Sponsored By
 
Martin M-36 (2018)
 
A contemporary classic is reimagined as part of Martin’s new standard series.
September 10, 2018

Martin’s M-size guitar model (also known as “0000”) is perhaps the company’s most significant design that isn’t descended from its iconic 1920s and ‘30s instruments. The M model was Martin’s reaction to 1960s luthiers Marc Silber and Matt Umanov converting old Martin F-7 and F-9 archtops to flattops. These guitars had a body width of 16 inches at the lower bout (slightly wider than a dreadnought’s 15 ⅝ inches), but with an outline similar to the 15-inch 000 body. One of these conversions became David Bromberg’s main guitar, which created a demand for similar instruments. Martin introduced the body style in 1977 with the M-38 model, and followed it with the slightly less fancy M-36 the following year. Like other models in Martin’s Standard series, the M-36 was updated (or “reimagined”) this year, receiving a few tweaks that make this contemporary classic even better. We had a chance to check out the latest M-36 (2018) in the Peghead Nation studio.

Like earlier M-36’s, the current guitar has a Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides. The three-piece back (like a D-35) has a lighter-colored center wedge that offsets the dark pieces used for the side pieces. Another unusual design feature is that the guitar has an ebony fretboard but a rosewood bridge. This is common on classical guitars, but rare on steel-strings, and takes advantage of the rosewood bridge’s lower weight. The “reimagined” updates to the M-36 include forward-shifted scalloped braces, and a neck that is wider than earlier versions, with Martin’s relatively new high-performance taper and modified low oval shape.

Martin’s M-size guitars have always been renowned for their versatility, and the current M-36 is no exception. Played fingerstyle, I found the guitar to be spectacularly responsive with a complex sound. Combined with the wider neck, the guitar makes an excellent choice for playing with the fingers. But the M-36 also holds its own when strummed, delivering a punchy, loud, and rich voice. Unlike some larger guitars that lose definition when playing single-notes, the instrument sounds great for melodic playing, making it a true jack of all trades.

With a few relatively subtle tweaks, Martin has updated a classic model and made it an even better guitar.At a time when many makers offer “small jumbo” guitars, it’s definitely worthwhile to check out the guitar that was at the very beginning of this popular trend.


SPECS: 14-fret M/0000 body. Solid Sitka spruce top with forward-shifted, scalloped X-bracing. Solid Indian rosewood sides and three-piece back. Hardwood neck with dovetail joint. Ebony fretboard. Rosewood bridge. 25.4-inch scale. 1¾-inch nut width. 2⁵/₃₂-inch string spacing at the saddle. Grover tuning machines. Made in the USA. $3,599 (list). Martinguitar.com

Related New Gear Posts
 

Martin GPCE Inception Maple

A highly innovative instrument featuring “skeletonized” bracing and sustainable woods.

Read More

 

Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe

Martin’s contemporary take on a classic high-end model.

Read More

 

Martin DJR-10E Bass

A compact acoustic bass guitar that’s easy to play and offers a big sound.

Read More

 

Martin D-28 StreetLegend

A rosewood dreadnought with a satin-finish and simulated wear.

Read More

 

Martin D-18 StreetLegend

A satin-finished version of the classic dreadnought with a well-worn look.

Read More

 

Martin 012-28 Modern Deluxe and 0012-28 Modern Deluxe

A pair of 12-frets that brilliantly combine vintage and contemporary features.

Read More

 

Martin D-18 Authentic 1939

A great vintage-accurate mahogany dreadnought.

Read More

 

Martin 000Jr-10E Shawn Mendes

The pop star’s signature model is an affordable small-body guitar built from FSC-certified woods.

Read More

 

Martin Custom Shop Super D

A supersized dreadnought that sounds as big as it looks.

Read More

 

Martin D-42 Special

A variation on a classic model built with premium woods features an inlay design by Dick Boak.

Read More

 
Sponsored By
 
 
 
Peghead Partners
 
Shubb Violet Sky C1vs 50th Anniversary Edition
A beautifully etched capo with a lush finish and iridescent hardware, celebrating 50 years of creating the worlds” finest capos.
 
 
 
 
 
  Follow Us:  
 
  About Us       Shop         Support         Contact Us         Email Sign up         Advertise         Sitemap         FAQ         Privacy         Terms         Subscribe   Sign In  
 
    ● Courses
    ● Live Workshops
    ● Instructors
    ● Sample Lessons
    ● Notation Guide
    ● For Beginners
 
    ● Workshops
    ● Advice
    ● Repertoire
 
    ● Vintage Vault
    ● New Gear
    ● Fine Lutherie
 
    ● Recordings
    ● Events
    ● Breaking News
 
    ● In The Studio
    ● Live Onstage
    ● Backroom
 
    ● New Products
    ● Inside Look
    ● Performances
    ● Partner Pages
 
 
© Copyright 2020 PegheadNation.com
 
 
    ● Courses
    ● Live Workshops
    ● Instructors
    ● Sample Lessons
    ● Notation Guide
    ● For Beginners
 
 
    ● Vintage Vault
    ● New Gear
    ● Fine Lutherie
 
 
    ● Workshops
    ● Advice
    ● Repertoire
 
 
    ● Recordings
    ● Events
    ● Breaking News
 
 
    ● In The Studio
    ● Live Onstage
    ● Backroom
 
 
    ● New Products
    ● Inside Look
    ● Performances
    ● Partner Pages
 
 
© Copyright 2020 PegheadNation.com