Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
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
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What is the primary wood used for the back and sides of the Martin D-35?
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The Martin D-35 features solid East Indian rosewood for the back and sides, which contributes to its rich, warm tone and powerful projection.
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How does the Martin D-35's neck profile affect playability?
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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.
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What kind of bracing does the Martin D-35 use, and how does it impact the sound?
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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.
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Is the Martin D-35 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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Does the Martin D-35 come with a case?
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Yes, the Martin D-35 comes with a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.
Videos
Acoustic Letter
Martin D-35 Review
Reviews
PROS
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Rich and vibrant tone that stands out among other models
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Smooth action and comfortable playability for a dreadnought
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Excellent sustain, making it ideal for extended play
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Forward shifted 1/4" bracing enhances sound clarity and richness
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Versatile sound, from crisp highs to growling bass
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High-quality construction with Rosewood back and spruce top
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Factory setup praised for being low and smooth
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Distinctive three-piece back adds to aesthetic and sonic appeal
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Ideal for both strumming and picking styles
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Offers a loud, clear sound that projects well
CONS
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Initial high string action may require professional setup adjustments
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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
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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.
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The D-35's fretboard often features distinctive streaks, providing an artistic and unique appearance that many owners appreciate over traditional dark ebony boards.
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Features and functionality
User experience
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Many players report the D-35 as a "lifer" guitar, often comparing its heirloom quality to luxury items like a Rolex.
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Some owners report a mid scoop, making it suitable for singer-songwriter applications and providing a piano-like sound when played softly.
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Heavier and distinct from the D-28, the D-35 is favored by some users for folk music due to its unique tonal characteristics.
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Owners describe the D-35 as highly responsive, offering both subtle and powerful sound dynamics based on the player's technique.
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Comparisons
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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.
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Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
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A luthier may resolve high action issues by adjusting the high saddle and low neck angle commonly found on some D-35s.
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Regular use of humidifier packs during "case breaks" can maintain the guitar's sound, especially with heavier gauge strings.
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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
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 23 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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.)
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.)
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
Kiwanuka posted this picture of him and his Martin D-35 from his last stay in Oslo, Norway.
"On the original version, I used a Martin D-35, and the electric was a custom-made guitar called a Vulcan."
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.”
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).
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.
"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."
Album Usage
The Martin D-35 has been featured on the following albums:
After The Gold Rush (50th Anniversary)
Neil Young (2020)
The Promise / Among the Stars
Mike Pinder (2013)
Fome
Los Tres (1997)
Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers (1996)
Stop Making Sense (Live)
Talking Heads (1984)
Obscured by Clouds
Pink Floyd (1972)
Live! In Europe (Remastered 2017)
Rory Gallagher (1972)
Deuce (Remastered 2017)
Rory Gallagher (1971)
Rory Gallagher (Remastered 2017)
Rory Gallagher (1971)
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.