Martin 000 Acoustic Guitar For Sale (Jan 2023 Update)

So, this has always been a dream guitar for me. The weird thing is, I’ve actually owned one before but was not impressed with the sound. I had read in previous reviews that the 000-17’s have a cheap guitar sound, and when I owned the previous guitar I was in agreement with those reviews…so, sold it. However, a year later I played one at a local guitar shop and it punched me in the face!!! It was crunchy, punchy, resonant, and had some real cojones to it! I WAS LIKE “WHAT!!!” This ain’t the same guitar I remember, so, I ordered a new one online. When it arrived, my brand new 000-17 sounded just like my first one (Solid tone, but kinda lifeless). I was pretty let down. I was wondering what the deal was. What was so different between the two that I’ve owned, and the one I played at the shop?? So, before I just sold it AGAIN, I put some Martin Retro 13 gauge strings on it and ebony bridge pins on it and BOOOOM!! There it was!! That had to have been the difference between the two I owned and the punchy bad boy in the shop. This guitar is now the all around banger I hoped and heard it would be!! This guitar should be sold with 13 gauge retros on it, because as the reviews state it does sound slightly cheap with the 12’s. When you add the 13’s it’s like putting a set of nuts on it! This thing deserves an overall 5.0 rating, but I think people (Like I did) get rid of it or bash it before they find out what a beast this thing can be! If you are looking to buy one…DO IT!! Then, add 13 gauge Martin Retro strings (And bone bridge pins), and just wait for this bad boy to attack!! I seriously could go my whole life with this one guitar because of it’s character, voice, tone, punchiness, crunch, resonance, playability, craftsmanship, KILLER STYLE, and all around package!! Just ignore the negative reviews and listen to your boy… GET THIS GUITAR!!Zach Scoggins

I know this is alot of money to spend on a guitar. I am a working man too. I firmly believe this is the most money that a player should be spending on any guitar. I am a guitar PLAYER. I DONT buy guitars to hang on the wall so I can appreciate the gloss finish and drool over the pearl inlays. When I buy a guitar, I intend to play it until it is worn. I have done that with all of my acoustic and my electric guitars. If you are the kind of player who knows a few chords, and likes to sit down and strum a pretty guitar with figured inlays and flashy hardware, this guitar definitely is not the instrument for you. When you buy guitar, you can change every part on it, except the body and the neck. If you're going to buy a guitar with intent to change the neck and body, why not just buy a guitar with the neck and body you want, and change the hardware? If you are a player who is professional, serious, and wants to make a sound for yourself, well this guitar is the guitar for you. Yes, It DOES have the neck AND the body you want. The neck feels incredible. It is UNPARALLELED when it comes to feeling this guitar. Don't believe me? Find one and try playing it. It's like the Rickenbacker of acoustic instruments. The top of the guitar is the first thing that the sound bounces off of, and the shape and bracing in this acoustic allows for the hardwood of the spruce to do its job; to vibrate and give the guitar an excellent punch, and to twang and crunch when picking each string individually. It is an unbeatable sound from the first strum, but the real treat is the resonation. The sides of a guitar are where the it's sound rings after strumming. When you let this guitar ring, it gets a deep, rich, and woody sound from the mahogany sides. Somehow, this guitar is both punchy and gives a solid chimey crunch, but also resonates warmly with a full, rich, and deep sound. I have played and owned MANY guitars, but this one takes the cake. It is the best acoustic I have ever played.Marty

My first gut reaction to this guitar was repulsion. To be fair, I unboxed it in very unflattering light. It was strung with Retro monel strings which I personally do not like at all. I looked at the flat, Whiskey Sunset finish. All splochy and just cringe I wanted to yeet the damned thing. I strummed it twice and put it back in the case.

Two weeks later, one morning I tried it again. I sat in great morning sunlight and noticed it was a guitar going for a totally different vibe than anything else out there. And once I understood what it was it made sense. And I began falling in love with this thing.

