Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$3,899.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$4,399.00
Amazon
$4,399.00
Reverb
$4,699.00 New
$3,495.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$4,399.00
Thomann
$5,333.00

Average Price: $4,375

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin J-40". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Martin J-40 is not just an acoustic guitar; it's a sonic masterpiece designed for musicians who seek the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. With its jumbo-sized body, this guitar delivers thunderous sound, offering a robust low-end that complements its shimmering highs. Crafted with a solid spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, the J-40 promises a rich, complex tone that resonates with every strum. The Golden Era forward-shifted X-bracing ensures exceptional projection and response, making it ideal for both intimate fingerpicking and vigorous strumming.

The J-40's aesthetics are equally impressive, sporting antique white binding, reduced hexagon abalone fingerboard inlays, and a faux tortoise pickguard. Its Modified Low Oval neck with High Performance Taper provides unparalleled playability, while the computerized Plek setup ensures smooth action across the ebony fingerboard. With open-geared tuners and a premium bone nut and saddle, this guitar maintains pitch-perfect tuning and offers a classic look. Whether you're a touring musician or a passionate hobbyist, the Martin J-40 stands as a testament to fine craftsmanship and superior sound quality.

Key Features:

  • Jumbo-sized body for powerful sound and projection
  • Solid spruce top with Golden Era forward-shifted X-bracing
  • East Indian rosewood back and sides for rich tonal depth
  • Modified Low Oval neck with High Performance Taper for comfortable playability
  • Antique white binding and abalone rosette for visual elegance
  • Open-geared tuners for stable tuning
  • Includes durable hardshell case for safe transport

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape J-40 Jumbo
Back & Sides Wood East Indian Rosewood
Top Wood Spruce
Finish Gloss
Body Bracing Scalloped Forward Shifted X-bracing
Binding Antique White
Neck Wood Mahogany
Neck Shape Modified Low Oval, High Performance Taper
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Inlay Abalone Reduced Hexagon
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25.4"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Bone
Bridge Material Ebony
Tuning Machines Gold Open Gear
Strings TitaniumLT
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Martin J-40?

The Martin J-40 features a top made of spruce and back and sides crafted from East Indian rosewood, providing a rich tonal depth and resonance.

What is the neck profile of the Martin J-40?

The Martin J-40 has a modified low oval neck shape with a high-performance taper, offering comfortable playability for various hand sizes and playing styles.

Does the Martin J-40 come with a case?

Yes, the Martin J-40 includes a hardshell case, ensuring protection and easy transport for your guitar.

Is the Martin J-40 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

The Martin J-40's jumbo body and scalloped forward-shifted X-bracing deliver a balanced tone with clear articulation, making it well-suited for fingerstyle as well as strumming.

What is the scale length of the Martin J-40?

The Martin J-40 features a scale length of 25.4 inches, contributing to its full sound and enhanced string tension for better projection.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Martin J-40 Standard Jumbo Acoustic Guitar

Video thumbnail for Martin J-40 Standard Jumbo Acoustic Guitar by Musician's Friend

Martin J-40 Standard Jumbo Acoustic Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Corey Congilio compares the Martin M-36 vs. J-40 at Willcutt Guitars by Willcutt Guitars

Corey Congilio compares the Martin M-36 vs. J-40 at Willcutt Guitars

Willcutt Guitars

Willcutt Guitars

Video thumbnail for Martin J-40 Jumbo: Acoustic Centre by Acoustic Centre

Martin J-40 Jumbo: Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Video thumbnail for Martin's Under Appreciated 0000 Guitars Battle It Out! Martin M-36 vs J-40 by Alamo Music Center

Martin's Under Appreciated 0000 Guitars Battle It Out! Martin M-36 vs J-40

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Martin J40 by Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Martin J40

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Video thumbnail for Martin J-40 at Boutique Guitar Shop by Boutique Guitar Shop

Martin J-40 at Boutique Guitar Shop

Boutique Guitar Shop

Boutique Guitar Shop

Video thumbnail for New Martin J-40 by GregsGuitars

New Martin J-40

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Martin J-40 2008 Pre Owned by Guitarplace Aschaffenburg

Martin J-40 2008 Pre Owned

Guitarplace Aschaffenburg

Guitarplace Aschaffenburg

Reviews

PROS

  • Resonant and articulate sound with exceptional sustain

  • Modified low oval neck profile offers comfortable playability

  • Balanced tone suitable for a variety of playing styles

  • Stunning visual appeal with abalone and multi-stripe appointments

  • High-quality materials: Indian rosewood, Sitka spruce, scalloped braces

  • Wide dynamic range from subtle to loud without being boomy

  • Suitable for both fingerstyle and group performances

  • Offers a unique Martin sound, distinct from dreadnought models

  • J-40 model considered a hidden gem in the guitar world

  • Customizable through Martin's Custom Shop for personalized features

CONS

  • Large body size may not be ideal for everyday practice

  • Titanium strings can be abrasive on fingers and nails

  • High price point may be a barrier for some buyers

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin J-40.

Build quality

  • The Martin J-40 is noted for its jumbo body size, providing a big, resonant sound without looking overly large, unlike some Gibson jumbos.

    Source

User experience

  • A player mentioned that while the J-40 offers a great sound, the larger body size might not suit everyone, particularly those who prioritize comfort over size.

    Source
  • Owners frequently reach for the J-40 over newer models, highlighting its enduring appeal and exceptional sound quality.

    Source
  • The J-40 is described as hard to find and somewhat "unknown," adding to its allure and exclusivity among Martin enthusiasts.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The J-40 was compared favorably to the Stefan Grossman HJ-38, known for its Madagascar Rosewood back and sides, highlighting the premium sound quality associated with Martin's jumbo models.

    Source
  • The J-40's mid-range clarity is highlighted as superior to the D28 and D41, making it a favored choice for fingerstyle players seeking clear mid-range tones.

    Source
  • The J-40's nut width differs from models like the M36 and HD28, impacting string spacing and potentially influencing comfort for fingerstyle musicians.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A luthier-adjusted saddle and fret work improved intonation and made the guitar ring evenly, with a setup lowering the action for easier playability up to the 12th fret.

    Source
  • One owner recommends dropping to 12-gauge strings and performing neck work for optimized playability, enhancing the J-40's versatility.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing a K&K Pure pickup is a common upgrade among J-40 owners for enhanced sound quality when amplified.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The J-40 is favored in studio settings, drawing attention during player gatherings for its beautiful sound and ease of play.

    Source
  • The J-40 is praised for its balanced sound, suitable for a mix of fingerstyle and occasional strumming, appealing to players of folky, acoustic styles.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses Martin J-40

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Christies

Eric Clapton owns a Martin J-40, which he purchased for his collection and has occasionally used in the studio, as documented by Christie's.

See how Dave King uses Martin J-40

Dave King

Guitarist

Flogging Molly

...
Verified via Facebook

In this Facebook post, King can be seen playing a left-handed Martin J-40 Custom.

Genre Usage

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

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