Best Martin Acoustic Guitar Under $1000 (our top pick)
Martin D-10E Road Series
The 000CJR gets a modestly higher rating here because of the lower cost, but we have consistently recommended the Martin D-10E as one of the best balances of price and quality, even in our overall acoustic favorites, across all brands. It's closer to the top of our $1000 salary cap, but you get one of the warmest and most strum-friendly acoustics on the market. The new Artec Martin E1 electronics are a nice upgrade as well.
BEST FOR: Rhythm, performing, strumming, intermediate to advanced players, and recording.
TONE
85
FEATURES
90
BUILD
90
COST/VALUE
85
- Solid top
- Spruce bracing
- Fishman MX-T preamp/pickup system or Martin E1 (in the newer models)
- Warm tone, ideal for strumming
- Includes a softshell case
- Laminate Sapele isn't particularly exciting
More Martin Acoustics we Recommend Under $1000
Other honorable mentions include the 000CJR, the GPC-X2E, and Little Martin LXK2.
Guitar | Audio | Rate | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Martin D-10E Road Series | 87.5 | |
 | Martin 000CJR-10E | 89.5 | |
| Martin GPC-X2E | 85.2 | |
 | Martin LXK2 | 80.1 |
The Martin 000CJR-10E (junior concert body)
These are smaller, concert body-style acoustics with a tonewood profile similar to the D-10E. I'd recommend going this route if you want an acoustic that's easier to hold with a cutaway, geared more towards performance and perhaps lead acoustic styles. It's the second cheapest guitar on this list.
The Martin GPC-X2E (full concert body)
There are several acoustics in the Martin GPC series, though the X2E variation is the only model that comes in under $1000. So it's fantastic value with a unique tonewood twist that mixes Cocobolo HPL (laminate) with the traditional Spruce top. It's the same concert body-style and shape as the 000CJR, but is full size and not the "junior" or 3/4 version.
The Martin LXK2 Little Martin (3/4 size)
Along with the D-10E, the LXK2 (Little Martin series) is a mainstay on our top overall acoustic recommendation list. It's not a world beater on the spec sheet, but the quality you get at such a low price with the Martin name is incredibly good. With the 3/4 body and nice balance between a concert and dreadnought shape), it's a fantastic acoustic guitar for beginners, or even intermediate players wanting an acoustic that's easier to hold and play.
Why we like the Martin D-10 and the Road Series in General
This is a model I'm pretty familiar with and have played. It also has a long history and track record as one of the best balances of price and quality on the market. With acoustic guitars, it's not always a spec-sheet battle, but more of a subjective feel. So I like the Road Series for strumming and more traditional guitar styles, along with "check-the-box features" like a solid Spruce top, Sapele back/sides (Taylor's go-to layout), and the Martin E1 electronics system.
It's not always just a spec-sheet battle, but the D-10E checks off the main boxes.
Selection and Recommendation Methodology
There's always some subjectivity attached to recommending something like an acoustic guitar. But in this case we have a brand and price range to work with, which narrows down my creative input quite a bit.
From there, I stick to Martin acoustics that I've used and already recommended.
My goal with recommendations is to offer fewer but more meaningful suggestions, all based on personal experience and aligned with the consistency of this site
Following this approach makes the D-10E and the three honorable mentions easy choices.
The D-10E consistently shows up in our recommendations and roundups. Image via Baires Rocks
Price Tracker for Best Martin Acoustics Under $1000 (double check pricing)
Prices updated Fri, August 21st, 2026.
Related Martin Acoustic Material
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Acoustics & Roundups
Written by Guitar Chalk on Acoustics & Price Guides
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Acoustics & Roundups
Written by Chris Phelan on Acoustics & Roundups
Written by Chris Phelan on Acoustics & Roundups
We link to products on Sweetwater that help support our site and keep the lights on. If you click through our orange buttons, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you all for your generous support over the years! ~ Bobby and Danielle
Our disclosure↬
Comment Policy: You're down to leave a comment? That's awesome. Keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. Please avoid any spammy keywords or a domain as your name, otherwise your comment will be deleted. Let's stay on topic, keep questions relevant and have a meaningful conversation. All the best.