Construction is perfect. Materials are top shelf. My top is heavily bear clawed as well as figured. Growth rings are parallel and very tight. Super high quality wood, actually. The neck is one piece mahogany, not glued up. The neck wood is also perfectly quarter sawn. The fret oard wood, though an uncommon rosewood has the basic density and pore structure of ebony, ut us a uniform dark cocoa brown color. Mine looke l8ke brown ebony. And it takes a polish like ebony will. You just dont find this wood quality on guitars at this pricepoint. The wood is as good as in my Larrivee LV03, which is a lot higher end guitar that has similar build quality

The guitar is incredibly light, weighing about 35% less than the Larrivee. It is lightly braced. The top is very "live." Doesnt take much wake it and it is very dynamically responsive. As a result, the guitar has a sort of "reverb" to its tone. It is actually the top being so live that open strings ring very easily. Gives the guitar a different vibe thats really cool. It's a subtle thing and would only matter for fingerstyle.

In fact I see this as exclusively a fingerstyle guitar. This is THE guitar to buy for fingerstyle Delta Blues. Detune it and it sounds greasy, growly, and downright nasty. It's sick. Nothing else I own is even close for this genre. The tone is very mid forward. Very warm. Not a lot of top end detail. Soft attack. Bass is tight and focused, but not overpowering. Perfect for pedaled bass notes. This is one of the fattest sounding gits I've heard heard. In electric guitar world its a Strat or P90, neck pickup position, tone rolled back a bit.

I would highly recommend the 000-17 for fingerstyle playing where dynamically responsive, mid forward, aggressive, warm fat tone is wanted. But the guitar isn't a good choice if you aren't a Bluesman. Flatpicking on the 000-17 sounds like poo tbh. You arent going to like it for strumming Kumbayah.

The 000-17 perfect for Blues. And thats great because thats what I wanted it for.Ken Smith

Overall: Played one 10 or so years ago but didn’t get because of other obligations. Never forgot how it played and sounded! Finally got one and it is a truly excellent guitar. I have a Gibson CJ165EC, which I love, and the 000-15M is a totally different sound, which I wanted. Needed some Martin jangle! Out of the box fantastic. The mahogany tone is unmistakable and rich! Neck is a thin Martin neck, which I’m fine with. I’ve been playing for 53+ years so I kinda know what I’m talking about. Putting in a Fishman rate earth soundhole pickup and this will be my busking guitar! Really happy with the guitar and with zZounds. Delivery was fast and purchase was flawless. Highly recommend both the Martin 000-15M and zZounds!!Reverend

I ordered this online after discussing the purchase with Sam Ash Staff, it was in short supply, they scouted all Sam Ash Stores, they found one and it arrived two weeks early just after christmas. My wife loves it! It's her 2nd Martin Guitar and this one is her prize instrument. The staff at our local store were really helpful both with the Order process and preparing the the guitar upon arrival at the store. I asked about the 1st year instrument maintenance option and they were able to update our purchase to include that. The guitar sounds great, my wife loves playing it even though she is a novice. Totally satisfied with the instrument and the staff that helped obtain it. Thanks guys.Britinusa

