Ask the Experts | December 21, 2023
Q: What is your favorite Martin model?
John Bohlinger
I have a 1946 Martin D-18 that is magic. Every time I use it on a session, I strum a G chord into the mics and the engineer usually says, “That’s the best sounding acoustic I’ve ever heard.”
Elle Cordova
I love my 00-15M. It's versatile, small enough that it's easy to travel with and it doesn't break my neck during longer standing concerts, and it has held up quite well over the years with minimal maintenance.
Sean Daniel
D-35 all the way! It’s the greatest guitar ever made! The beauty of it is that the three-piece back is hidden from the audience. It’s like a little secret that you may or may not ever share.
Steve Howe
Historically, the 00-18, but then the MC-28 helped develop my MC-38 Steve Howe signature, which is now my favorite.
Jimmy Leslie
The SC because it’s the most playable acoustic ever and offers brand new opportunities in the upper register that have never been so available to an acoustic player before. It’s cool to learn traditional stuff too, and the OM-28 Modern Deluxe is my favorite for bedroom fingerpicking in the traditional sense. But I’m over the moon about all the new discoveries happening when I play the CS-SC-2022 and how it makes everything as easy as possible to play live on stage.
Brooke Ligertwood
Obviously, I’m pretty biased here – the 000-28 Brooke Ligertwood signature edition is my favorite. I created my dream guitar – a combination of my favorite parts of what had been my two favorite guitars in my collection – my PS2 Paul Simon and my Eric Clapton signature editions. The additional feature I love that isn’t part of either of those aforementioned guitars is the flamed maple we used inside the body. It really makes a difference to the volume and resonance you’re able to get out of that same body shape.
Zach Meyers
This is an incredibly tough question for me since my love of guitars is so vast. It would have to be a toss up between the J-40 and D-18, although onstage lately the D-41 has been my main acoustic for the last year or so.
Steve Miller
My newest D-45, which has electronics and controls beautifully installed by Martin and perfect for the stage.
Paul Riario
I will always love my Martin OM-28E Retro. It's by far my favorite acoustic that ticks every box for me – tone, looks, shape, playability – but I'm going to have to say, the one I've been playing the most has been the Martin SC-13E, which has made my gigging life a breeze and is the guitar that I play at every acoustic show.
SamuraiGuitarist
It's gotta be the D-45. After having a chance to play a holy grail 1942 D-45, I saw the light. This is the best sounding acoustic guitar I have ever heard. Nothing comes close. One day I will own one... one day.
Mary Spender
I’m just head over heels in love with my OM-28. I had lusted after Martins for a long time but never had the opportunity to buy my own. A few years ago, I went into my local guitar store in Brighton in the U.K. They had an OM-28 on show, I played it, and it was the most comfortable guitar I’d ever held. The connection was instant. The neck profile, the body size, everything just fit me so perfectly. It also sounded incredible, so rich and full. I knew I had to have it. We’ve been together four years now – it's hands down my favorite instrument I’ve ever owned.