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Average Price: $3,125

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$601+

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Description

Experience the timeless craftsmanship and exceptional tone of the Martin Standard Series M-36, a steel-string acoustic guitar that harmoniously blends tradition with modern playability. Known for its distinctive three-piece back, the M-36 delivers a rich, balanced sound that is both warm and articulate, making it a favorite among discerning musicians. The solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides contribute to its robust projection and clear tonal clarity, perfect for a variety of musical genres.

The M-36 features a low-profile neck shape crafted from select hardwood, ensuring smooth playability and comfort across the fretboard. Whether you are performing on stage or recording in the studio, the M-36's scalloped X-bracing enhances resonance and sustain, allowing your music to shine with every strum and pick. This guitar also includes a gloss finish that not only protects but enhances its elegant appearance, making it as visually appealing as it is sonically impressive.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top
  • East Indian rosewood back and sides
  • Low-profile neck shape for comfortable playability
  • Scalloped X-bracing for enhanced resonance and sustain
  • Gloss finish for durability and aesthetic appeal
  • Three-piece back design for a unique tonal character
  • 20 frets with a 25.4-inch scale length
  • Includes a protective hard case for safe transportation and storage

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model M-36
Year 2018 - 2024
Made In United States
Categories OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape 0000/M
Color Family Natural, Tan
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Martin M-36
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Standard Series
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Martin Standard Series M-36, and how does it affect its sound?

The Martin M-36 features a 0000/M body shape, which combines the depth of a dreadnought with the comfort of an auditorium guitar. This shape provides a balanced tone with clear highs and resonant lows, making it versatile for various playing styles.

What materials are used in the construction of the Martin M-36, and how do they influence its tone?

The Martin M-36 is built with a Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides. This combination offers a warm, rich tone with excellent projection and clarity, suitable for both strumming and fingerstyle playing.

Is the Martin M-36 suitable for fingerstyle guitar playing?

Yes, the Martin M-36 is well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to its balanced tone and responsive dynamics, courtesy of its 0000/M body shape and quality tonewoods.

Does the Martin M-36 come with any electronics or pickups?

No, the Martin M-36 does not come with built-in electronics or pickups. It is designed as a purely acoustic instrument, allowing the natural tonewoods to shine.

How many frets does the Martin M-36 have, and what is the fretboard material?

The Martin M-36 features 20 frets and an ebony fretboard, which provides a smooth playing surface and contributes to the guitar's overall tonal clarity and sustain.

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

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

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 Custom 0000 vs M-36 (Custom vs Standard Model Challenge) by Acoustic Letter

Martin Custom 0000 vs M-36 (Custom vs Standard Model Challenge)

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

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 M36 - Does it outperform OM or Dreadnaught acoustic guitars?!? Vote! by Gary Roberts

Martin M36 - Does it outperform OM or Dreadnaught acoustic guitars?!? Vote!

Gary Roberts

Gary Roberts

Video thumbnail for Do 2 Martin M-36 Guitars Sound the Same? by Maury's Music

Do 2 Martin M-36 Guitars Sound the Same?

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Deep low-end with balanced sound

  • Lightweight yet delivers powerful sound

  • Comfortable and highly playable design

  • Stunning visual aesthetics

  • Exceptional articulation and loudness

  • Combines dreadnought power with smaller body punch

  • Limited availability adding exclusive value

  • Seamless blend of features from multiple guitar styles

CONS

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The M-36 is noted to have a superior sound and feel compared to the OM-28.

    Source
  • It's noted that the M-36 suits players seeking a bigger, bassier sound compared to the 000-28's sweeter tone.

    Source
  • The OM-28 Custom Cutaway with Adi braces performed surprisingly well against the M-36 in a user comparison video, offering a slightly brighter sound.

    Source
  • A user found the Taylor 414 with Ovangkol back and sides to have a nicer sound compared to a D18, highlighting personal preference in tonal quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The M-36 is described as a 0000 body size, larger than the 000, with a depth akin to a mini-jumbo.

    Source

Build quality

  • The white binding on the M-36 is praised for its aesthetic appeal, comparable to the 000-42 model.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner of a 2011 M-36 expresses ongoing satisfaction, noting the guitar's impressive performance with new strings.

    Source
  • A user considers the M-36 their 'grail guitar,' indicating strong personal preference despite choosing a 000-28 for its ambertone finish.

    Source
  • One owner disliked the M-36's bound fingerboard and orange top, opting for a custom guitar without these features and a modified V neck.

    Source
  • Martin guitars are noted to "break in" over time, potentially improving their sound, unlike Taylors, which are designed to sound great right out of the box.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 000-28 is praised for fingerpicking and blues, often tuned to Open G for a Robert Johnson style.

    Source
  • The M-36 is praised for its versatility, providing a balanced performance for both fingerstyle and strumming, being dubbed the "Swiss Army knife" of Martins.

    Source

Other

  • Some players perceive short-scale guitars, like the 000-28, to introduce a harshness in treble harmonics, influencing their preference for the M-36.

    Source

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