Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$3,399.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (12)
$3,399.00
Amazon
4.6 (4)
$3,699.98
Reverb
5.0 (32)
$3,399.00 New
$2,395.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (94)
$3,399.00
zZounds
$3,399.00
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$4,169.00
Gear4Music
£3,399.00

Average Price: $3,407

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Martin D-35". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Martin D-35 Acoustic Guitar: A Classic with a Modern Twist

Born from the folk music boom of the 1960s, the Martin D-35 acoustic guitar has been a favorite among musicians for its unique three-piece back design and rich tonal variations. Originally created due to a shortage of rosewood, this instrument quickly became a standard in the industry for its unique aesthetic and distinctive sound.

Today's D-35 has been finely tuned to combine the best of vintage appointments with the playability of a modern guitar. The placement of the 1/4” bracing has been forward-shifted, creating a balanced bass with a harmonious blend of mid and high-end frequencies. Alongside its distinctive sound, the modified low oval neck and Performing Artist taper offer improved playability, making the transition from electric to acoustic smoother.

The D-35 is not just about sound and playability. Its aesthetic details are equally impressive, featuring a solid spruce top, solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, an ebony bridge and fingerboard, and an antique white binding. All these elements come together to create a guitar that looks as good as it sounds.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top for powerful projection and note clarity
  • Solid East Indian rosewood back and sides for a rich, resonant tone
  • Modified low oval neck with Performing Artist taper for smooth playability
  • Forward-shifted 1/4" X brace for a balanced bass response
  • Ebony bridge and fingerboard for a sleek, modern look
  • Hand-fit dovetail neck joint for enhanced stability
  • Nitrocellulose lacquer for a vintage, glossy finish
  • Mother-of-pearl fingerboard inlay pattern for a touch of elegance
  • Aging toner for a timeless aesthetic
  • Bone nut and saddle for superior sustain and resonance
  • Includes a hardshell case for protection and transportation

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape D-35 Standard Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood Solid East Indian Rosewood
Top Wood Solid Spruce
Top Finish Gloss
Body Bracing Forward Shifted X-brace
Binding Antique White
Neck Wood Select Hardwood
Neck Finish Satin
Neck Shape GE Modified Low Oval
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Inlay Style 28
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25.4"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut Material Bone
Saddle Material Compensated Bone
Bridge Material Ebony
Tuning Machines Nickel Open-gear
Strings Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0, .013-.056
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the primary wood used for the back and sides of the Martin D-35?

The Martin D-35 features solid East Indian rosewood for the back and sides, which contributes to its rich, warm tone and powerful projection.

How does the Martin D-35's neck profile affect playability?

The Martin D-35 has a GE Modified Low Oval neck shape, providing a comfortable grip that is well-suited for both strumming and fingerstyle playing.

What kind of bracing does the Martin D-35 use, and how does it impact the sound?

The Martin D-35 utilizes forward shifted X-bracing, which enhances the guitar's bass response and overall resonance, offering a balanced and dynamic sound.

Is the Martin D-35 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Martin D-35 is an excellent choice for live performances due to its powerful projection and balanced tone, making it a favorite among professional musicians.

Does the Martin D-35 come with a case?

Yes, the Martin D-35 comes with a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Martin D-35 Review

Video thumbnail for Martin D-35 Review by Acoustic Letter

Martin D-35 Review

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Martin D-35 vs HD-35 - Review and Comparison by Acoustic Letter

Martin D-35 vs HD-35 - Review and Comparison

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Martin D-28 vs D-35 : Classic Rosewood Dreadnoughts by Ian Meadows

Martin D-28 vs D-35 : Classic Rosewood Dreadnoughts

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Video thumbnail for Why I prefer The Martin D35 (compared to other Martin guitars) by Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Why I prefer The Martin D35 (compared to other Martin guitars)

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Video thumbnail for Martin D-35 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar by Musician's Friend

Martin D-35 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Martin D-35 vs. Martin D-28 2017 Comparison - Folkway Music by Folkway Music

Martin D-35 vs. Martin D-28 2017 Comparison - Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Video thumbnail for Martin 2018 NEW D-35 Review & Demo by Alamo Music Center

Martin 2018 NEW D-35 Review & Demo

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Unboxing a Martin D-35 Acoustic Guitar! by Sean Daniel

Unboxing a Martin D-35 Acoustic Guitar!

Sean Daniel

Sean Daniel

Video thumbnail for Martin D-28 vs HD-28 vs D-35 by Guitar Gallery

Martin D-28 vs HD-28 vs D-35

Guitar Gallery

Guitar Gallery

Reviews

PROS

  • Rich and vibrant tone that stands out among other models

  • Smooth action and comfortable playability for a dreadnought

  • Excellent sustain, making it ideal for extended play

  • Forward shifted 1/4" bracing enhances sound clarity and richness

  • Versatile sound, from crisp highs to growling bass

  • High-quality construction with Rosewood back and spruce top

  • Factory setup praised for being low and smooth

  • Distinctive three-piece back adds to aesthetic and sonic appeal

  • Ideal for both strumming and picking styles

  • Offers a loud, clear sound that projects well

CONS

  • Initial high string action may require professional setup adjustments

  • Susceptible to humidity; proper care needed to prevent warping

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-35.

Build quality

  • The D-35 features lighter bracing at 1/4" width, contributing to its unique tonal characteristics compared to the standard D-28 and D-18.

