The biggest change I noticed right out of case is the new neck profile is much easier to navigate and feels played in. Martin is calling this the GE Modified Low oval neck profile with the High-performance neck taper. GE stands for Golden Era, so the new D35 has a thinner fingerboard and enhanced fretboard edges for comfort. The High-Performance taper means the fretboard width is narrower from the nut to the body of the guitar, 1 ¾” width at the nut. You’ ll also take notice that the nut at the top of the headstock is angled in transition from the fretboard matching the headstock angle.
The Golden Era top bracing adds to a mellow sound to my ear when you play the new D35. The sleeker vintage styled neck heel visually flows better into the body design. The GE modern belly bridge also blends into the top better instead of standing out quite as much cosmetically. At first glance the improvements to the D-35 don’ t jump out at you, but when you spend the time to look at the instrument closely, they reflect the details and craftsmanship of a Martin guitar.
The Golden Era additions to the standard series, particularly the D-35 that we tested and reviewed merge more vintage attributes while maintaining player demands. Played acoustically the new D-35 sounds warmer and more even across all of the strings and frequencies thanks to the GE bracing. The beveled edges, bound fretboard and thinner fingerboard feel more like a broken-in well played instrument instead a brand new one.
The Martin updates and refinements for the D-35 make it the best playing and sounding one I have ever picked up or played to date. It definitely puts me in mind of a vintage D-35 and priced at $ 3,699 it isn’ t outlandish considering the craftsmanship. Without the pick-up it is $ 3,499. There is also a sunburst top version for the same pricing. Good options here.
On a side note, I recently visited the C. F. Martin Museum and factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Walking through the factory floor watching the skilled craftsmen and women adding their contribution to each instrument gave me a deeper appreciation for the guitars they create. When you see what goes into each guitar from shaving the braces by hand, to the inlays, shaping the necks and installing the rosette it gives you a fuller understanding of what handcrafted really means. If you get the chance, I highly recommend a pilgrimage to Nazareth, the home of Martin guitars. If you are in the market for an incredible new acoustic or acoustic / electric, consider the Martin D-35 and you’ ll be surprised at how the details make a huge difference in sound and playability.
$ 3,699 www. MartinGuitar. com
Buy from Sweetwater [ WM ] Affiliate Link
The discreet in sound hole adjustable L. R. Baggs Anthem pickup system installed in this Martin D-35 delivered an authentic acoustic reproduction of sound. The bass wasn’ t muddy, and the mid frequencies weren’ t overbearing and abrasive as some pickup systems can be. It was balanced whether I picked it, fingerpicked or dug in for solos. The L. R. Baggs electronics pair very nicely with the D-35.
May 2025 Subscribe for Free... 47