I have wanted a triple-aught mahogany guitar. I preferred the Guild D20 dread to the Martin D15, but was open-minded about which 000 brand. Didn't like videos on Taylor and Alvarez all hog orchestra models and was very impressed with the Martin videos. So ordered this. Was also a big fan of Kenneth Pattengale and I'm With Her who use the 00-15 model. Let the box sit half a day. Upon opening it I was greeted by this amazing scent. The guitar came set up with low action, slightly detuned. The bridge and fretboard appeared to be stained morado (a very hard and valid wood, harder than rosewood but not quite as much as ebony). Tuners are Grover Statites. They are firm and perhaps a little too sensitive to sometimes dial in. The body was a gorgeous chocolate with amber-orange highlights. The guitar was immaculate. Martin Lifespan 2.0 PB 12-54 strings. It sounded really nice with the ebony pins which were fit absolutely perfectly. However, I had already purchased Blisstime unbleached bone pins which fit perfectly too. I got even more sustain and a more melodic tone, along with greater volume. This improved the strumming tone immensely. May switch to nickel-bronze 12-56 strings, but I will wait for now. The guitar is super-light and weird to hold after dreads. The tone is dark (as expected) but ringing. There is the hog compression, but I was amazed how great this sounded brand new. I did humidity it overnight. Intonation was spot on. The frets were dressed wonderfully with no protruding ends. No truss rod wrench, nor polishing cloth like with my DSS-17. The case had a small ding in the tolex which I was able to bond into place cleanly and disguise. The case is very nice, but without built-in humidification like my Guild. The tone is beautifully even and not bass-heavy like the D15. The treble keeps up with the expected mids. The end pin was not pushed in all the way by me as it was very tight. May opt to have that professionally assessed. I don't gig, so a pickup is not for me. I did get a tortoise pickguard. This is definitely a keeper which I will pamper.Tom

I'll make this short. Another Martin has entered the home. The Streetmaster is another outside the box model from Martin. I searched and found one in stock at Sam Ash in Charlotte. Only a 1.5 hour drive up from Columbia. Kylene Edson had it ready, set-up was perfect, action and playability is definitely Martin. The color, "rustic brown" is different, but my wife wants art and guitar. She began lessons 4 weeks ago. Me, 40+ years of hearing loss. But, since I have bought my lot of 24 guitars since October '19, it is her turn for a few. (Little secret-I play so when they get broke in I will do it!) I would have liked a hard-shell case but the gig bag is substantial and well padded. Overall, excellent solid wood mahogany sound and nice to look at. Thanks Kylene and Sam Ash of Charlotte for having it in stock.MICHAEL

Overall: I have been playing guitar for 28 years now I believe. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania so C.F. Martin has always had a place in my heart since I began playing. The guitar out of the box was perfectly tuned dropped a half step. It looks amazing, and sounds amazing, through the highs, midrange, and lows it just resonates so wonderfully. I prefer a parlor style body to a dreadnought style and let me tell you this thing delivers such beautiful tone through out it's solid mahogany construction. I was on the fence of getting the 000-15 to the Streetmaster. I am glad I went with the Streetmaster the relic finish and prewar styled tuners looks amazing. I get compliments from everyone that sees and hears it. I would also like to comment that the soft gig bag case is really nicely made and has more protection than a standard run of the mill gig bag.Jimmy

Hi Its the Old Time Picker again, This Martin is perfect, I have a Martin HD35 three high end Taylors 810, 524, 562, and a Gibson J15, So I know great guitars and this Martin 000 18 is a perfect guitar, In the past Martin was a little off on the 18 line of guitars with the binding being a little ruff, But not anymore, They have really stepped up to the plate with this one, It is perfect on the fit and finish and the sound is everything you want a Martin to be.i recommend This guitar to anyone of any style age or level of playing. Give it a try MF will take it back if you don't like it. Give ex 3231 a call Dawana will get you taken care of, She's Great. I've Ordered over 60 orders from MF and give them a 10 rating, well its back to Picken and Grinin, My Little puppy, Mr. Snickers sings with me everyday he's great to, hahah,,,, The Old Time PickerOld Time Picker

