In this guide, we present a selection of the Best Martin Guitars priced under $1000. The Martin guitars collection boasts numerous exceptional models. Martin Acoustic guitars cater to the needs of professional musicians, offering an unparalleled sound and playing experience.
These guitars are priced under $1000, making them more budget-friendly compared to our list of Martins priced between $1000 and $2000.
These guitars are truly remarkable. Whether played individually or as part of a group, these travel guitars produce a vibrant sound and an iconic unplugged tone. Despite being smaller than standard guitars, this instrument delivers a sound quality akin to that of a full-sized guitar. With the perfect balance of warmth and brightness, these guitars are crafted to perfection.
Top pick
Martin Guitar X Series D-X1E
The built-in pickup feature gives it an edge over competitors, allowing for more versatility in your music.
Editor’s choice
Martin Guitar DJr-10E
The Martin Guitar DJr-10E Dreadnought Junior is an ideal option for novice players.
Best value
Martin Guitar Road Series D-10E
The D-10E boasts a mahogany body that offers a deep, resonant tone and a visually appealing color.
Guitars hold a special place in my heart. I have had the pleasure of playing several, and I always yearn to play more. However, the main obstacle is the steep price of Martin guitars, which prevents me from expanding my collection. Each Martin guitar is meticulously crafted, providing an enjoyable playing experience. I only wish I could afford to own more of them.
The best Martin guitar under $1000 for you will depend on your playing style, skill level, budget, and personal preferences. With a wide range of guitars available in the Martin lineup, it is essential to explore all options before making a decision. Martin specializes in acoustic guitars rather than electric ones.
Best Martin Guitars Under 1000 Reviews
1. Martin Guitar X Series D-X1E Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Martin D-X1E is a budget-friendly acoustic-electric guitar that boasts quality craftsmanship. With its dreadnought body style and 22-fret rosewood fingerboard featuring dot inlays, this instrument is both visually appealing and comfortable to play. In addition, the D-X1E comes equipped with onboard electronics, allowing players to easily amplify their sound. This model also provides a variety of pre-set acoustic tones, as well as the option to customize tones to suit individual preferences.
The D-X1E from Martin offers a profound and melodious tone, characterized by a lush and velvety bass response, as well as a vibrant and clear high end.
Belonging to the X Series, the D-X1E is an ideal choice for acoustic players seeking a steel-string acoustic guitar that also provides the versatility of an electric pickup.
This acoustic-electric instrument can be effortlessly connected to an amplifier, allowing it to shine both as an acoustic guitar and when amplified.
The DX1E stands out as a top-notch Martin guitar. Its rich and resonant sound is perfect for both strumming and singer-songwriters. The built-in pickup feature gives it an edge over competitors, allowing for more versatility in your music.
Pros & Cons:
- Rich mahogany tonewood.
- Loud, clear sound.
- Includes pickup for amplification and recording.
- Heavier than most acoustic guitars.
2. Martin Guitar DJr-10E Dreadnought Junior
The Martin Guitar DJR-10E Dreadnought Junior caters to aspiring musicians, street performers, and rehearsal sessions.
The Martin Guitar DJR-10E Dreadnought Junior has been specifically crafted to cater to beginners, incorporating numerous attributes that facilitate the growth of aspiring musicians. With its lightweight body and expansive fretboard, playing in the higher frets becomes effortlessly accessible.
The Martin Guitar DJr-10E Dreadnought Junior is an ideal option for novice players. Its dreadnought body shape ensures that the upper bout and lower bouts of the guitar are equally sized, providing a comfortable grip and ease of playability.
The guitar is equipped with a Sitka spruce top that is lightweight, offering a bright and balanced sound. It is designed with the traditional Martin “X” bracing pattern and an oval soundhole, enhancing the guitar’s resonance and sustain. The solid wood build and high-pressure laminate contribute to its durability. Additionally, the dreadnought body style enhances the strength and projection of the instrument.
The Martin junior Dreadnought is undoubtedly one of the finest Martin guitars available for under a thousand dollars. These reasonably priced instruments showcase exceptional craftsmanship that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on any guitarist.
Pros & Cons:
- Perfect for young musicians and those with small hands due to its compact size.
- The fretboard provides a comfortable playing experience.
- Despite its small size, it produces a loud and impressive sound.
3. Martin Guitar Road Series D-10E Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The D-10E belongs to the Martin Guitar Road Series lineup. Featuring a classic design, this guitar is suitable for novice players or as a perfect choice for a first instrument.
