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 Johnny Hiland uses Martin D-35

Johnny Hiland

Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via Johnnyhiland

Johnny also has his 1939 Gibson J-45, that belonged to his grandfather, and his 1968 D-35 Martin, that he uses in the studio.

Also, this guitar was mentioned in his interview with Vintage Guitar.

The only other guitar I used on the record is the ’68 Martin D-35 I played on the acoustic tune I wrote for my wife, “My Sweet Kimmie Girl,” and a resonator on part of “Chicken Pickin’ Heroes.”

See how Carl Perkins uses Martin D-35

Carl Perkins

Singer, Guitarist

Tennessee Three

...
Verified via The-jime

This 1970 Martin D-35 was given to Carl Perkins by Johnny Cash

See how John Fahey uses Martin D-35

John Fahey

Guitarist

John Fahey & His Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

John can be seen here using his D-35 which he used from 1978 up until the early nineties. There are various photos of him playing one. To my knowledge he never played a D-28.

See how Tim Reynolds uses Martin D-35

Tim Reynolds

Guitarist

Dave Matthews Band

...
Verified via Dave Matthews Band
See how Zayn uses Martin D-35

Zayn

Singer

One Direction

...
Verified via Twitter

In this image via Gigi Hadid's Snapchat, Zayn can be seen playing a genuine Martin D-35.

See how Chris Traynor uses Martin D-35

Chris Traynor

Guitarist

Bush

...
Verified via Guitar World

"I just bought a 1968 Martin D-35. I bought it from my friend Doug at Mountain Cat Guitars. The guitar is the rarer 12-fret model with a slotted headstock. I've wanted a D-35 ever since I saw Bernard Butler of Suede play one at an acoustic performance in the Bowery Ballroom.

It's got a beautiful three-piece Brazilian rosewood back and a super-slack tension that's great for fingerpicking or a deep Norman Blake-like bluegrass tone. Normally these guitars are pretty pricey. I've seen them at Guitar Center for upwards of $7,000, but that’s for a super-clean one. Mine's dirty, and I like it that way — a real "player’s guitar."

When I say "player’s guitar" I don't mean it in a "Pimp My Ride" sort of way; nor is it a value judgement on the level of skill a guitarist has. A player’s guitar is a familiar term in the vintage guitar business that means a great-playing vintage guitar that's probably cosmetically messed up with swapped-out parts.

Many guitarists prefer "player’s guitars," because they were mostly likely played to death for a reason; they are great guitars to play. The ones that sat underneath someone's bed in pristine condition for 25 years were obviously not all that inspiring to pick up.

My newly acquired, yet beat-up old Martin is inspiring to pick up and to play. Each crack, ding and dent on it adds more character; just like your favorite pair of jeans or that threadbare T-shirt your girlfriend loves to sleep in."

See how Jim Croce uses Martin D-35

Jim Croce

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Very clear D-35 binding from 1:00.

See how Townes Van Zandt uses Martin D-35

Townes Van Zandt

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, you see Townes Van Zandt holding Martin D-35

See how Tracy Chapman uses Martin D-35

Tracy Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via About-tracy-chapman

She said "I love my Martin,I think it was built in 1967. I played it for eight to ten years..."

See how Seth Avett uses Martin D-35

Seth Avett

Singer, Guitarist

The Avett Brothers

...
Verified via The HUB from Musician's Friend

Then I got that ’77 D-35, and that was it. Gear problem solved, right there. That’s what we did. It’s all been kind of haphazard and trial and error, but there really haven’t been that many trials or errors from my beginnings with acoustic music.

See how Lee Anderton uses Martin D-35

Lee Anderton

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Lee owns a 1972 martin d35 acoustic. He states that if he could only own three guitars for the rest of his life, this would be one of them. this guitar was a 40th birthday present from his wife. She got the idea to get him a guitar from 1972. She bought him the guitar, however lee did most of the research. he states that that alot of american brands did not have the best success in the 70s, but martin pretty much had been the most consistant. This prompted him to choose martin over brands like fender, gibson, and guild that made acoustics in the 70s

See how Donovan uses Martin D-35

Donovan

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video, Donovan is seen playing a Martin D-35 Acoustic guitar, one of the instruments he used during the 1960s.

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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