I've bought several guitars along the way, always knowing that I wanted a Martin 000. Somehow I found myself able to get the guitar I've always wanted and I'm so happy! Why did I wait so long? First of all, Martin Guitars are very nice. VERY NICE. The best. Especially once you get into the 18 series on up. The quality and craftsmanship lives up to the reputation. Of course, all of the hard work that Martin puts into their instruments results in breathtaking sound that only a Martin Guitar can produce. As soon as I picked up the guitar I could feel the power. My first chord was an open D, my go to key anytime I pick up a guitar to try. It's something you have to feel, but all I can really say is that the sound of this 000-18 is glorious. A very round classic sound, with a bit of chime on top. This 000-18 has a wide sonic range, but mid-range focused. The mahogany has that sweet tone which is great for all styles of play. This is definitely a finger pickers dream guitar, but can handle flat picking. I also like that I can lay into this guitar and the strumming remains crisp and not muddy. Drop tunings and capo up and down the neck is near perfect! This is my all around, do it all guitar! This guitar sings. Projection, sustain, volume when you need it, it's all there! Some guitars sound boxy and cheap. Not Martin. Not this one. It actually sounds like I should have paid more. The 000-18 does not come with electronics, but that's okay. You may not want any for this guitar. At least for a while. If you're a professional gigging musician than you could add a pickup, but there could be other choices out there suitable for gigging and amplified performance. The Sitka spruce top is gorgeous. Booked perfectly with silking that I can spend forever looking at. The neck is very smooth and modern feeling. I like it because it's not too thin, but allows me to play all styles. Satin finish makes me want to play all day long. And YES. I shallJay

Overall: Bought this Martin, it is everything the 00018e is except I get to pick out the pickup I want. I like it much more than a Dred, it is perfect in my hands and very light. The sound is typical of a high-end Martin 000. The Dred is just too boomy and could not cut through the mix in recording or playing live. This guitar is great for strumming picking or lead. Bottom end is still great with the added bonus of sparkling high end and playing lead is a thrill. You got to get you one.Randall

For the price it's a great buy, I wanted to upgrade from my Epiphone dove-pro electric acoustic and this Martin checked all the boxes. I purchased it almost a year ago today and I can't say anything bad about it if I wanted too. Plus I love that padded case it comes with.. specially cause I injured my back before I bought it so it's great havin a case that's lowkey like datB_THEKING

Things I liked: – Playability : The neck shape, neck finish, nut width, radius, and fret size are just perfect for my hands. – Setup was perfect out of box : To me, the action and intonation couldn't be better. – Comfortable size : This is my first non-dread size guitar, and I'm happy that I chose this size. I really didn't know that 000 would be this much more comfortable. – The included hard shell case is pretty nice. – The built-in Fishman Sonitone UST pickup was not too bad – sounded better than I expected. it's not that quacky. it's totally usable on stage. I would suggest to try it before replacing it. Some people might like the sound. Things I didn't like: – low volume – low bass response I replace the tusq saddle with a bone saddle. I also replaced the UST pickup with K&K pure mini pickup. I'm satisfied with what I have now. If available, I highly recommend to try GPRS1 instead of 000RS1. They are almost identical except the body depth. GP is slightly deeper than 000, hence it makes up for the disadvantages of 000 listed above.faithinlight

I decided to wait until the honeymoon period was over (4 mos) to write a review. I've now come to the realization that it's not going to end. I've been playing for about 50 years, and over the past 10 or so have thoroughly enjoyed splitting time between my Taylor and Washburn. No more! This Martin is easily the most amazing guitar I've ever played. The combination of sound, size, and playability make it very hard to put down. I've been primarily a flat picker all my life, but this guitar begs to be fingerpicked, and I'm happily obliging! Simply put, an outstanding instrument.Jeff

I have been wanting this model for a few years. I knew what I wanted from playing these in stores. I finally bought one from MF. When it arrived I unboxed it and opened the case. Wow these are beautiful guitars. As soon as I started playing I was disappointed. The guitar did not sound like the ones I had played in stores. This on had a muddy small sound. This is not what I expect from spruce and rosewood. Now I am out the shipping cost to return the item. I think I learned a few good lessons here. Always play the guitar you are buying in person. Each and every acoustic guitar has its own sound, no matter how well they are built.dillon

I have been playing guitar for over 40 years and have always loved the sound of Martin guitars. I prefer a "V" shaped neck which is rare these days. I decided to finally purchase a Martin, and decided on this model to get the modified "V" neck. The action and feel are outstanding, and the sound is everything I would expect from Martin. The details and finish are exceptional. I have several guitars, and this one just became my go to acoustic.Mike

