If you’re looking for some of the best Martin guitars under $1000, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to highlight some of the coolest and most affordable guitars made by this brand.
Getting a Martin guitar is an amazing experience – I’m sure that you all agree that it’s one of the most iconic guitar brands of all time! They’re often associated with premium and really expensive guitars, but the truth is that they also have quite a few affordable models in their offer.
That’s why I decided to create a list of 10 best Martin guitars under $1000! Feel free to check out the list below and scroll down to the next section of you want to read more about each of these models. Of course, the sound demos are included too!
10 Best Martin Guitars Under $1000 – List
| Martin DX Johnny Cash | See on Amazon | See on Sweetwater |
| Martin LX1E | See on Amazon | See on Sweetwater |
| Martin D-X2E | See on Amazon | See on Sweetwater |
| Martin GPC-X2E | See on Amazon | See on Sweetwater |
| Martin D-X1E | See on Amazon | See on Sweetwater |
| Martin 0-X1E | See on Amazon | See on Sweetwater |
| Martin 000-10E | See on Amazon | – |
| Martin DX Woodstock | See on Amazon | See on Sweetwater |
| Martin OMC-X1E | See on Amazon | See on Sweetwater |
| Martin D-10E | See on Amazon | See on Sweetwater |
1. Martin DX Johnny Cash Signature
Martin DX Johnny Cash Signature Edition is an affordable acoustic-electric guitar suitable for the most demanding guitarists out there. I had the pleasure to test it out and I was actually really impressed that this is not a high-end Martin.
This particular model looks, sounds and feels absolutely amazing. The guitar features a HPL (high-pressure laminate) construction, a comfortable black birch laminate neck and an easy-playing richlite fingerboard.
Although it’s not made of solid premium woods, it still manages to produce a very nice, balanced and resonant sound. It also sounds great when it’s plugged into an amp. Surely, guitarists of all levels will appreciate that level of quality.
It is also worth mentioning that this signature model looks fantastic from the outside too. You don’t even have to be a fan of Johnny Cash to notice and appreciate the unique aesthetic of that axe.
Considering how affordable and great sounding this guitar is, it’s definitely one of the best Martin guitars for the money. Finding something better sounding and better looking at this price level will be extremely difficult.
Here’s the demo.
2. Martin LX1E
Martin LX1E is a compact acoustic-electrc guitar which exceeds all the expectations. In fact, it’s one of the most popular and cheap Martin guitars that you can currently find in their offering.
The LX1E model features a Sitka spruce top with HPL back and sides and a birch laminate neck with richlite fingerboard. Although it’s made of laminate, it still sounds really good and it offers a great sound and tuning stability.
What’s important, the manufacturer equipped that model with the Fishman Sonitone electronics, which allows you to easily use that guitar on stage. This is a big advantage, especially for anyone who loves to play live in front of an audience.
Who is it for? Well, this model will be perfect for anyone who just wants to casually play on the couch from time to time. But due to the fact that it’s an acoustic-electric guitar, it also works perfectly for working musicians or buskers.
Overall, Martin LX1E is a really good and inexpensive acoustic guitar suitable for guitarists of all levels. I’m positive that this is one of the best Martin guitars that you can potentially find under $1000.
Here’s the demo.
3. Martin D-X2E
Martin D-X2E is an another affordable and popular dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar which offers a fantastic quality for the money. This is one of the best mid-range Martins that you can potentially choose for live performances.
What makes it so cool? Well, this particular model features a Sitka spruce top with HPL back and sides and a comfortable hardwood neck and fretboard. The neck is a big advantage of that model, because it allows you to play for several hours without getting too tired.
Just like Martin LX1E mentioned earlier, the D-X2E features the high quality electronics – Fishman MX. This is a really important feature, because it allows you to easily use that guitar with an acoustic combo.
Overall, Martin LX1E has everything that you potentially need from a mid-level acoustic-electric guitar. It sounds great, it looks fantastic and it’s not overly expensive – isn’t it all that really matters in the end?
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
4. Martin GPC-X2E
Martin GPC-X2E is an another fantastic acoustic-electric guitar suitable for the most demanding players out there. It’s a bit more expensive than a few of the previous models, but it’s still one of the best Martin guitars available under $1000.
The GPC-X2E features the Grand Performance body shape, which results with a bit different sound than regular dreadnought guitars. It’s really loud, resonant and it cuts through the mix perfectly.
This particular model features a Sitka spruce top with HPL back and sides and a comfortable hardwood neck and fingerboard. These materials guarantee an enjoyable and comfortable playing experience!
Of course, the manufacturer also equipped this model with the high quality electronics – Fishman MX. This feature allows you to effectively use that guitar on stage, so I’m sure that a lot of working musicians will appreciate that.
Undoubtedly, Martin GPC-X2E is a truly exceptional acoustic electric guitar. It has the looks, the sound and the feel – and that’s what makes it so cool.
Here’s the demo.
5. Martin D-X1E
Martin D-X1E is one of the most interesting guitars mentioned on today’s list. This particular model features a really unique koa pattern which looks absolutely fantastic in real life.
The guitar features a construction made of figured koa high-pressure laminate. There’s also a comfortable birch laminate neck with richlite fingerboard. Although it’s not made of solid woods, it still manages to produce a very nice sound full of richness and clarity.
Just like the previous Martin guitars mentioned above, the D-X1E features the same electronics – Fishman MX. This is a perfect feature for everyone who wants to perform live! It’s not necessary though – this guitar sound fantastic when it’s unplugged too.
Undoubtedly, finding a better sounding and better looking acoustic-electric guitar will be extremely difficult, especially at this price level. I’m positive that Martin D-X1E is one of the best Martin guitars that you can potentially find under $1000.
Here’s the demo.
6. Martin 0-X1E
Martin 0-X1E is an another fantastic acoustic-electric guitar which looks, sounds and feels absolutely amazing. I absolutely love mahogany guitars, so in my opinion this is one of the coolest and best looking guitars on today’s list.
The 0-X1E features a mahogany-patterned HPL top with HPL back and sides. There’s also a comfortable birch laminate neck with richlite fingerboard. Although this model is not made of solid woods, it still manages to offer a great sound.
Of course, just like all the previous guitars mentioned above, Martin 0-X1E is also equipped with high quality electronics – Fishman MX.
Who is it for? Well, this guitar will be perfect for both amateur and more advanced guitar players. It will work particularly well for gigging musicians, because since it’s made of the HPL, it’s really durable.
Undoubtedly, Martin 0-X1E is one of the best Martin guitars that you can find under $1000. That’s why I highly recommend checking it out!
Here’s the demo.
7. Martin 000-10E
Martin 000-10E is a fantastic Auditorium guitar designed for the most demanding guitarists out there. This guitar has everything you need from an acoustic-electric guitar at this price level – it has the looks, the sound and the feel.
The 000-10E model features a sapele top with sapele back and sides. There’s also a comfortable hardwood neck with richlite fingerboard. Of course, the guitar also has the Fishman MX-T electronics.
The sound of Martin 000-10E can be described as rich and full. The clarity and articulation of all-sapele guitars is absolutely amazing, so it’s definitely a bit better than all the models made of HPL. It’s not a cheap model, but it definitely deserves a lot of attention.
Who is it for? Well, I think that this model will be ideal for everyone who’s looking for the best value for the money. Although it’s more expensive than the vast majority of other guitars mentioned on today’s list, it’s on a similar level as a lot of more expensive Martins.
Here’s the demo.
8. Martin DX Woodstock
Martin DX Woodstock 50th Anniversary is a really unique acoustic-electric guitar available at a relatively low price. This particular model looks way different than any other guitar mentioned previously – it commemorates the 50th anniversary of Woodstock.
This particular model features the HPL construction with a comfortable rust birch laminate neck and richlite fretboard. The neck of that model is a really big advantage of that guitar – it has the Performing Artist profile, so it’s very easy on the fingers. It allows you to play for several hours without getting tired.
What’s important, this is an acoustic-electric guitar. Martin decided to equip this model with the Fishman Sonitone electronics which allows you to efficiently use that guitar on stage. Surely, all gigging musicians will be really satisfied with that solution.
Undoubtedly, this is a really cool guitar that deserves a lot of attention. Whether you’re looking for a great sounding and reliable guitar for gigs or you just want to add something unique to your own guitar collection, choosing this model will be a fantastic choice.
9. Martin OMC-X1E
Martin OMC-X1E is an another excellent acoustic-electric guitar available at a relatively low price. Surely, it’s one of the best Martin guitars that you can currently find under $1000.
What makes it so special? Well, the guitar features the HPL construction with the black birch laminate neck and an easy-playing richlite fingerboard. What’s important, this is an acoustic-electric guitar, so it’s perfect for live performances as well.
When it comes to appearance, the OMC-X1E features a really similar look to the Martin DX Johnny Cash Signature Edition. Still, it has a bit different body shape and it has a cutaway which allows you to easily access the highest frets.
Overall, Martin OMC-X1E offers a fantastic value for the money. I have no hesitation in recommending this model to all guitarists who are searching for a great sounding and reliable acoustic-electric guitar.
Here’s the demo.
10. Martin D-10E
Martin D-10E Road Series is one of the best and the most expensive guitars on today’s list. Still, in comparison with high-end Martins it’s still relatively affordable. In my opinion, it’s one of the best Martin guitars for the money that you can potentially find on the market.
What makes it so cool? Well, the D-10E looks, sounds and feels like a premium guitar. It features a sitka spruce top with sapele back and sides. There’s also a very comfortable hardwood neck with an easy-playing richlite fingerboard.
The manufacturer also equipped that model with some high quality electronics – Fishman MX-T. Unlike Fishman MX used in a few guitars mentioned previously, this particular model features a built-in tuner. This is a huge advantage, especially for all the gigging musicians out there.
Overall, the quality and workmanship of this guitar is truly exceptional. And although it’s not the cheapest guitar on today’s list, it’s definitely worth checking out. Especially if you’re searching for the best value for the money!
Here’s the demo.
Summary
As you can see, there are a lot of fantastic and affordable Martin guitars out there. I’m sure that if you decide to stick to one of the models mentioned above, you won’t be disappointed. These are definitely some of the best Martin guitars that you can get under $1000. That’s for sure!
What do you think of these guitars and which Martin guitar is your favorite? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful and you found what you were looking for. If you enjoyed this article and you’re searching for more gear recommendations, you may also like:
