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Average Price: $6,960

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$200

$601+

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Description

Crafted with precision and passion, the Martin Custom Shop M-36 offers a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, making it an ideal choice for discerning musicians. This triple-O body style acoustic guitar is known for its balanced tone, providing a rich sound that is both full and articulate. Ideal for both fingerstyle and strumming, the M-36's versatility makes it a standout in any setting, whether you’re playing solo or with a band.

The solid Sitka spruce top ensures excellent resonance, while the East Indian rosewood back and sides deliver warmth and depth to your sound. The select hardwood neck and ebony fingerboard contribute to smooth playability, allowing for effortless transitions across the frets. The hand-scalloped X-bracing enhances the guitar’s projection and tonal clarity, making it a perfect companion for recording sessions and live performances alike.

Attention to detail is evident in its appointments, including the understated white binding and the tasteful rosette design, which add a touch of elegance without overpowering the instrument’s natural beauty. This guitar is a testament to Martin's commitment to quality and innovation, offering an instrument that is as visually stunning as it is sonically impressive.

Key Features:

  • Triple-O body style for balanced tone
  • Solid Sitka spruce top
  • East Indian rosewood back and sides
  • Select hardwood neck with ebony fingerboard
  • Hand-scalloped X-bracing for enhanced projection
  • White binding and elegant rosette design

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model M-36
Made In United States
Active Preamp No
Body Shape 0000/M
Model Family Martin M-36
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Custom Shop
String Type Steel

FAQs

What wood is used in the construction of the Martin Custom Shop M-36?

The Martin Custom Shop M-36 features East Indian rosewood for the back and sides, and a Sitka spruce top. This combination provides a warm, balanced tone with excellent projection.

How does the body shape of the Martin M-36 affect its sound?

The M-36 has a 0000/M body shape, which is wide like a jumbo but thin like a 000. This design offers a big, resonant sound that is well-suited for various playing styles, including strumming, fingerstyle, and flatpicking.

Is the Martin Custom Shop M-36 suitable for live performances?

While the Martin Custom Shop M-36 does not come with a built-in pickup, its rich acoustic tone and projection make it an excellent choice for live performances when paired with an external microphone or pickup system.

How many frets does the Martin M-36 have?

The Martin M-36 features 20 frets, providing a comfortable range for both rhythm and lead playing.

Is the Martin Custom Shop M-36 a good choice for fingerstyle guitarists?

Yes, the Martin Custom Shop M-36 is well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to its balanced tone and responsive dynamics, thanks to the combination of East Indian rosewood and Sitka spruce.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Custom Shop M-36.

User experience

  • Owners describe the M-36 as physically comfortable for smaller or older players, offering easier playability compared to larger dreadnought models.

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  • After extensive testing of various guitars, one user found the M-36 versatile enough to complement their diverse musical repertoire.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Long-term owners report needing multiple refret jobs, indicating durability in regular use but also the importance of maintenance over decades.

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Value and pricing

  • It's noted that new M-36 guitars can potentially be purchased at a 20% discount from independent dealers, reducing the price significantly from $3400.

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Use cases and applications

  • The M-36 is praised for versatility, excelling in recording, stage performance, and jamming, even though it's not suited for extremely loud bluegrass banjo contexts.

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  • Steve Earle endorses M-style guitars for their size and sound, making them a favorite for recording and performance.

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Comparisons

  • Some users have switched from the M-36 to other Martin models like the D-28, citing personal preferences in body style and playability.

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  • The M-36 offers less boomy sound than a dreadnought while maintaining jumbo-like projection, making it favored by Nashville session musicians.

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  • The M/0000 style, available as a Custom model, is seen as a high-cost alternative for those seeking a similar build to the M-36.

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Features and functionality

  • The M-36 has a shallower body depth, allowing comfortable playability for those who prefer wrapping their thumb around the neck with ease.

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Mods and upgrades

  • One owner plans to install the LR Baggs HiFi Duet pickup, hoping it will enhance their M-36 without regret.

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