The Martin 000-17SM is a great guitar, all the way around. It is an absolutely fantastic fingerstyle instrument, but if you take a pick to it, it responds very well. It is very loud for a "small" bodied guitar. This may be due to the elongated 000, 12-fret body. The 000, 12 fret design also gives this guitar a very balanced sound throughout its entire range. It's not "boomy" like a dreadnaught and it isn't "boxy" like a parlor or travel guitar. The only "down" side for someone coming from a dreadnaught might be the wider neck. Once you start doing some fingerpicking on this thing, though, you'll fall in love with the neck. The slotted headstock does take a little practice and a little more time when restringing, but I just think of that as "bonding" time. After all, this is the kind of guitar you're going to want to keep forever and pass down to your kids.Bad Blues Player

Overall: Probably the ugliest guitar Ive ever owned. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder right? Under its homely face is the soul of a beautiful wood nymph. Crisp and clear, bold and bright with the earthy tone of Mahogany. This guitar is addictive. I tried 4 very good guitars before holding on to this one. Gibson J45, Breedlove USA Concert, Martin Performing Artist GPCPA4R, Larrivee LO3S. Gibson sounded great but had an uneven fretboard, Breedlove gorgeous design, super easy to play and along with the Gibson beautiful to look at, but this one had buzz problems and sounded dull on the bass strings, Larrivee sounded like silken tones but the huge neck was a problem, Martin Performing Artist was almost the one until I recorded with it and it just came out too bright. The ugly little Martin Hog sounded great, recorded great and played like a typical Martin. Good low action, no buzzing and clear deep and woody dulcimer tones. Its a keeper and Im not letting this one go.Daniel

This guitar has beautiful timbre colours and flavors. The VTS treatment makes it sound like it's been playing for 80 years. Beautiful bookmarked Rosewood back, Rosewood sides. Dovetail construction done by CNC machine makes a tighter fit than by hand. Quality wood is same as series 42. Save monies on no pick guard, no white binding, no hardshell case, Dovetail construction on CNC machine ( nodes are more superior), no white on heel bottom,no white strip on bottom where strap pin is at.John

Martin offering an Adirondack VTS top with beautiful rosewood back and sides for under 2k is the deal of a lifetime. You will not regret buying this guitar and I've honestly had trouble putting it down. I have a 00015m, a D18, the SC-13 special burst.. they're all great but this is the first review I've written if that tells you something.Spencer

The smallest acoustic I've ever owned, but a seriously big sound, especially when played fingerstyle! I've only had it a short time, but it's definitely a lifer as I've never played a guitar as responsive. It's definitely not one to get if you're focusing on strumming out big chords, but as an intimate little solo performing or recording guitar it can't be beat. It also has an amazing projection which allows it to cut through some bigger instruments in a way that a dreadnought simply can't which makes it a really great guitar to play lead lines on. It's for sure my favorite martin, and I've owned almost all of their standard series models!Desmond

Purchased a little over 2 months ago with no regrets. I have several acoustic and electrics to my name, but this D-18 just makes me want to play and play. I can't explain it. Couldn't be more thrilled with the appearance, workmanship, but most importantly the tonal quality this D-18 has. It has punch, bark and a sweet finger style as well. Martin did an exceptional job on this one. It is exactly what I was looking for in playability and performance. Already had a boutique D-28 style rosewood back and sides, but the difference in the tone of Mahogany is stark. It's a huge investment, but I have no regrets except I didn't do it sooner. Can't put it down and totally reinvigorated with acoustic playing. Shout out to Steven Segal who helped me finalize this purchase and went the extra mile to make my experience good.Joe

This guitar is wonderful. I upgraded from an entry-level dreadnought that was really challenging for me to play. I love the beautiful tones this body produces, I love the look and feel of the 000 build, and I'm happy with my progress since investing. Very satisfied with my purchase.AMY

