Martin Standard Series D-35 Natural

There is no finer Guitar that I know of. I've been playing Guitar for 57 year's. I have owned several brands of guitars but the Martins are the best I've owned and played. The D 35 is fine in every aspect. The finish, the materials, looks and sound. It is even a little better than the D 28. Just a little. D35 is a true acoustic guitar with a tone for Bluegrass, country, Folk and whatever. My D35 came set up perfectly and plays like it has a mind of it's own. I have a close friend who let me play his D35 months ago and I had to have one. I tried to do business with some of the big name companies but got no where. They couldn't get one even from Martin factory. AMS came through in only a few weeks. Service was straight forward and courteous and professional. I think ... MoreThere is no finer Guitar that I know of. I've been playing Guitar for 57 year's. I have owned several brands of guitars but the Martins are the best I've owned and played. The D 35 is fine in every aspect. The finish, the materials, looks and sound. It is even a little better than the D 28. Just a little. D35 is a true acoustic guitar with a tone for Bluegrass, country, Folk and whatever. My D35 came set up perfectly and plays like it has a mind of it's own. I have a close friend who let me play his D35 months ago and I had to have one. I tried to do business with some of the big name companies but got no where. They couldn't get one even from Martin factory. AMS came through in only a few weeks. Service was straight forward and courteous and professional. I think the price was fair. Strong well designed case. Every thing deserves a Five Star with the D35 from AMS. I've had it since early July/20 and it's perfect in every way. I only wish I would have played one many years prior. The payment plan is great. It meets my every expectation. Thanks AMS.

I just got my martin d16 gt from guitar center. It's used. I looked up the serial number and it was built in 2000. I was surprised that it was a 22 year old guitar. It's in remarkably good shape for something that close to being an antique.To be fair, it looks used. There are pick scratches all over the front. A few dings...but that's because the previous owner played it...because it's an out standing instrument. The sound is phenomenal and it plays great. It still looks great even with the cosmetic imperfections.There is very little fret wear. That was surprising considering it's age. Maybe it's been crowned? Hard to say.It was a little boxy sounding when I took it out of the box, but it loosened up fast. I could literally hear it opening up as I played it on ... MoreI just got my martin d16 gt from guitar center. It's used. I looked up the serial number and it was built in 2000. I was surprised that it was a 22 year old guitar. It's in remarkably good shape for something that close to being an antique.To be fair, it looks used. There are pick scratches all over the front. A few dings...but that's because the previous owner played it...because it's an out standing instrument. The sound is phenomenal and it plays great. It still looks great even with the cosmetic imperfections.There is very little fret wear. That was surprising considering it's age. Maybe it's been crowned? Hard to say.It was a little boxy sounding when I took it out of the box, but it loosened up fast. I could literally hear it opening up as I played it on the first day (I played it a LOT that day). Phenomenal guitar. Worth every penny, maybe more. Highly suggest

Just about perfect

I have played a Guild D-35 for 40 years and thought it was about time to buy another guitar. I have read a lot of reviews from people who were reviewing their old Martins rather than a new one. I purchased this D-35 new in September 2013. Right out of the box I examined it closely. The workmanship is what I hoped for -- flawless finish, perfect construction, tuned it up and played it. Great neck and feel, intonation perfect, strong sound from every string. Other reviewers have commented that the bass is boomy. It must be their pickup, I don't find that at all. I wanted this model because I do a lot of fingerpicking and I want to hear that bass. Playing it next to my Guild, you can tell the age difference. The Guild is sweetened from 40 years; the Martin is little ... MoreI have played a Guild D-35 for 40 years and thought it was about time to buy another guitar. I have read a lot of reviews from people who were reviewing their old Martins rather than a new one. I purchased this D-35 new in September 2013. Right out of the box I examined it closely. The workmanship is what I hoped for -- flawless finish, perfect construction, tuned it up and played it. Great neck and feel, intonation perfect, strong sound from every string. Other reviewers have commented that the bass is boomy. It must be their pickup, I don't find that at all. I wanted this model because I do a lot of fingerpicking and I want to hear that bass. Playing it next to my Guild, you can tell the age difference. The Guild is sweetened from 40 years; the Martin is little louder but you can hear some harshness in the tone from the new wood (which makes my home studio smell awesome by the way). I am sure that will change as it ages. The only complaint I have is that the action is fine at the nut but creeps way up as it gets toward the bridge. I would expect this from a cheaper instrument but a little surprised on this one. It's not a big deal at all because it's an easy fix and is a matter of preference I guess, but anyone who buys this would expect the action to be awesome, not average. I am hoping the rosewood they are getting these days is even close to what was available 40 years ago so that it ages and mellows well. I expect to have it for a long time and pass it on to my kids. Hope this review helps those of you who are looking for a review of a new D-35.

