The Martin D35 acoustic guitar is an instrument that has left an indelible mark on the world of guitar playing. It is a guitar that has been highly regarded by musicians and guitar enthusiasts for its unique and distinctive sound, as well as its playability and craftsmanship. The Martin D35 acoustic guitar has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s, when it was first introduced by C.F. Martin & Company.

The Martin D35 acoustic guitar quickly gained popularity among guitarists for its sound and design, which were quite different from the traditional dreadnought guitars of the time. The Martin D35 acoustic guitar was designed to be a versatile and powerful instrument that could be used for a wide range of musical styles. It has since become an iconic instrument in the guitar world and has been used by countless musicians in various genres.

In this guide, we will take an in-depth look at the Martin D35 acoustic guitar, its design, features, sound quality, playability, and value for money. We will also compare it to other Martin guitars and explain why it is a unique and distinctive choice among Martin guitars. Whether you are a professional musician or an aspiring guitarist, this guide is essential for anyone interested in the Martin D35 acoustic guitar.

 

Martin D35's Design and Features

The Martin D35 acoustic guitar is an iconic instrument that has left its mark on the guitar world. The design of the Martin D35 is characterized by a large dreadnought body, providing a powerful sound with great volume and projection. The guitar's back and sides are made of Indian rosewood, while its top is made of Sitka spruce, making for a high-quality build that provides a warm and rich tone.

The Martin D35 acoustic guitar features several unique design elements that contribute to its sound quality. One such feature is the three-piece back, which consists of two outer pieces of Indian rosewood and a center strip of mahogany. This design enhances the guitar's tonal clarity and resonance, creating a sound that is rich and full-bodied.

Another unique feature of the Martin D35 acoustic guitar is the forward-shifted bracing, which contributes to the guitar's overall tone and projection. The forward-shifted bracing pattern places the braces closer to the soundhole, resulting in a more dynamic and responsive sound. Additionally, the guitar's ebony fingerboard and bridge provide a smooth and comfortable playing experience.

Overall, the Martin D35's design and features create a guitar that is versatile and adaptable to many different styles of music. Its powerful projection and tonal clarity make it ideal for solo performances, while its warm and rich tone make it well-suited for accompanying singers or other instruments. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Martin D35 acoustic guitar's design and features make it a worthy investment.

 

Martin D35's Sound Quality

The Martin D35 acoustic guitar is widely known for its exceptional sound quality, which has made it a popular choice among guitarists seeking a rich and powerful sound. The sound of the Martin D35 is influenced by its design and features, which include the types of wood used in its construction, the unique bracing pattern, and the overall craftsmanship of the guitar.

One of the key qualities of the Martin D35's sound is its warmth. The combination of a Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides produces a warm, full-bodied sound that is perfect for a wide range of playing styles. The rosewood contributes to the guitar's tonal balance, while the spruce top adds brightness and clarity to the sound.

In addition to warmth, the Martin D35 is also known for its clarity. The forward-shifted scalloped bracing pattern helps to enhance the clarity and separation of individual notes, making it an ideal choice for fingerstyle playing and intricate picking patterns. The bracing also allows for a greater degree of resonance, which contributes to the guitar's overall projection and volume.

Another key aspect of the Martin D35's sound is its projection. This guitar is capable of producing a powerful, expansive sound that fills a room with ease. Its projection is due in part to the size and shape of the dreadnought body, which provides ample space for the sound to resonate and develop.

Overall, the Martin D35 acoustic guitar offers a sound that is rich, warm, clear, and powerful. Its combination of premium woods, unique bracing pattern, and expert craftsmanship make it a top choice for guitarists who demand the best in tone and sound quality. Whether you're playing in a recording studio, on stage, or in the comfort of your own home, the Martin D35 is sure to deliver a sound that will inspire and impress.

Martin D35's Playability

The playability of a guitar is a crucial factor for any guitarist. The Martin D35 acoustic guitar offers excellent playability, making it a top choice for guitarists of all levels.

The neck of the Martin D35 acoustic guitar is designed to provide maximum comfort and ease of playing. The modified low oval neck shape offers a comfortable grip, while the 1-11/16" nut width provides ample space for fingerpicking and strumming. Additionally, the ebony fingerboard offers a smooth and fast playing surface, making it easy for guitarists to glide their fingers along the frets.

The fretboard radius of the Martin D35 acoustic guitar is 16", which is a medium radius that offers a comfortable playing experience for guitarists of all levels. The frets are also expertly installed and leveled to ensure a consistent playing experience across all frets.

The action on the Martin D35 acoustic guitar is set low, which makes it easy to play without requiring too much pressure on the strings. This also ensures that the guitar stays in tune and produces a clear and resonant sound.

The overall construction of the Martin D35 acoustic guitar is also designed to enhance its playability. The dreadnought body shape is ergonomically designed to offer maximum comfort and ease of playing, while the lightweight construction ensures that the guitar can be played for long periods without causing any strain.

