Collection: Martin
Explore the best selection of C.F. Martin guitars at Chicago Music Exchange. As one of the world’s oldest and leading acoustic guitar makers, C.F. Martin & Co. has crafted exceptional guitars for over 175 years. Known for industry standards like the dreadnought and proprietary X-bracing technology, Martin guitars are favored by musicians worldwide. Shop new, used, and custom models, including the Standard, X, and Road Series. Buy your perfect Martin guitar and accessories today!
Martin Guitars
Iconic tone since 1833—shop new, used, vintage & Custom Shop at Chicago Music Exchange
If you’re on the hunt for the best Martin guitars, you already know: nothing rings like a Martin. From D-28 and D-18 dreadnoughts to OM and 000 fingerstyle favorites, Martin’s blend of history, craftsmanship, and projection has defined the sound of American music for nearly two centuries. At Chicago Music Exchange, we curate one of the country’s premier selections of Martin acoustic guitars for sale—including vintage Martin, used Martin, Martin Authentic Series, and Martin Custom Shop builds—each inspected, weighed, and set up by our acoustic team.
Why Players Choose Martin (and keep them forever)
- Signature voice: Piano-like lows, focused mids, shimmering highs—the archetypal dreadnought sound that cuts in a mix and records beautifully.
- Proven designs: Martin pioneered X-bracing and the dreadnought body, setting the blueprint for modern acoustic tone.
- Depth of lineup: From stage-ready Road Series to heirloom Authentic and Custom Shop models.
- Resale strength: High demand for used and vintage Martins makes them smart, musical investments.
Popular Martin Models & Body Styles
- D-28 (rosewood dreadnought): Deep bass, sparkling highs, huge headroom—ideal for flatpicking, strumming, and ensemble work.
- D-18 (mahogany dreadnought): Drier, woodier mids and clarity that sits perfectly in recordings.
- OM-28 / OM-21 (Orchestra Model): Balanced, articulate, great for fingerstyle and singers.
- 000-18 / 000-28: Shorter scale comfort, vintage feel, sweet mids.
- 00 / 0 & 12-fret variants: Intimate, old-world resonance with surprising projection.
- Authentic Series: Period-correct woods, bracing, and hide glue for pre-war tone.
- Custom Shop: Hand-selected tonewoods (Adirondack, Guatemalan rosewood, sinker mahogany), bespoke necks, and aesthetic options.
Year-by-Year Vibe: How Eras Shape Tone
- Pre-War (1930s–early ’40s): Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing, light builds, enormous responsiveness—gold standard collectibles.
- ’50s–’60s: Classic folk-era Martins with musical mids and enduring workhorse reliability.
- ’70s–’80s: Heavier builds vary in tone; many gems and a friendly entry point to vintage Martin.
- Modern Era: Improved consistency, neck comfort, PLEK setups, and vintage-inspired voicing in the Standard, Modern Deluxe, Authentic, and Custom Shop lines.
Artists & Famous Recordings
Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Doc Watson, Joan Baez, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Chris Martin (Coldplay), Ed Sheeran—decades of landmark recordings feature Martin acoustic guitars. From Clapton’s “Unplugged” to bluegrass flatpicking standards, Martin’s voice is the sound of the song.
Price Ranges
- Entry / Working Player: Road & X Series, many left-handed options — $599–$1,499
- Core Standard Series (D-18/D-28/OM/000): stage/studio staples — $1,799–$3,799
- Modern Deluxe / 28-Style Upgrades: vintage flavor + modern playability — $3,399–$5,499
- Authentic Series & Custom Shop: heirloom builds, period-correct specs — $5,999–$12k+
- Used & Vintage Martin: price varies by era/condition; our listings include weights, detailed photos, and in-hand notes.
Which Martin Should I Buy?
- Strummer / band mix cut: D-28, HD-28
- Recording clarity / singer-songwriter: D-18, 000-18, OM-21/28
- Fingerstyle / alternate tunings: OM-28, OM-28 Modern Deluxe, 12-fret 000/00
- Vintage-leaning tone, modern warranty: Authentic Series
- Specific neck feel, wood, or look in mind: Custom Shop (we’ll co-design it with you)
Why Buy from Chicago Music Exchange
Chicago Music Exchange is the #1 destination for vintage, used, and Custom Shop Martin acoustic guitars. Trusted by touring artists, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide.