Martin D16RGT Outstanding

I have been fortunate to have owned several HD28’s, a D35, D41 Special and a D18 many years ago. The D16RGT intonation, volume, and sustain stands up to any of them but has a low profile comfortable neck similar to a Taylor. If you are able to find this model I believe you will be very impressed. IMHO there is no better value Martin for the $$. Just trying to pass along the great recommendations that have benefited me.

Perfect Dreadnought

When I bought my Martin D-35 the action was too high and it affected the intonation. So I had it professionally set up, problem solved. Well worth it.This is my favourite acoustic guitar and one I will not be parting with. It has a great booming bass sound which I love (some may disagree), balanced out with some shimmering trebles without being overly bright. It is a brilliant strummer and flatpicker in equal measures, easy to play and it resonates beautifully around the notes E and F, 2nd and 3rd frets on the D string. Play the notes on the bottom E string with the flesh of your thumb and whoa! Pick-wise, I would recommend using a fairly light pick of around 50mm to reap all of the benefits of the Martin sound.I have found with experimenting that sonically it ... MoreWhen I bought my Martin D-35 the action was too high and it affected the intonation. So I had it professionally set up, problem solved. Well worth it.This is my favourite acoustic guitar and one I will not be parting with. It has a great booming bass sound which I love (some may disagree), balanced out with some shimmering trebles without being overly bright. It is a brilliant strummer and flatpicker in equal measures, easy to play and it resonates beautifully around the notes E and F, 2nd and 3rd frets on the D string. Play the notes on the bottom E string with the flesh of your thumb and whoa! Pick-wise, I would recommend using a fairly light pick of around 50mm to reap all of the benefits of the Martin sound.I have found with experimenting that sonically it responds best to gauge 12 strings which give you just a bit more flexibility and vibrate more freely than 13s and are also easier on the fingertips.It is visually stunning to look at with white binding, attractive soundhole rings and the trademark three piece rosewood back so you have the perfect combination of an awesome sound and just the right amount of visual appeal before you get to the "bling" stage, which is not my thing, superficially speaking.I have to say that I have owned Gibsons, Guilds, Taylors and other Martin guitars (D-18 & HD-28) and never really bonded with them. Whilst this one did need some initial tweaking of the saddle, it is personally the most satisfying acoustic guitar and best all-rounder that I have owned.

Sorry, no.

I currently own 17 guitars, two of which are Martins, a D35 and a D2R. Both failed catastrophically. The top of the D35 split down the center from the back of the bridge to the back pin for the guitar strap. Martin deemed that my fault for failing to keep the instrument properly humidified. (It was always stored in its factory case.) The dovetail connecting the neck of my D2R to the body also failed catastrophically. Martin covered that one. I'm lucky to be near a very skilled Martin certified luthier, so both instruments were repaired correctly, the D35 at great cost to me. Both now play well and are great sounding guitars, but I will never buy a Martin again in spite of my desire to own one since I was 10 years old, back in 1970. Their value is trashed due to the ... MoreI currently own 17 guitars, two of which are Martins, a D35 and a D2R. Both failed catastrophically. The top of the D35 split down the center from the back of the bridge to the back pin for the guitar strap. Martin deemed that my fault for failing to keep the instrument properly humidified. (It was always stored in its factory case.) The dovetail connecting the neck of my D2R to the body also failed catastrophically. Martin covered that one. I'm lucky to be near a very skilled Martin certified luthier, so both instruments were repaired correctly, the D35 at great cost to me. Both now play well and are great sounding guitars, but I will never buy a Martin again in spite of my desire to own one since I was 10 years old, back in 1970. Their value is trashed due to the repairs, which did not impact the sound or playability (because of the skill of the repairman) but made them essentially worthless. I've never had a guitar fail like that, ever. Much less two. My next acoustic will be a Taylor.

Sounds great

It sounds so good.It was good when I got it, but it was not great.After a while it didn't open up as I expected.I found that the nut was the issue. I filed nut slots so that it won't have after bussing sound. If you hit a open sting, it should make a pure tone. No other tone besides initial tone.Now it sounds so good. Bigger volume and more sustain. If you want to do it, do it professionally.

Sounds great, but the neck is terrible.

This guitar sounds pretty great, but wow. The neck is just awful. It very uncomfortable to play and it makes me miserable. The neck is so wide and so thin you cannot get a good grip on it. Maybe if you had the hands of a gorilla or something, but for an average sized human, no.

The D 35 is my dream guitar

I own a few other Martins, but wanted one I would keep for life. I have played the 28,28HD,35 and 35 HD. I really liked the 41 also. After reviews and playing them I found that the D 35 just spoke to me more than the others. I could not be happier with my choice! And compared to my 000RGT16 it is a night and day upgrade. I chose the Sunburst D 35 And have played it a lot now. The chords ring deep rich clear and accurate with great volume. As I generally play and sing I found this the perfect match.

Winner!

I've been obsessing about getting a better acoustic guitar for some time now. I have owned many nice electrics and just an OK lower level acoustic. I would walk in to GC or wherever, pick up a nice Taylor, Gibson, Martin, strum away for a few minutes, sigh and walk away. Ultimately I would hate my guitar, (which really wasn't that bad) and not play it for a few days, then when the memory faded go back to it.Curiously, many years ago, I had a D-28. I sold it in my divorce, when my "guitar collection", became an issue. I figured I'd get another one, but bigger priorities always came up and I never did.I finally knuckled down and saved enough cash for a nice acoustic. It took me years to save up the cash, but when I finally had enough, I encountered a new issue.The ... MoreI've been obsessing about getting a better acoustic guitar for some time now. I have owned many nice electrics and just an OK lower level acoustic. I would walk in to GC or wherever, pick up a nice Taylor, Gibson, Martin, strum away for a few minutes, sigh and walk away. Ultimately I would hate my guitar, (which really wasn't that bad) and not play it for a few days, then when the memory faded go back to it.Curiously, many years ago, I had a D-28. I sold it in my divorce, when my "guitar collection", became an issue. I figured I'd get another one, but bigger priorities always came up and I never did.I finally knuckled down and saved enough cash for a nice acoustic. It took me years to save up the cash, but when I finally had enough, I encountered a new issue.The issue was being paralyzed by the choices before me. With so many good guitars, which one was the "right one"? I started with the D-28, threw in a Taylor, Gibson, then on to a D-41, D-35, HD version, Vintage top, scalloped braces, no-scalloped.They all sounded a bit different, but all good. Can you really compare a Ferrari to a Lambo, to a Porsche? Is one really better than another? It comes down to taste.For myself, playing guitar is a personal thing, I need to feel connected to it. After hours of playing and demo-ing, I finally landed on a D-35.It was a good price, but that wasn't the selling point. It felt comfortable, had a nice low end, volume and sustain. Truthfully, given my mid-talent level, any decent guitar would serve me, but I wanted that feeling.You know the one you get when you wonder where the last 2 hours went. You start resurrecting old Dead, Poco, Neil Young songs you haven't played in years. That's what happens. Now you are into playing again, like when you were young and raced home to strum away.The factory set up on my D-35 was incredible. A lot of people complain about the action being high and needing to have it set up. Mine is like butter. Low and smooth. Plays like a dream.And the sustain? Unbelievable.This one's a keeper. The decision took some time, but I'm glad a found a guitar that "spoke to me".I'm so glad I had the time to compare some high acoustic end guitars. It gave me the opportunity to find the right guitar for me.Which as it turned out, was a standard Martin D-35? Go figure.