In summary, the Martin D35 acoustic guitar offers excellent playability, making it a top choice for guitarists seeking a comfortable and easy-to-play guitar. The neck shape and width, fretboard radius, and low action, combined with the ergonomic design of the dreadnought body, all contribute to the overall playability of the guitar.

 

Martin D35's Value for Money

The Martin D35 acoustic guitar is a high-end guitar with exceptional value for money. It is a popular choice among guitarists seeking a powerful and versatile guitar with excellent playability and sound quality. In this section, we will discuss the Martin D35's value for money and how it compares to other high-end guitars in the market.

The Martin D35 acoustic guitar is a premium guitar that comes with a hefty price tag. However, it is important to note that the Martin D35 offers exceptional value for money when compared to other high-end guitars in the market. The Martin D35 is made with premium materials and expert craftsmanship, resulting in a guitar with outstanding sound quality and durability.

Compared to other high-end guitars in the market, such as the Gibson J-45 or Taylor 814ce, the Martin D35 is priced similarly but offers unique features and benefits. The three-piece back design of the Martin D35 is one such feature that sets it apart from other guitars. The three-piece back is made of solid East Indian rosewood, which contributes to the guitar's rich and powerful sound.

Additionally, the Martin D35 features forward-shifted bracing, which improves the guitar's resonance and projection. The forward-shifted bracing design is unique to Martin guitars and is a contributing factor to their distinctive sound. The Martin D35 also features a solid Sitka spruce top, which further enhances the guitar's sound quality and resonance.

Overall, the Martin D35's quality, sound, and craftsmanship justify its price tag. It is a worthy investment for aspiring and professional guitarists who seek a high-quality and distinctive guitar that will last for years to come. With proper care and maintenance, the Martin D35 will retain its value and sound quality, making it a sound investment for any guitarist.

 

Comparison to other Martin guitars

When it comes to high-end acoustic guitars, Martin is a brand that stands out as a hallmark of quality, craftsmanship, and sound. Martin guitars are known for their rich tonal character, superior playability, and enduring beauty, making them the go-to choice for guitarists around the world. However, with so many different models and styles to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which Martin guitar is right for you.

One popular Martin guitar that often comes up in discussions of high-end acoustic guitars is the Martin D-28. Like the Martin D-35, the D-28 is a dreadnought-style guitar with a classic design and rich tonal quality. However, there are some key differences between these two guitars that set them apart.

For starters, the Martin D-28 has a slightly brighter and more focused sound than the D-35, thanks in part to its scalloped X-bracing and solid Sitka spruce top. The D-28 also has a more traditional appearance, with a black pickguard, herringbone trim, and a vintage-style headstock logo.

Another guitar that is often compared to the Martin D-35 is the Martin HD-28. Like the D-35, the HD-28 has a three-piece back and a forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing pattern. However, the HD-28 has a slightly brighter and more articulate sound than the D-35, with a more pronounced midrange and treble response. The HD-28 also has a slightly slimmer neck profile, making it a good choice for guitarists with smaller hands.

Of course, there are many other Martin guitars to choose from as well, including the Martin OM-28, the Martin D-18, and the Martin 00-28. Each of these guitars has its own unique qualities and tonal character, making it important to try out several different models to determine which one is right for you.

Ultimately, the Martin D-35 stands out as a distinctive and versatile choice among Martin guitars, with a warm and powerful sound, exceptional playability, and exquisite craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring guitarist, the Martin D-35 is a guitar that will inspire you to reach new heights of creativity and musical expression.

The Martin D35 acoustic guitar is an iconic instrument in the guitar world, known for its classic design and rich sound. Its history and contribution to the development of acoustic guitar technology make it an essential part of the guitar industry, and its popularity among musicians has continued to endure.

The unique features of the Martin D35, such as its three-piece back and forward-shifted bracing, contribute significantly to its exceptional sound quality. Its warm, clear, and powerful sound has made it a top choice for guitarists seeking a rich and resonant tone.

In terms of playability, the Martin D35 is comfortable and easy to play, thanks to its neck shape and width, fretboard radius, and other features. This makes it a popular choice for guitarists seeking a guitar that is not only a pleasure to listen to but also a joy to play.

While the Martin D35 acoustic guitar is not inexpensive, its quality, sound, and craftsmanship justify its price tag. Its value for money compares favorably to other high-end guitars in the market, making it a worthy investment for aspiring and professional guitarists alike.

Compared to other Martin guitars such as the D28 and HD-28, the Martin D35 acoustic guitar stands out as a unique and distinctive choice, with its classic design and rich sound quality.

In conclusion, the Martin D35 acoustic guitar's legacy, reputation, and impact on the guitar industry make it an essential instrument for guitarists. Its quality, sound, and craftsmanship continue to uphold its place as a classic and versatile guitar for guitarists. Anyone seeking a high-quality and distinctive guitar should experience the sound and craftsmanship of the Martin D35 acoustic guitar and consider it as their next guitar purchase.