The Martin D-10E acoustic guitar is an ideal choice for novice musicians, capable of filling any room with its rich sound. Crafted with high-quality tonewood throughout, this guitar features a rosewood fingerboard adorned with dot inlays.
The Martin D-10E acoustic guitar is an ideal choice for novice musicians, effortlessly filling any room with their music.
The D-10E boasts a mahogany body that offers a deep, resonant tone and a visually appealing color.
Compared to the D-28, this guitar produces a sound that leans towards a classic, midrange-heavy style with less emphasis on treble notes.
The E series comprises of a fundamental pickup that enables you to connect the guitar to electronic devices. This feature renders it highly practical for performances and open mic events that require amplification.
The D-10E is an instrument of superior quality, designed for professional use, and built to withstand the test of time. Its craftsmanship is exceptional, resulting in a delightful tone that is pleasing to the ears. Despite its remarkable features, this guitar is reasonably priced, making it a formidable competitor to higher-priced models. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, this guitar comes highly recommended for all skill levels.
Pros & Cons:
- Rich, cozy sound.
- Appealing mahogany coating.
- Powerful and distinct.
4. Martin Guitar X Series OMC-X1E Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Martin Guitar X Series OMC-X1E stands out as one of the most adaptable acoustic guitars in the Martin collection, serving as your primary choice for various playing techniques ranging from fingerstyle to strumming.
Ideal for both novices and experts, this guitar boasts a sophisticated appearance, flexible sound, and top-notch materials.
Crafted to cater to modern musicians, the X-Series guitars are capable of accommodating diverse music genres. The OMC-X1E showcases a sturdy Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, along with a coordinating rosette and bridge.
The guitar is equipped with a cutaway, facilitating access to the higher frets. This feature makes it particularly suitable for lead guitarists and solo performers.
The Martin Guitar X Series OMC-X1E Acoustic-Electric showcases a unique aesthetic with its dark black finish, setting it apart from the traditional natural look of most Martin guitars. Despite this deviation, it upholds the renowned high quality that Martin is celebrated for.
This particular model, the E version, is equipped with a Martin pickup, allowing for seamless connection to Amps, PAs, and recording equipment. Such features enhance its suitability for professional use.
The OMC-X1E made its debut in 2015 and has since maintained its popularity among enthusiasts of heavier acoustic music genres.
This elegant and enigmatic guitar is yet another exceptional instrument crafted by Martin. It possesses a commanding and resilient tone that resonates throughout the room when played. The superior craftsmanship is unmistakable, as one would anticipate from such a reputable brand.
Pros & Cons:
- Tough, black exterior.
- Accessible cutout for fretboard.
- Equipped with a pickup for electronic components.
- Convenient and user-friendly for playing.
5. Martin Guitar X Series D-X2E Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Martin D-X2E is a scarce discovery in the present times. This acoustic-electric guitar showcases a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Such a construction endows the D-X2E with a rich and expansive tone that surpasses that of any other guitar.
The Martin D-28 is an excellent option for musicians seeking a reasonably priced, top-notch instrument. Crafted with the needs of players in mind, the Martin D-28 dreadnought offers both comfort and exceptional sound quality without any compromises.
Its Martin Dreadnought body shape enhances the richness and volume of the sound produced. Additionally, the D-28 boasts scalloped bracing and a “D” shaped neck, ensuring maximum comfort for the player’s left hand.
The D-28 guitar is exceptional, boasting an impressive Dreadnought tone that complements the band perfectly. Its versatility allows for use in large performances and ensures adaptability in various musical settings.
Pros & Cons:
- The Dreadnought tone is characterized by its loud and full sound.
- It offers excellent resonance and sustain, enhancing the overall musical experience.
- With a relatively dark tone, it strikes the perfect balance between darkness and brightness.
Final Word
Discovering the perfect Martin Guitar within a $1000 budget can be an exhilarating quest. By carefully contemplating your desires and having a clear comprehension of what you seek, you can acquire a guitar that not only brings delight to your musical pursuits but also endures for a lifetime.
Within this comprehensive guide, we have explored a range of options such as the versatile Martin DRS1 and the resilient DX1AE. However, it is crucial to remember that the notion of the “best” guitar is highly subjective and relies on your individual requirements and preferences.
Therefore, whether you are a novice or a seasoned musician, it is essential to invest ample time, conduct thorough research, and, most importantly, trust your own auditory perception.