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
$2,245.85 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (94)
$3,399.00
zZounds
$3,399.00
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$4,169.00 $4,111.00 $58.00
Gear4Music
£3,399.00

Average Price: $3,381

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 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 David Byrne uses Martin D-35

David Byrne

Singer, Guitarist

Talking Heads

...
Verified via YouTube

David playing a D-35 in this version of ‘Psycho Killer’ in the 1983 film Stop Making Sense

See how Jason Isbell uses Martin D-35

Jason Isbell

Guitarist, Singer

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

...
Verified via Photo

Jason plays a custom D-35 according to this article from Premier Guitar.

See how James Dean Bradfield uses Martin D-35

James Dean Bradfield

Guitarist

Manic Street Preachers

...
Verified via YouTube

James Dean Bradfield can be seen performing Small Black Flowers In The Sky with his Martin D-35 for Later with Jools Holland in 1996.

See how Don Felder uses Martin D-35

Don Felder

Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Felderfans

In this interview, Don Felder mentions his 1964 Martin D-35:

"'You specifically mention your solo in the “Sad Cafe” as a personal fave…What set up did you use on that song to get such a beautiful tone and feel?' 'It was my 1964 D-35 Martin with a U87 microphone.'"

See how Mike Oldfield uses Martin D-35

Mike Oldfield

Guitarist, Bassist

The Sallyangie

...
Verified via Photo

Oldfield can be seen in this photo playing a Martin D-35.

See how Tim McIlrath uses Martin D-35

Tim McIlrath

Guitarist, Singer

Rise Against

...
Verified via Photo

"I've played a lot of acoustics with mixed results over the years, and I've found my soulmate. The D-35 does everything I need it to do and is by far the best acoustic I've played live. It allows me to stop thinking about the instrument and focus on the song."

See how Greg Lake uses Martin D-35

Greg Lake

Singer, Guitarist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Photo

"I have had this Martin for quite some time now, and it has a sound that is absolutely impeccable. Rich tone is an understatement," Lake states, on his official site.

See how Robbie Robertson uses Martin D-35

Robbie Robertson

Guitarist

The Band

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, Robbie Robertson is seen playing a Martin D-35 Acoustic guitar.

See how Waylon Jennings uses Martin D-35

Waylon Jennings

Guitarist, Singer

The Highwaymen

...
Verified via Photo
See how Gilby Clarke uses Martin D-35

Gilby Clarke

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"That came a couple years later. Like with the electrics, once I had an acoustic Zemaitis, I was hooked. Before, my acoustics had always been Martins; I have a ’69 D-35 and a ’46 D-28. But, when I got the heart-hole… there’s just something Tony knew about making guitars."

See how Ben Harper uses Martin D-35

Ben Harper

Guitarist, Singer

Yellowcard

...
Verified via YouTube

Ben plays Morning Yearning in this video. Difficult to tell if the guitar is a D-35 or HD-35.

See how John Britt Daniel uses Martin D-35

John Britt Daniel

Singer, Guitarist

Spoon

...
Verified via YouTube

Here's Britt Daniel playing a Martin D-35 backstage in London in 2007. From the very start of the video you can spot him with the guitar.

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

Gear IQ 155

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