This is a very nice acoustic. I played it a few times before I purchased it. The volume and tone dials are a little awkward to get to since they are in the top portion of the sound hole. The tuner is nice in the bottom of it. I was really surprised by how thin the neck profile is. The soft side case is excellent! For the price is was really astounded! It is not a US made but it is made in North America and it's a Martin!Dave

Let me begin by saying that I've owned a number of Martins over the years – my first "good" guitar was a D28 many moons ago. In that time, I've never seen Martin's quality falter and this guitar is no exception. Tone, construction, and playability are all top-notch. Within the past couple of years, Ive found that a mahogany-topped guitar suits my singing voice and the 000 10 was chosen for that fact. This guitar has a darker, woody tone that sits well with the male voice (IMO). It's warmth and articulation work great for the fingerstyle playing I do (but it certainly holds up to a pick as well with no complaints). The 1 3/4 inch nut and performance neck are very comfortable over a long period. I enjoy small guitars (0, 00) but the bottom end can sometimes lack in those sizes. The 000 is a perfect compromise – a tight, comfortable waist but enough width in the lower bout to produce a pleasing bass response. What more can I say? All in all, 5 stars for this guitar!dawilcox

Very nice guitar … However , There are no tuning instructions or string height instructions . And you may find the the standard "E" tuning is to high . And will stress the neck joint . Which is why many of Older Martin Guitars require a Neck Reset . And is why the Martin players . Most often recommend "D" tuning . CMNchris

This is my third Martin although mine is slightly different in that it is a 000-28 EC Eric Clapton version. In 1972 I bought my first one, a D-35, then acquired a D35-12.later. I played the D-35 exclusively for many years professionally along the way acquiring a beautiful custom hand built guitar, Bertoncini, but I always wanted a smaller body that I thought would be better for finger picking and wow does the 000-28 meet that! I have become so addicted to it I play it almost exclusively. Not only is it wonderful for finger picking it is wonderful for flat picking too. The action is set perfectly. I love the feel of the smaller body size, it cradles into your arms perfectly. The neck on mine has a slight "V" shape which is terrific with a slightly wider nut which really enhances the finger picking style greatly. It's no wonder it is Clapton's favorite acoustic. The 000-28 predates the Dreadnoughts and was and is more the Martin "Classic" and for a good reason, it is a very well balanced guitar tone-wise not overly boomy which can interfere with the bass if you're playing in a band and the tone is dead accurate all the way up the neck so an E played open is in tune with an E played up the neck. So many guitar makers miss that by a mile. I love this thing so much my only regret is the poor D-35 sits in the case too much! The 000-28 has a signature tone to it that you can not mistake for a Taylor or something else – this is a true classic. Now something else I want to add about a Martin and their service. After I bought the D-35 years ago the neck moved just slightly and after 30 years of playing the plastic binding began to separate. When the wind knocked it over on its stand on a break I finally sent it back again for repairs. It came back in PRISTINE condition! The tone was not hurt in the least by the necessity of refinishing it and it plays beautifully – all no cost to me! Martin is fantastic. The 35 is wonderful but I love the 000-28 – my Go To!Rick

Back in 2008, I bought my dream guitar, a Martin HD-28. In the last 12 years it has been my baby. However, I only play for myself at home. Lately, I had been reconsidering it's large size and loud volume, and I started trying some smaller guitars. I decided to sell my dreadnaught, and used the proceeds to buy this 000-28 that was redesigned in 2018. Let me say that it is amazing. While the HD-28 had a beautiful deep bass-like response, this 000-28 is more shimmering and a chiming sound. It is extremely comfortable, and the fretboard seems a bit wider than my HD-28, which makes it very comfortable. I was concerned about how the aging toner would look, but it turns out looking very warm and buttery, and the top color will definitely age more on its own. I was also worried that it wouldn't be good for strumming, due to the shorter scale length. But this guitar sounds just as good strumming as well as finger picking. I've never tried an OM-28, but I can say that this 000-28 is also a great chord strumming guitar. This is a very intimate and lovely guitar, and I don't know if it will ever leave my house. If I were playing gigs or in a band, I would probably prefer a dread size, but this is perfect for my personal use at home. Also, the scalloped bracing seems to have been a massive improvement. I imagine this is very close to the Clapton model now, in terms of sound.Chachi

