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
Gear4Music
£3,399.00

Average Price: $3,389

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.

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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 Glen Hansard uses Martin D-35

Glen Hansard

Singer, Guitarist

The Frames

...
Verified via Gettyimages

In This Video Talk About Martin Guitar D-35

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfB5JSyYfWc

See how Lincoln Brewster uses Martin D-35

Lincoln Brewster

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 5:49 minute mark,Brewster explains the story of the Martin D-35. He received this guitar from his mother. His mother received the guitar from "Hobo Jim", a man who owned this guitar before. However, his rough playing destroyed the top of the guitar. When his mother got the guitar, she sent it to Martin to repair it. (That was in 1980.)

See how Glenn Frey uses Martin D-35

Glenn Frey

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Peaceful Easy Feeling - The Eagles Live 1973," Glenn Frey is seen playing a Martin D-35 Acoustic guitar. This is identifiable by the white binding on the fretboard, specific inlays, and the Martin headstock with Grover tuners. (See 2:48, source: Kwan N.)

See how Van Morrison uses Martin D-35

Van Morrison

Singer, Guitarist

Them

...
Verified via Facebook

In this photo, Van Morrison can be seen with a d-35 Martin guitar

See how Álvaro Henriquez uses Martin D-35

Álvaro Henriquez

Singer, Guitarist

Los Tres

...
Verified via YouTube

Esta Martin el la mitica del concierto del unnplugged que utilizo para la mayoria de canciones de este disco tambien se utilizo para grabar el fome en las canciones pancho, fealdad, silencio y la torre de babel

See how Gregg Allman uses Martin D-35

Gregg Allman

Singer, Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Allman playing Come And Go Blues in 1981.

See how Michael Kiwanuka uses Martin D-35

Michael Kiwanuka

Bassist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Kiwanuka posted this picture of him and his Martin D-35 from his last stay in Oslo, Norway.

See how Buck Dharma uses Martin D-35

Buck Dharma

Singer, Guitarist

Blue Öyster Cult

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"On the original version, I used a Martin D-35, and the electric was a custom-made guitar called a Vulcan."

See how Andy Partridge uses Martin D-35

Andy Partridge

Singer, Guitarist

XTC

...
Verified via Googleusercontent

My acoustic is a Martin D-35. I don't really have a head for gear. I mean, I've written albums on 5-string guitars because I was too lazy to put another string on! Dave is the real equipment guy. You and him can talk dirty about guitars.”

See how Alex Chilton uses Martin D-35

Alex Chilton

Singer, Guitarist

Big Star

...
Verified via Squarespace

Alex, pre-Big Star, with his Martin D-35. Note the fresh set of Gibson strings and a capo on the 3rd fret (which, coincidentally, is how "Thirteen" is played).

See how Ray LaMontagne uses Martin D-35

Ray LaMontagne

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see LaMontagne play one of his D-35's. There's a story that Ray sold his Volkswagen van to buy a 1972 Martin D-35 because he wanted the same brand of guitar as Stephen Stills.

See how Fink uses Martin D-35

Fink

Singer, Guitarist

Teengenerate

...
Verified via DrownedInSound

"I took out my favourite Martin guitar - a family heirloom kinda thing - it was the last flight I promised myself that I would risk it on - and when it arrived I was overjoyed that it was there in one piece when we got there...the strings have been on it forever - I have never changed them...it's a Martin d35 from 1981 - lovely vibe."

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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