Martin Acoustic Guitars
The original name in acoustic guitars, and still one of the most sought after brands in the world today. Martin have been making guitars since 1833 and most of the world's acoustic guitars produced in the last 100 years owe much to their designs. Today theymake more guitars than ever, better than ever.
Shapes and Sizes
The shapes illustrated below form the core of the Martin range. They are from left to right, the classic Dreadnought (D, HD), the Jumbo(J, HJ,>OOOO), theAuditorium (OOO, OM) and the Concert (OO), the smallest standard Martin shape.
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Models and Tonewoods
The table below shows some of the more popular Martin models, and the tonewoods used in their construction.
Martin Guitars - Series, Models and Tonewoods
| Series |
Models |
Top |
Sides |
Back |
| Road Series |
DM, DCM, DM12, 000M |
Spruce |
Laminated Mahogany |
Laminated Mahogany |
| DR |
Spruce |
Laminated Rosewood |
Laminated Rosewood |
| 1 Series |
B-1, D-1, D12-1, DC-1, DC1-E, J-1, 00-1, 000-1, 000C-1, 000C-1E, 0000-1 |
Spruce |
Laminated Mahogany |
Solid Mahogany |
| D-1R, D-2R, D-3R, 001R, 000-1R |
Spruce |
Laminated Rosewood |
Laminated Rosewood |
| 15 Series |
D-15, 000-15 |
Mahogany |
Solid Mahogany |
Solid Mahogany |
| 16 Series |
D-16T, SPD-16T, 000-16T, SP000-16T |
Spruce |
Solid Mahogany |
Solid Mahogany |
| D-16TR, SPD-16TR, 000-16TR, SP000-16TR |
Spruce |
Solid Rosewood |
Solid Rosewood |
| Standard Series |
D-18, 000-18 |
Spruce |
Solid Mahogany |
Solid Mahogany |
| D-28, HD-28, D12-28, D-35, HD-35, D-40, D-41, D-42, D-45, HJ-28, J-40, 0000-28H, 0000-38, 000-28, OM-21 |
Spruce |
Solid Rosewood |
Solid Rosewood |
| Vintage Series |
D-18VM, D-18VMS |
Spruce |
Solid Mahogany |
Solid Mahogany |
| HD-28VR, HD-28-VS, D-45VR, 000-28EC, OM-28VR |
Spruce |
Solid Rosewood |
Solid Rosewood |
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Vintage series Martin HD28VS.
Features
Some of the more subtle differences between the models...
- HD and HJ models (and model OM-28VR) feature the famous 'herringbone' inlay pattern around the edges of the soundboard.
- D-18VMS and HD-28VS (see picture above) vintage series dreadnought models have an elongated body with more rounded shoulders, and a slotted headstock, copying an old pre-WWII design. This body shape produces a slightly warmer sound than the standard dreadnought design.
- Higher end models (i.e. all vintage series, special 'SP' models, and standard series models numbered 38 and above) feature scalloped bracing, allowing the soundboard to vibrate more freely and producing a more 'open' sound, while retaining structural strength.
- Some models are available factory fitted with pickups - alternatively we offer a pickup fitting service here at Sheehans. Please contact us for more details.
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