I'll make this short. Another Martin has entered the home. The Streetmaster is another outside the box model from Martin. I searched and found one in stock at Sam Ash in Charlotte. Only a 1.5 hour drive up from Columbia. Kylene Edson had it ready, set-up was perfect, action and playability is definitely Martin. The color, "rustic brown" is different, but my wife wants art and guitar. She began lessons 4 weeks ago. Me, 40+ years of hearing loss. But, since I have bought my lot of 24 guitars since October '19, it is her turn for a few. (Little secret-I play so when they get broke in I will do it!) I would have liked a hard-shell case but the gig bag is substantial and well padded. Overall, excellent solid wood mahogany sound and nice to look at. Thanks Kylene and Sam Ash of Charlotte for having it in stock.MICHAEL

Overall: I have been playing guitar for 28 years now I believe. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania so C.F. Martin has always had a place in my heart since I began playing. The guitar out of the box was perfectly tuned dropped a half step. It looks amazing, and sounds amazing, through the highs, midrange, and lows it just resonates so wonderfully. I prefer a parlor style body to a dreadnought style and let me tell you this thing delivers such beautiful tone through out it's solid mahogany construction. I was on the fence of getting the 000-15 to the Streetmaster. I am glad I went with the Streetmaster the relic finish and prewar styled tuners looks amazing. I get compliments from everyone that sees and hears it. I would also like to comment that the soft gig bag case is really nicely made and has more protection than a standard run of the mill gig bag.Jimmy

Incredibly loud, insanely resonant, smooth vintage highs and a wonderful low end that just booms. Nice slimmer neck that’s quite comfortable and a balance and weight that just makes this instrument a wonderful Martin let alone a guitar!!! You’re gonna love it, 100% recommend!Steven Olson

This is the Martin I've been waiting for. The tone of this guitar is exceptional, it can deliver that "front porch Carolina Piedmont finger picking blues master" tone that I have been really longing for. But it can also deliver a full clean chord that could cross multiple genres. The electronics are very good, and the tone is captured well for live amplified or recording purposes. This is a guitar that begs to be played. The neck has a great feel and the setup was just like I prefer. It's just fun to play, and I find myself looking for time to get it back into my hands. I really love the look of a transparent black guitar, I have several. The finish of this guitar is stunning. Cream vintage tuners and the satin finish really feel like you are playing a vintage martin. I have many guitars, but this one addition to the collection has fast become one of my favorites. I debated the purchase, but now that I have it, I have no regrets. It's literally everything I was looking for in an Electric Acoustic guitar. One may not be enough.Kevin

Incredibly loud, insanely resonant, smooth vintage highs and a wonderful low end that just booms. Nice slimmer neck that’s quite comfortable and a balance and weight that just makes this instrument a wonderful Martin let alone a guitar!!! You’re gonna love it, 100% recommend!Steven Olson

This is the Martin I've been waiting for. The tone of this guitar is exceptional, it can deliver that "front porch Carolina Piedmont finger picking blues master" tone that I have been really longing for. But it can also deliver a full clean chord that could cross multiple genres. The electronics are very good, and the tone is captured well for live amplified or recording purposes. This is a guitar that begs to be played. The neck has a great feel and the setup was just like I prefer. It's just fun to play, and I find myself looking for time to get it back into my hands. I really love the look of a transparent black guitar, I have several. The finish of this guitar is stunning. Cream vintage tuners and the satin finish really feel like you are playing a vintage martin. I have many guitars, but this one addition to the collection has fast become one of my favorites. I debated the purchase, but now that I have it, I have no regrets. It's literally everything I was looking for in an Electric Acoustic guitar. One may not be enough.Kevin

