Martin M-36, Jumbo - Natural Review

Also "The One" for me - and I am beyond picky

If you think you're not into Martins - you owe it to yourself to try this guitar. A whole different playing experience. With stunning tone and tonal balance, and incredible playability. More playable than a Taylor (their one real virtue, IMO)...but so much richer in terms of both tone and volume. And the ebony fingerboard is a total delight. Worth every penny and then some.

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The One

I had been looking for my main guitar for the last 2 years. I have a few Taylors, a Gibson J-45, a Martin CEO-7 and a few travel guitars that I totally enjoyed playing, and each one is special in a certain way but I longed to find that one guitar that I could really bond with forever, that covered all the important things well that I look for in sound and playability. I am a solo… read more singer songwriter and was looking for something that was comfortable to play, loud enough to inspire me, and nuanced enough to be interesting. I found it. This M-36 is so incredibly balanced and plays so beautifully. It actually has a sound that is a cross between my Taylor 714CE and my Gibson J-45. I always loved the punchiness of the 714 and the warmth of the J-45 and now I have both of those qualities with this amazing M-36. It is balanced and punchy and has a resonant warmth that feels already broken in and has a sound I would describe as sweet like mahogany and pretty like rosewood. Of course the M-36 os Rosewood but there is that warmth factor that I typically associate with mahogany b&s guitars. The neck is ultra-comfortable, which is especially nice as my hands are on the smaller side. I have only had this guitar for 2 weeks and it is such a joy to play and hear, I have already experienced a breakthrough on a few of my favorite songs. When a guitar inspires something new in a song you've played a hundred times before, that is something pretty special. Luckily I had the L.R Baggs Anthem pickup installed when I ordered it because this axe is going places with me. It sounds absolutely stellar plugged in too so this guitar is a hit on all levels. If you are looking for a balanced, fun guitar to accompany your singing, this guitar will not disappoint. Its not as loud as a dred, but is much more comfortable and gets the job done handily.

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Undiscovered Jewel

When most folks think of a Martin it's usually the D-18,28,or 35 that garners most attention, and I have to admit I was one of those people until I came across the M-36. I have owned several high-end guitars.. Taylor, Guild, Takamine and a couple of the Martins, 28 and 35. I have short arms and small hands and I was looking for something that was comfortable to hold and play.… read more I started reading about the M-36 with its jumbo body, but yet having the narrower body. I decided to give it a try and I am Soooo...glad I did. This is an exceptional instrument. It is not a cannon like a D-28 or 35, but it isn't intended to be. This guitar has great balance of sound and clarity, yet still provides plenty of low end warmth. It still has plenty of projection like a Martin, but it is ideal for the accompaniment of a solo singer/player especially in a small live setting or studio setting where control of sound is important. The tapered satin neck is comfortable and fits my smaller hands and fingers exceptionally well, although it would not be an issue for even larger hands. The instrument is a beauty to look at with the aged toner Spruce top, Rosewood sides and back, and the 3-piece back like a D-35 has. If you're the lead picker in a bluegrass or similar group the M-36 is probably not for you. But, if you're a solo singer/songwriter or play in a small acoustic group you need to put the M-36 on your list of considerations. Yes, it's pricey like other Martins, but you will not be disappointed in this guitar.

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WOW!!!!!

When you cross that line of Guitars in $1000 to $1500 Guitars and step into the upper end the difference is mind boggling . From the first strumming My other 5 Guitars became obsolete. It's been a month now and I sold 2 and the 3 others are now for sale. When you Eat your first prime rib it's hard to settle for hot dogs . The clear tone and balance are absolutely perfect . Just… read more whish I didn't wait 50 years to find out . Every day when I pick it up I just strum a few cords and just listen to the amazing sound . I play 2 to 3 hrs a day now . It's so comfortable to play I can play twice as long as before and fingers don't get sore like before. My Wife is so amazed by the sound when a HD 28 demo came up today she said buy it .How lucky can a guy get. It well be here tomorrow can't wait till Sunday to play it . Thanks to my Great Rep. Steven . He is wonderful to work and talk with.

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Amazing instrument!

I played one a few years ago and never forgot the feel and the sound, so I finally pulled the trigger on this one. So glad I did. Incredibly comfortable and easy to play, and the sound is acoustic perfection. Balanced throughout the entire sonic range and the neck feels like butter. It's hard to put down. The Martin magic is real.

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