Best Martin Acoustic Guitars With C Neck Profile in 2025
Here are the top Martin acoustic guitars with C neck profile. C-shaped necks like this have been the most popular for the last years. The reason is that they feel good in most hands. It's generally a thin neck that doesn't get in your way when playing fast, but that also has enough mass to give your hands a comfortable grip for chords if they aren't too big.
Thin necks like this make it easier to move your hand across the neck and it helps when playing fast solos, especially if you like to leave your thumb free while playing high on the fretboard. However, thinner necks are also weaker and will need adjustment more often than a thicker neck.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
1. Martin HD12-28
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Easy (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
- Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: C (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (4 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
Martin HD12-28 | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Martin | |
Year: | 1931 | |
Configuration: | N/A | |
Strings: | 12 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | Standard | |
Colors: | Natural | |
Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
Body | ||
Type: | Hollowbody | |
Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
Back Material: | Rosewood | |
Bridge: | Ebony | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Chrome Enclosed Gear | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Select Hardwood | |
Decoration: | Abalone Diamonds and Squares Long Pattern | |
Scale Size: | 24.9" | |
Shape: | Acoustic Performing Artist | |
Frets: | 20 Medium | |
Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
Nut: | Bone | |
Nut Width: | 46mm (1.811'') | |
Electronics | ||
Pickups: | Fishman (Preamp / Active) | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Chrome |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin HD12-28
Martin HD12-28
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Compensated Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
2. Martin Grand J-16E 12 String
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What our users think
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Clean (1 vote)
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Martin Grand J-16E 12 String | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Martin | |
Year: | 2021 | |
Configuration: | N/A | |
Strings: | 12 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | 16-17 | |
Colors: | Natural | |
Left-Handed Version: | No | |
Body | ||
Type: | Hollowbody | |
Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
Back Material: | Rosewood | |
Bridge: | Ebony | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Chrome Enclosed Gear | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Select Hardwood | |
Decoration: | Mother of Pearl Style 28 | |
Scale Size: | 25.4" | |
Shape: | Acoustic 12 String | |
Frets: | 20 Medium | |
Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
Nut: | Bone | |
Nut Width: | 46mm (1.811'') | |
Electronics | ||
Pickups: | Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2 (Preamp / Active) | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Chrome |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin Grand J-16E 12 String
Martin Grand J-16E 12 String
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
3. Martin D-35 Johnny Cash
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (5 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (5 votes)
Show All Specs
Martin D-35 Johnny Cash | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Martin | |
Year: | 2014 | |
Configuration: | N/A | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | Custom & Special Editions | |
Colors: | Black | |
Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
Body | ||
Type: | Hollowbody | |
Body Material: | Solid Engelmann Spruce | |
Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
Back Material: | Rosewood | |
Bridge: | Ebony | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Chrome Enclosed Gear | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Select Hardwood | |
Decoration: | Abalone with Mother of Pearl Stars with Johnny Cash Signature | |
Scale Size: | 25.4" | |
Shape: | Acoustic Modified Low Oval | |
Frets: | 20 Medium | |
Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
Nut: | Bone | |
Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
Electronics | ||
Pickups: | Fishman Gold Plus Natural I (Preamp / Active) | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Chrome |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin D-35 Johnny Cash
Martin D-35 Johnny Cash
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Compensated Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
4. Martin 00-28
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Hard (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
- Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
Martin 00-28 | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Martin | |
Year: | 2017 | |
Configuration: | N/A | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | Standard | |
Colors: | Natural | |
Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
Body | ||
Type: | Hollowbody | |
Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
Back Material: | Rosewood | |
Bridge: | Ebony | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Nickel Open Gear | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Select Hardwood | |
Decoration: | Abalone Diamonds and Squares Long Pattern | |
Scale Size: | 24.9" | |
Shape: | Acoustic Modified Low Oval | |
Frets: | 20 Medium | |
Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
Nut: | Bone | |
Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
Electronics | ||
Pickups: | Fishman (Preamp / Active) | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Nickel |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin 00-28
Martin 00-28
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Compensated Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
5. Martin 00-18
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
Martin 00-18 | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Martin | |
Year: | 1931 | |
Configuration: | N/A | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | Standard | |
Colors: | Natural | |
Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
Body | ||
Type: | Hollowbody | |
Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
Sides Material: | Mahogany | |
Back Material: | Mahogany | |