Great for outdoor venues and places I wouldn't want to take a more expensive instrument due to weather and other risks. Still feels and plays like my other Martin guitars so easy to transition between with little to no adjustment necessary. Surprisingly good sound and looks good, too. Fit and finish is very good with no sharp fret ends and good factory setup. I'd recommend this model to anyone looking to buy a quality guitar that won't break the bank.Thomas

Martin is such a unique American company. This is a great model for a lot of reasons. It's very affordable and instantly familiar in feel to those familiar with the brand. Yes you can spend more but this is a great starting point and it's like a lot of Martins – something you can keep your entire life. I got my first Martin 44 years ago and I still have it. This is kind of an entry level model but it's still beautiful, great sounding and unmistakably a Martin. The gig bag is extremely nice. The finish is flawless and my only thing is I usually play 11's for strings; this comes with 12's. The bridge has a lot of room to lower the action but it plays fine out of the box. I've heard some come with black pick guards and some with tortoise shell – mine has tortoise shell. The tuners are top notch and the electronics are excellent, but it doesn't have a tuner. The volume and tone knobs are cleverly on the inside of the top of the sound hole. Unlike Ovations, that don't sound great until you plug them in, this guitar sounds very very good acoustically. I know that more expensive Martins sound better, but this is a great sounding model regardless.Bryan

I play on my church worship team. I really like the rich tone of the guitar. I like that it stays in tune, easy action for playing up and down the fret board. It does not have an electronic tuner, so you need an external tuner.Lor

This is my 4th Martin and I absolutely love my 000-42! I've owned an 000-EC for a few years and loved it too but needed to sell it for financial reasons and was looking for another 000. I wanted the same tone and playability without paying the overhead for a guitar from the custom shop, I found it. Most people think you're paying an upcharge for the ornamentation (the inlay's pretty phenomenal) but may not realize the wood is also much higher quality on the 42 which lends a crystal clear mid-tone and longer sustain than the 000-26. The 42 has a top with really narrow grain which gives it a creamy finish that looks and sounds exactly like Engelman spruce. I know they used the Engelman on the higher end Madagascar models that year so maybe I just got lucky. I've owned an Engelman top before and I'd swear the top on my 42 is Engelman spruce, it was an open box purchase from musicians friend and I couldn't be happier with the look, sound and purchase price. From the first time I played it, I fell in love with this guitar.Mike R

I have mixed feelings about this one. I decided to get something fancy for my sixtieth birthday; I usually just go for the sound. The 00042 is definitely ornamental. I can tell you what I like and dislike about it. What I like best is the neck. The neck is so perfect you can lower the action almost to touching the frets, and it doesn't buzz anywhere. It comes with a pretty case, not that plastic molded one that Martin seems to think is so great. The guitar is also beautiful, although the back of the D-35 is prettier. Where it falls short is this: it doesn't ring like the D-35, and it is very expensive. I bought my first D-35 in 1971 for 700, so it's hard to get used to these prices. I think the guitar industry is going a bit crazy. However, if you want a really ornamental guitar, the 000-42 is for you. It is nice. . . it is expensive, but it is nice…but it's expensive…but it IS nice.Guitar Buying Addict

I own several USA-made martins and I was a little unsure if I should roll the dice on this one. I'm glad I did! If sound and playability are more important than bling and country of origin, you'll be very happy. This guitar is extremely well made, perfectly set-up out of the box, includes one of the nicest soft cases I've seen. Definitely would purchase again.GD

I'm sure this one is not representative of all the entry level Martins but I'm really suprised this got past quality control. Packed nicely with a nice gigbag. Well finished and the fretboard and bridge were clean and dark in color. The action was high with a ridicoulous amount of relief. The trussrod nut was completely loose with no tension at all which I thought a little strange. Once the neck was adjusted I saw/heard why the factory let the rod nut loose. There are high frets and buzzing all over the neck.as well as a droning high e string from the saddle. I know this is an entry level guitar in the Martin line-up but I've had acoustics that have cost a tenth of the price of this one that have played better. I'm so surprised that this left the factory that I'm hesitant to get a replacement.Frank