Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $3,591
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
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Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin Custom Shop D-35". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Martin Custom Shop D-35 is a testament to the art of acoustic craftsmanship, offering musicians a beautifully tailored experience. This custom-built guitar stands out with its signature three-piece back, a design element that not only enhances its visual appeal but also enriches its tonal complexity. Crafted with select tonewoods, the D-35 delivers a rich, vibrant sound that is both powerful and nuanced, making it an ideal choice for both strumming and fingerstyle playing.
The top is made from premium Sitka spruce, known for its excellent projection and clarity, while the back and sides are constructed from East Indian rosewood, providing a deep, resonant bass response. The forward-shifted X-bracing enhances the guitar's volume and sustain, allowing every note to ring clearly. The neck, carved from select hardwood, provides a comfortable playing experience, ensuring that your performances are as effortless as they are expressive.
Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Martin Custom Shop D-35 offers versatility and superior sound quality. Its distinct tonal characteristics and handcrafted quality make it a coveted instrument for musicians seeking a guitar that delivers both beauty and performance in equal measure.
Key Features:
- Custom three-piece back design
- Sitka spruce top for superior projection
- East Indian rosewood back and sides for deep bass response
- Forward-shifted X-bracing for enhanced volume and sustain
- Select hardwood neck for comfortable playability
- Handcrafted quality from Martin's Custom Shop
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | D-35 |
| Made In | United States |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Model Family | Martin D-35 |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Martin Custom Shop |
| String Type | Steel |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the Martin Custom Shop D-35, and how does it affect the sound?
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The Martin Custom Shop D-35 typically features a Sitka spruce top with East Indian rosewood back and sides. This combination offers a full, balanced tone with strong bass response and clear trebles, making it well-suited for various musical styles.
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Is the Martin Custom Shop D-35 suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Martin Custom Shop D-35 is suitable for fingerstyle playing due to its balanced tone and responsive dynamics, which allow for nuanced expression across different playing styles.
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How does the Martin Custom Shop D-35 differ from the standard D-35 model?
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The Martin Custom Shop D-35 offers custom options and enhanced craftsmanship compared to the standard D-35, allowing for personalized features and potentially higher-grade materials, resulting in unique tonal characteristics and aesthetics.
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Does the Martin Custom Shop D-35 come with a pickup system?
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No, the Martin Custom Shop D-35 does not come with a factory-installed pickup system, making it ideal for traditional acoustic use. However, you can have a pickup installed separately if needed.
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What is the neck profile like on the Martin Custom Shop D-35?
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The Martin Custom Shop D-35 typically features a low-profile neck shape, providing comfortable playability for various hand sizes and playing styles, especially during long playing sessions.
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Is the Martin Custom Shop D-35 a good choice for bluegrass music?
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Yes, the Martin Custom Shop D-35 is an excellent choice for bluegrass music, thanks to its powerful dreadnought body shape and rich tonal qualities, which offer the projection and clarity needed for ensemble settings.
Videos
Bobby Swanson
Martin Custom Shop D-35 Italian Spruce Madagascar Rosewood
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Custom Shop D-35.
Build quality
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Some '70s D-35s were made with very thin tops; using a phone light inside can help reveal any inconsistencies.
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Many '70s D-35s have oversized replaced pickguards due to curling issues with original ones laid on bare wood.
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The D-35 uses lighter bracing, specifically 1/4" wide, similar to 00-size guitar bracing, contributing to its unique tonal character.
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Other
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It's advised to verify the serial number with Martin to ensure authenticity, as high-quality fakes have been reported.
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Comparisons
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Owners note that the 2003 D-35 differs in sound from current models, with some preferring the older tone for its unique character.
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The D-35 is often compared to the D-28; however, it is favored for solo play due to its richer sound, while the D-28 might suit band settings better.
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The D-35 is noted for its lineage, being associated with artists like Johnny Cash and Townes Van Zandt, which may influence its appeal.
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Setup and maintenance
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Occasional "case breaks" with humidifier packs can stabilize the instrument's temperament, especially when using heavier gauge strings.
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A 2003 D-35 may need a hydration/humidity treatment and a professional setup to address storage-related issues.
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A low saddle often indicates an impending need for a neck reset, affecting future costs.
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Inspect the first six frets for wear; higher frets are less commonly used on a D-35.
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Verify bridge placement as misplacement by 1/16 inch can occur in '70s models, impacting intonation.
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Check for neck straightness as there's no truss rod; use a 24-inch straight edge for proper neck angle assessment.
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User experience
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Some users experience a "muddy" sound, which can be mitigated by using fresh strings and lighter gauges to prevent overpowering bass.
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One owner mentioned a significant difference in sound between their 2012 and 2023 D-35s, suggesting year-to-year variability in tone.
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Owners frequently mention the D-35 as a "lifer" guitar, indicating long-term satisfaction and a strong emotional connection.
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Use cases and applications
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The D-35 excels in fingerstyle when played softly, producing a "piano-like" tone, ideal for singer-songwriters.
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Mods and upgrades
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Replacing string holders with ebony can brighten the tone significantly, enhancing overall sound quality.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Featured in this January 9, 2014 Instagram post, among others. It is also listed in this July 30, 2015 Premier Guitar interview.
This @martinguitar custom shop D35 sounds better every day. I know this because I play it every day.
Premier Guitar, "Jason Isbell: Brand New Day"
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Genre Usage
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