    Source
  • The D-35's fretboard often features distinctive streaks, providing an artistic and unique appearance that many owners appreciate over traditional dark ebony boards.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The D-35 has a three-piece back, originally introduced to make use of smaller pieces of Brazilian rosewood.

    Source
  • The three-piece back of the D-35 is frequently praised for its aesthetic appeal, even though it's a feature not often visible during play.

    Source

User experience

  • Many players report the D-35 as a "lifer" guitar, often comparing its heirloom quality to luxury items like a Rolex.

    Source
  • Some owners report a mid scoop, making it suitable for singer-songwriter applications and providing a piano-like sound when played softly.

    Source
  • Heavier and distinct from the D-28, the D-35 is favored by some users for folk music due to its unique tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • Owners describe the D-35 as highly responsive, offering both subtle and powerful sound dynamics based on the player's technique.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users find the D-35 has richer tones for solo play, whereas the D-28 might be better for band settings due to its different tonal profile.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's been noted that the D-35 provides the quintessential Martin sound, making it ideal for covering artists like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan.

    Source
  • The D-35 is noted for its wide range of opportunities, having been used by artists like Pink Floyd and Johnny Cash in various recordings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A luthier may resolve high action issues by adjusting the high saddle and low neck angle commonly found on some D-35s.

    Source
  • Regular use of humidifier packs during "case breaks" can maintain the guitar's sound, especially with heavier gauge strings.

    Source
  • Regularly taking the tension off the strings and using humidifiers during case breaks is recommended to maintain the guitar's condition and sound quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing string holders with ebony can brighten the tone significantly.

    Source
  • D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings in 12-56 gauge are recommended for enhancing the punchy rhythm qualities of the D-35.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
C

Best acoustic guitar ever!

Like everything about it. Tone, clarity, bass, ect. Their is not 1 thing wrong with it

skylinerr

Love it

this is a 1978 Martin D35, it has had the bracing reglued and the neck re set into the body.

Genres:
rikoflishas

okay

J

Man, I LOVE this guitar---keep it tuned in Open G

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Martin D-35

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via YouTube

used for this acoustic performance

See how David Gilmour uses Martin D-35

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Photo

In this interview with Guitar World, David Gilmour's Martin D-35 is mentioned:

"David Gilmour is a renowned guitar collector. Over the years, with the help of his right-hand man, Phil Taylor, he has acquired such rare gems as a Gretsch White Falcon, a Gretsch Penguin, a Plexiglas Dan Armstrong, a '55 Fender Esquire, a Martin D-35 acoustic."

See how Jonny Greenwood uses Martin D-35

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

In the source picture you can see Jonny Greenwood using a Martin D-35.

See how Thom Yorke uses Martin D-35

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

Thom can be seen here playing a Martin D-35.

See how Johnny Marr uses Martin D-35

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Smithsonguitar

"I've had this guitar longer than any other. It cost me £900 in the early Eighties, which was a fortune back then. I wrote quite a few Smiths songs on this, including Well I Wonder and Cemetry Gates."

Source: www.smithsonguitar.com/2008/12/johnny-marrs-gear.html

See how The Edge uses Martin D-35

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via YouTube

In this photo and video you can see the Edge of U2 playing a Martin d-35 w the white binding

See how Roger Waters uses Martin D-35

Roger Waters

Singer, Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Watersish

In the interview for Guitar Heroes magazine (May 1983 issue), David Gilmour mentioned that Pink Floyd used a Martin D-35 acoustic guitars in early 1970s, most likely sometime between 1970 and 1975: "At the beginning we used Levins, which were quite good guitars, a bit like Martins, made in Sweden or somewhere, then we moved onto Martin D-35s and things like that and now we tend to use Ovations mostly for recording and things."

The Martin D-35 dreadnought model is most recognizable by its three-piece back and double non parallel seam bracing that Martin introduced as a result of shortage of Brazilian rosewood in 1965. This allowed them to use up small pieces of wood that would have been normally considered scrap. The D-35s are nowadays made of East Indian rosewood (back and sides) with sitka spruce top, hardwood neck, and ebony bridge and fingerboard.

On the below picture is Roger Waters during recording sessions of the Obscured by Clouds album (1972), struming a Martin D-35.

See how Neil Young uses Martin D-35

Neil Young

Singer, Guitarist

Crazy Horse

...
Verified

In the photo for "After The Gold Rush," Neil Young can be seen using a Martin D-35 guitar, as evidenced by the image from Snap Galleries.

See how Bob Dylan uses Martin D-35

Bob Dylan

Singer, Guitarist

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via YouTube

Dylan played Martin D-35 and Gibson J-200 In Concert At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1969.

See how Bruce Springsteen uses Martin D-35

Bruce Springsteen

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Acousticguitarforum

Bruce Springsteen is seen with a Martin D-35 Acoustic guitar in a photo on the Acoustic Guitar Forum, where he is writing music.

See how Rory Gallagher uses Martin D-35

Rory Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Taste

...
Verified via Photo

According to this Music Radar article says "Rory’s ’68 Martin D-35 was used on tracks such as Just The Smile from his first solo album, and shows signs of age." It mentions that Rory used this guitar on Deuce, Live in Europe, and Rory Gallagher.

See how Johnny Cash uses Martin D-35

Johnny Cash

Guitarist, Singer

The Highwaymen

...
Verified via Martinguitar

Johnny Cash had a special connection with the Martin D-35 Acoustic guitar, highlighted on the Martin Guitar website, which offers a signature edition in his honor.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin D-35, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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adam_reynolds

adam_reynolds

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