#1
Martin D-28
The standard Martin dreadnought · Dreadnought, spruce top, rosewood back and sides, scalloped X-bracing$1,200–$1,700 usedBest for: Bluegrass, country, and strumming — the definitive dreadnought sound
The Martin D-28 is one of the most influential acoustic guitars ever made. The scalloped X-bracing, spruce top, and rosewood back produce a loud, projecting dreadnought sound that defined bluegrass and country music. Used D-28 models hold their value extremely well and are arguably worth more in tone and craftsmanship than their used price suggests. This guitar will outlast its owner.
What to check used: Older used D-28s (pre-1990s) may have Brazilian rosewood — highly desirable but requires CITES documentation for international transport. Verify the rosewood type before purchasing vintage examples.
#2
Martin 000-15M
Best affordable Martin · 000 body, all-mahogany, satin finish, modified low-oval neck$500–$720 usedBest for: Fingerpickers who want genuine Martin quality at a reasonable price
The Martin 000-15M is the entry point into serious Martin acoustics. The all-mahogany construction produces a warm, focused tone ideal for fingerstyle — less bright than spruce/rosewood but more intimate. The 000 body size (smaller than dreadnought) gives excellent note separation for fingerpicking. For under $700 used, you get a guitar made in the USA to Martin quality standards.
#3
Martin D-18
Mahogany dreadnought · Dreadnought, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, standard X-bracing$900–$1,300 usedBest for: Players wanting dreadnought projection with warmer mahogany tone
The Martin D-18 is the mahogany alternative to the rosewood D-28. Mahogany back and sides produce a warmer, slightly compressed tone compared to rosewood's brightness. The D-18 is preferred by many fingerstyle players and singer-songwriters for its intimacy. Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, and many others have used D-18 variants throughout their careers.
#4
Martin HD-28
Herringbone dreadnought · Dreadnought, spruce top, rosewood, scalloped X-bracing, herringbone trim$1,400–$2,000 usedBest for: Players wanting vintage D-28 tone with modern reliability
The Martin HD-28 is the herringbone-trim version of the D-28 with scalloped bracing — the combination produces a tonally complex, loud instrument. The herringbone binding is cosmetically beautiful, and the scalloped bracing provides a vintage-style responsiveness that plain D-28 models lack. If you can afford it used, the HD-28 is often the sweet spot between vintage Martin tone and modern build reliability.
#5
Martin 00-15M
Parlor-sized Martin · 00 body, all-mahogany, smaller than 000, intimate tone$400–$580 usedBest for: Smaller players or travel players wanting all-Martin construction at budget prices
The Martin 00-15M is smaller than the 000-15M with the same all-mahogany construction. The 00 body is ideal for players who find full-sized dreadnoughts too large — it sits comfortably and the smaller body emphasizes midrange warmth. For acoustic fingerpickers who want Martin quality in a compact instrument, this is the best value Martin available used.
#6
Martin D-15M
Mahogany dreadnought value · Dreadnought, all-mahogany, satin finish, simple decoration$600–$820 usedBest for: Mahogany dreadnought players who want full-size body at 000-15M prices
The Martin D-15M gives you dreadnought body size and all-mahogany construction at a price point similar to the 000-15M. If you prefer the louder, more projecting sound of a dreadnought but want mahogany warmth rather than rosewood brightness, the D-15M is the logical choice. Great for singer-songwriters who strum and sing simultaneously.
#7
Martin 0-15M
Most affordable Martin USA-made · 0 body (smallest Martin), all-mahogany, simple and approachable$300–$450 usedBest for: Players wanting the smallest USA-made Martin at the lowest price
The Martin 0-15M is the smallest and most affordable guitar in the 15 Series. The 0 body is compact and ideal for younger players, small-handed adults, or guitarists who want a simple travel-friendly Martin. All-mahogany construction produces the same warm tone as larger 15 Series models in a more portable package.