- Hand-selected inventory with real specs, weights, and high-res photos
- Expert acoustic staff to match bracing/woods/neck to your playing
- Trade-in & financing options, plus fair pricing on used Martin guitars
- Make an Offer available on many listings
- Fast, insured shipping—packed by people who love guitars as much as you do
Martin Acoustic Guitars FAQ
What are the most popular Martin acoustic guitars?
The D-28, D-18, OM-28, and 000-18 are the most searched and purchased models for their classic Martin tone and versatility.
Which is better: D-18 or D-28?
D-28 (rosewood) = deeper bass and sparkle; D-18 (mahogany) = clearer mids and recording-friendly balance. Many players own—and love—both.
What’s the best Martin for fingerstyle?
Try an OM-28 or 000-18 for balance and sensitivity; consider short-scale 000 for a softer feel.
Do modern Martins sound like vintage models?
The Authentic Series uses period-correct bracing, hide glue, and woods to closely echo pre-war construction while offering modern reliability.
Are used and vintage Martins a good value?
Yes. Used Martin guitars often deliver top-tier tone at friendlier prices. Vintage Martin values depend on era/condition—our listings include detailed, transparent assessments.
Can CME help me order a Martin Custom Shop?
Absolutely. We’ll help you choose tops/backs, bracing, neck specs, inlays, and finish to build your dream Martin Custom Shop acoustic.
Do you carry left-handed Martin acoustics?
Yes. We regularly stock left-handed Martin acoustic guitars across Road, Standard, and select Custom Shop builds. Check current availability or contact our team.
Ready to find your Martin?
Hear the difference great wood, great design, and 1833 heritage make. Explore new, used, vintage, Authentic Series, and Custom Shop Martin acoustic guitars at Chicago Music Exchange—and take home the sound you’ve heard on records your whole life.
Martin D-28
The Martin D-28 is the definitive steel-string acoustic guitar—an icon of American music known for its powerful projection, rich low end, and perfectly balanced tone. Favored by legendary artists across genres, the D-28 delivers the deep, resonant voice that defines bluegrass, country, folk, and classic rock recordings. With its solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, the Martin D-28 produces lush overtones, piano-like clarity, and unmatched sustain, making it a top choice for both stage and studio.
At Chicago Music Exchange, our collection of Martin D-28 guitars highlights the finest examples of Martin craftsmanship, from vintage-style appointments to modern refinements. Forward-shifted X-bracing enhances resonance and responsiveness, while a comfortable High-Performance Taper neck ensures effortless playability across all styles. Whether you’re flatpicking leads, strumming open chords, or accompanying vocals, the D-28 offers incredible projection and tonal depth that fills any room.
Renowned for its elegant simplicity—herringbone trim, ebony fingerboard, and understated aesthetics—the D-28 is both timeless and versatile, appealing to traditionalists and contemporary players alike. It’s a guitar built not only to be played, but to be passed down through generations.
Martin D-18
The Martin D-18 is a cornerstone of acoustic guitar history, revered by songwriters, studio players, and touring professionals for its unmistakable voice and classic style. Built with a solid Sitka spruce top and genuine mahogany back and sides, the D-18 delivers a balanced, articulate tone—crisp trebles, warm mids, and a focused low end—that shines in every genre from folk and bluegrass to country and Americana. Whether you’re fingerpicking intricate melodies or driving powerful rhythm strumming, the Martin D-18 responds with unparalleled clarity and dynamic range.
At Chicago Music Exchange, our collection of Martin D-18 guitars showcases both traditional craftsmanship and modern enhancements, including forward-shifted scalloped bracing, ebony fingerboards, and high-performance neck profiles for exceptional playability and comfort. These guitars embody Martin’s storied legacy, offering players a truly vintage-inspired sound with the reliability demanded by today’s musicians.
Searching for that iconic “woody” mahogany tone or a lifetime companion for writing, recording, and performing? The Martin D-18 stands as one of the most dependable, stage-ready dreadnoughts ever made. Known for its projection, tonal balance, and minimalist aesthetic, it’s a favorite among purists who value authenticity over flash.
Martin Custom Shop
Martin Custom Shop guitars are the pinnacle of acoustic craftsmanship, offering players and collectors an unmatched combination of tradition, tone, and tailor-made design. At Chicago Music Exchange, we’re proud to be one of the top destinations in the world for Custom Shop Martin guitars, helping you find your dream instrument—whether it’s a historically accurate dreadnought or a custom-voiced auditorium built to your personal specs.
Whether you’re shopping for a used Martin Custom Shop guitar, a brand-new Martin Custom Shop build, or working with our team to commission your own Martin Custom Shop custom order, you’ll find the world’s best selection, support, and service here at CME.