it in 2017 to a musician for $3,400.00.The Serial number shows it was made in 1934.

[@AlamoMusic]

That's an amazing buy!

[@VaughnFelixMusic]

Pass that red headed step child this way please 🙏🏼

[@clyderichardson6475]

I have a j40m and have often wished I got an M36 instead!

[@terrymattingly6843]

Two things: You might want to know that there is a Facebook page now that's dedicated to the "overlooked" Martins -- M-36, M-38 and the J-series. Nice circle of folks who can articulate what this model is all about. Second: I must admit that the Grovers drove me nuts. I put butterbean Waverly tuners on it and the tuning is MUCH more consistent (and the guitar is more balanced with the lighter headstock). Just saying. And strings? You want Stringjoy 12s in phosphor bronze.

[@KillerBudda1418]

Hey chris what is that first song u was playing at the beginning

[@AlamoMusic]

An original (:

[@KillerBudda1418]

Alamo Music Center yeah i been trying to learn it i love that song man beautiful

[@Hjaltland2]

Which is your preference.. M36 or J40 ?

[@raybettencourt5092]

Whats the price range on the m36

[@redson425]

Great video thanks. I frankly had never heard of a M-36 before let alone seen or heard one. Sent me running to the Martin website to wonder how I didn't know about this guitar. Sort of looks like an OM in the upper bout and a Dreadnought lower bout with a Kim Kardashian arse. Doesn't have the same kick as a D35 but a wonderful instrument nevertheless. Would love to hear the same body shape with a Mahogany back and sides. That I'm guessing would be a great recording guitar.

[@billphillips9772]

You can see video of a 0000-18 on KZbin-they sound great too

[@texhaines9957]

What is the difference between the M-36 and 0000?

[@8865jb]

0000 is the technical body size. M-36 is just the designated model name for whatever reason. 0000’s are the given name when it’s a custom model. M-36 is the standard lineup model.

[@leesanna7835]

Why isn't called a M-35? What makes if a 36?

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

Must be the microphone. Sounds super woofy.

[@Hubieee]

Do Martin guitars hold their value better than some other brands? Yes. Do they have a good price-value ratio if you just want to play the guitar? Definitely not. „Quintessential Martin“-tone is marketing blabla. And I get it, you‘re a seller, Martin invests a lot in in marketing but the bottom line is that you get the same amount of guitar for a lot less money, take a look at Eastman (yeah, they kinda copy Martin in the acoustic section, but their guitars are handmade and top notch and they do innovate, too) or eastern European marks like Furch. At the end having a Martin is about the feeling and the standing, not in particular about the tone or the craftsmanship which both, of course, are up there. They have to be, asking a price of the post-3000 mark. Btw, I would love to have a M-D28 some day, just not willing to invest that much money yet. Have to improve my playing first. //edit: the end sucks.

[@MisterRorschach90]

I wonder if Chris is related to Andy?

[@rogerdavis4840]

Very funny ending!

[@anggalazuardian3729]

PLEASE COMPARE AND REVIEW THE PRS PARLOR P20 & P20E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT ANYMORE ARRRGRGRGRGRGRGHHHRHHHHHHHHH

[@startreker8591]

They all sounded similar mmm

[@wahivalleys3011]

So, the Martin M-36 is actually responsible for Nashville "Bro Country"? Detrimental!!!! Wahi' Valleys

[@DaMaxchi]

No guitar deserves to be treated like that (at the end of this video). Have you guys lost your minds???

[@ektalon1]

I agree. Please tell us it was a mock-up.

[@marekbage]

Oh FFS! Grab your smelling salts and calm the f@#k down. I was a damaged guitar. You can see the top is split.

[@kk-px7lu]

try saying that to Pete Townsend.

[@ektalon1]

I think Willie Nelson would be upset if his guitar with a big hole in the top was smashed.

[@AlamoMusic]

For everyone concerned, yes, the guitar was damaged beyond repair. It was a Yamaha FG830 that UPS ran through with a forklift. The top was cracked along with the sides. The back had a 1” chunk missing and the end block was also cracked and partially gone. It has already a dead guitar. -Chris

[@rickciceran3181]

OM body is exactly the same as a triple O The only difference is the scale length.

[@steveb9325]

Great guitar! Btw: the guitar smashing at the very end of this video was disgusting!!!! Seriously!!!??? Absolutely no respect for that at all!!! Even if that was CGI it's not funny. And, that wasn't CGI. What's wrong with you guys???

[@roosky203]

Was ruined by a forklift already lol

[@atta1798]

I owned a CJ818 yamaha the nice of a J200...since I have not listen any other guitar with such sound quality....not even the L56 and and some of the Martin's that disappointed me.....