Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (11)
$3,499.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (3)
$3,499.00
Amazon
5.0 (2)
$3,958.80
Reverb
5.0 (11)
$4,249.53 3 available Used
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$2,974.00
Thomann
$3,555.00

Average Price: $3,623

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin M-36". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the perfect harmony of tradition and innovation with the Martin M-36, a guitar that embodies the essence of Martin's esteemed craftsmanship. Designed with a unique 0000 "M" body style, this acoustic guitar strikes an impeccable balance between comfort and projection. Its East Indian rosewood back and sides paired with a solid Sitka spruce top ensure a rich, resonant sound that is both warm and crisply articulate. Whether you're strumming under the spotlight or capturing intimate recordings in the studio, the M-36 delivers stellar performance every time.

The M-36’s ebony fingerboard and high-performance taper neck provide a smooth, responsive feel, making it a joy to play for musicians of all styles. Its aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by antique white binding and a tortoise pickguard, offering a vintage look that complements its timeless sound. This guitar is not just an instrument—it's a statement of style and substance.

Key Features:

  • 0000 "M" body style for a blend of comfort and sound projection
  • Solid Sitka spruce top with forward-shifted scalloped bracing
  • East Indian rosewood back and sides for rich, warm tones
  • Ebony fingerboard with long pattern diamond and square inlays
  • High-performance neck taper for enhanced playability
  • Antique white binding and tortoise pickguard for classic aesthetics
  • Comes with a protective plastic molded case
N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Martin M-36 Acoustic Guitar

Video thumbnail for Martin M-36 Acoustic Guitar by N Stuff Music

Martin M-36 Acoustic Guitar

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Martin M-36 - How does it sound? by Acoustic Letter

Martin M-36 - How does it sound?

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Martin M-36 Demo and Review | Martin's Unsung Hero by Alamo Music Center

Martin M-36 Demo and Review | Martin's Unsung Hero

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Martin M-36 Review (featuring Corey Congilio) by Acoustic Letter

Martin M-36 Review (featuring Corey Congilio)

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for 2019 Martin M-36 | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

2019 Martin M-36 | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 2012 Martin M-36 owned by Charlie Worsham by Carter Vintage Guitars

2012 Martin M-36 owned by Charlie Worsham

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Comparing TWO Martin M-36 guitars in 2023 by Aaron Short Music

Comparing TWO Martin M-36 guitars in 2023

Aaron Short Music

Aaron Short Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Balanced tone with deep bass and clear articulation

  • Unique 0000 body size offers comfort and rich sound

  • Compromise between a dreadnought and a parlor size

  • Great for both strumming and fingerpicking styles

  • Exceptional sustain that resonates beautifully

  • Attractive design with spruce top and Indian rosewood

  • High value for the price point

  • Wider nut width suits players with larger hands

  • Strong bass response without dreadnought boominess

  • Ideal for versatile musical styles and settings

CONS

  • Potential for neck issues requiring costly resets

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin M-36.

User experience

  • Owners describe the M-36 as physically comfortable for smaller or older players, unlike larger dreadnoughts.

    Source
  • Some users feel the M-36 plays "tight" compared to other models, such as the D-28, despite setup attempts.

    Source
  • Many users describe an immediate connection with the M-36, often referring to it as "magic" and emphasizing its standout quality among Martin guitars.

    Source
  • Some owners note that the M-36 is referred to as a "secret weapon" among Nashville pros, highlighting its desirability and rarity.

    Source
  • Described as an "end of the road" guitar, the M-36 is often seen as the pinnacle instrument in a player's collection.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners prefer the M-36 over a Les Paul Custom in terms of overall value and desirability.

    Source
  • The M-36 is described as having more resonance and natural reverb compared to peer models like the D-28, D-35, and OM-28.

    Source
  • Less boomy than dreadnoughts, the M-36 offers jumbo levels of projection, favored by session musicians for its versatile sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The discontinued status of the M-36 could lead to larger discounts on remaining new models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A 1980 model has undergone three fret replacements and numerous setup tweaks, indicating long-term durability and adaptability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The M-36's longer 25.4" scale increases string tension, similar to dreadnought guitars, contributing to its unique tonal qualities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The M-36 excels in fingerpicking, offering a balanced string volume and a sparkling tone, making it particularly suited for intricate playing styles.

    Source
  • Known for versatility, it suits a wide repertoire, offering both projection and clarity for varied musical styles.

    Source

Build quality

  • The three-piece back deepens the bass while maintaining a punchy tone, and the larger top enhances sustain and resonance.

    Source
  • The M-36 has a shallower body depth, allowing for comfortable thumb positioning around the neck, especially beneficial for larger players.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend pairing the M-36 with an LR Baggs HiFi Duet pickup for enhanced sound quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Martin M-36 Review - Peghead Nation

pegheadnation.com

Martin's M-36 is a versatile gem, blending classic design with modern tweaks. Its Sitka spruce top, Indian rosewood sides, and unique three-piece back deliver a rich, punchy sound whether fingerpicked or strummed. The wider neck enhances fingerstyle play, while the guitar’s responsive nature makes it a jack-of-all-trades. With thoughtful updates like forward-shifted scalloped braces and a modified neck shape, the M-36 remains a standout in the crowded "small jumbo" market. A pricier option at $3,599, but its craftsmanship and sound quality justify the investment for serious musicians.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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1 star
joy_robin_whitley

Amazing instrument

This is my favorite guitar of all time. This guitar sings well with my voice but is rich enough to stand on its own during instrumentals. I don't allow others to use this one because the playing is also intimate and warm. This is my girl.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Marty Schwartz uses Martin M-36

Marty Schwartz

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:52 that was the third guitar he showed in this gear video.

See how Jorma Kaukonen uses Martin M-36

Jorma Kaukonen

Singer, Guitarist

Jefferson Airplane

...
Verified via Martinguitar

According to Martin's website, Kaukonen uses Martin M-36.

See how Joe Don Rooney uses Martin M-36

Joe Don Rooney

Singer, Guitarist

Rascal Flatts

...
Verified via Seymour Duncan

In the Seymour Duncan article "Shop Talk With Rascal Flatts Guitar Tech David Graef," it is noted that Joe Don Rooney uses a Martin M-36 guitar.

See how Corey Congilio uses Martin M-36

Corey Congilio

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "The Ultimate Nashville Musicians Guitar Collection with Corey Congilio - 6 String Stories," Corey Congilio confirms at the 14:00 mark that he owns a Martin M-36 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 M-36, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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