Bridge: | Ebony | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Nickel Open Gear | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Select Hardwood | |
Decoration: | Abalone 18 Old Style | |
Scale Size: | 24.9" | |
Shape: | Acoustic Modified Low Oval | |
Frets: | 20 Medium | |
Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
Nut: | Bone | |
Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
Electronics | ||
Pickups: | Fishman (Preamp / Active) | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Nickel |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin 00-18
Martin 00-18
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Compensated Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
6. Martin 000-42
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
Martin 000-42 | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Martin | |
Year: | 1918 | |
Configuration: | N/A | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | Standard | |
Colors: | Natural | |
Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
Body | ||
Type: | Hollowbody | |
Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
Back Material: | Rosewood | |
Bridge: | Ebony | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Gold Open Gear | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Genuine Mahogany | |
Decoration: | Abalone Style 45 Snowflake | |
Scale Size: | 24.9" | |
Shape: | Acoustic Modified Low Oval | |
Frets: | 20 Medium | |
Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
Nut: | Bone | |
Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
Electronics | ||
Pickups: | Fishman (Preamp / Active) | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Gold |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin 000-42
Martin 000-42
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Compensated Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
7. Martin 000-28
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
Martin 000-28 | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Martin | |
Year: | 1937 | |
Configuration: | N/A | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | Standard | |
Colors: | Natural | |
Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
Body | ||
Type: | Hollowbody | |
Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
Back Material: | Rosewood | |
Bridge: | Ebony | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Nickel Open Gear | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Select Hardwood | |
Decoration: | Abalone Diamonds and Squares Long Pattern | |
Scale Size: | 24.9" | |
Shape: | Acoustic Modified Low Oval | |
Frets: | 20 Medium | |
Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
Nut: | Bone | |
Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
Electronics | ||
Pickups: | Fishman (Preamp / Active) | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Nickel |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin 000-28
Martin 000-28
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Compensated Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
8. Martin M-36
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
Martin M-36 | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Martin | |
Year: | 1978 | |
Configuration: | N/A | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | Standard | |
Colors: | Natural | |
Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
Body | ||
Type: | Hollowbody | |
Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
Back Material: | Rosewood | |
Bridge: | East Indian Rosewood | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Chrome Enclosed Gear | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Select Hardwood | |
Decoration: | Mother-of-Pearl Style 38 | |
Scale Size: | 25.4" | |
Shape: | Acoustic Modified Low Oval | |
Frets: | 20 Medium | |
Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
Nut: | Bone | |
Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
Electronics | ||
Pickups: | Fishman (Preamp / Active) | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Chrome |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin M-36
Martin M-36
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Compensated Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
9. Martin D-42
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What our users think
- Tuning stability: Sightly unstable (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
Martin D-42 | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Martin | |
Year: | 1996 | |
Configuration: | N/A | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | Standard | |
Colors: | Natural | |
Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
Body | ||
Type: | Hollowbody | |
Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
Back Material: | Rosewood | |
Bridge: | Ebony | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Gold Open Gear | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Genuine Mahogany | |
Decoration: | Abalone Style 45 Snowflake | |
Scale Size: | 25.4" | |
Shape: | Acoustic Modified Low Oval | |
Frets: | 20 Medium | |
Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
Nut: | Bone | |
Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
Electronics | ||
Pickups: | Fishman (Preamp / Active) | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Gold |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin D-42
Martin D-42
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Compensated Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
10. Martin D-41
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Easy (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
- Weight: Slightly heavy (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
Martin D-41 | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Martin | |
Year: | 1969 | |
Configuration: | N/A | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | Standard | |
Colors: | Natural | |
Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
Body | ||
Type: | Hollowbody | |
Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
Back Material: | Rosewood | |
Bridge: | Ebony | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Gold Open Gear | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Genuine Mahogany | |
Decoration: | Abalone Reduced Hexagon | |
Scale Size: | 25.4" | |
Shape: | Acoustic Modified Low Oval | |
Frets: | 20 Medium | |
Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
Nut: | Bone | |
Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
Electronics | ||
Pickups: | Fishman (Preamp / Active) | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Gold |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin D-41
Martin D-41
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Compensated Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock