Martin Acoustic Guitars

Buy any Martin Acoustic Guitar and get a years worth of strings free (Martin USA 12 sets Martin Mexico 6 sets)! Contact us for details

For well over a century and a half, The Martin Guitar Company has been continuously producing acoustic instruments that are acknowledged to be the finest in the world. Throughout its colorful history, the company has adapted successfully to continual changes in product design, distribution systems, and manufacturing methods. In spite of the many changes, C. F. Martin has never veered away from its initial commitment to quality.

What to Consider When Buying a Martin Guitar

A new instrument is a significant investment, and if you choose a high-quality manufacturer like Martin, you're making a purchase that will last for decades. As you shop for a new Martin guitar, you'll have several factors to consider, including: 

• Size and Sound: These two characteristics have a direct influence on one another, which is why we've grouped them together. If you need a smaller instrument, you may want to choose from the Little Martin Series, which consists of guitars built on a 3/4 scale. Smaller guitars tend to have more of a balanced sound and don't emphasize the bass tones — which is beneficial for lead guitarists playing fast-paced, funky riffs. On the other hand, larger guitars will produce a deeper sound. This makes bigger models ideal for rhythm guitarists who mostly play chords, whether it's for a blues band, rock band or classical accompaniment.

• Tonewoods: The wood your guitar is made out of significantly affects the tone and usability of your instrument. Most Martin guitars are made of spruce, but you can also opt for cedar or mahogany. Spruce is clear and loud, and cedar is airy and light. Mahogany is deep and low-toned. Choose the wood that makes the most sense based on the sound you're trying to create. 

• Electronics: If you're going to be performing on large stages, you need an acoustic guitar that also has built-in electronics. An electric-acoustic doesn't have a unique sound from regular acoustics — the only difference is that you can plug it into an amplifier for big performances with a band. This way, the audience hears an equal balance between the instruments, and not just the drums and bass guitar.

• Series: Once you've made your decisions on the three categories above, you can use those preferences to identify the right Martin series to start looking at. Some popular choices are the X Series, Standard Series, Performing Artist Series, Retro Series, Vintage Series and Authentic Series, to name a few. The series of your guitar will typically dictate both how the guitar feels in your hands and how it sounds when you strum it. 

Where Can I Find Martin Guitars for Sale Near Me? 

When you're looking to buy Martin guitars in San Rafael, Santa Rosa or San Francisco, visit us at Bananas at Large. You can test out several different Martin guitars before deciding which model is right for you. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to get advice from our knowledgeable staff, and, if you're lucky, maybe even some of the pro-level customers who shop with us, too.

Visit either our San Rafael or Santa Rosa location today to browse the best selection of Martin guitars in the San Francisco Bay Area. Or, call us if you have any questions.