Martin Dreadnought Junior Review (2023)

Build Quality:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:
Average:

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Pros:

• Compact
• Easy to play
• Great sound

Cons:

• Sapele (not the best material but it does not ruin the sound on this one)
• Does not have the full volume of full-sized ones but it sure comes close

For years and years Martin has had an uncompromising reputation for producing some of the best guitars on the market. They have tapped into professional as well as beginner markets and created models for any level of experience. Martin Junior is a smaller version of their guitars that has the same punch and sound as a full sized one but boasts more comfort and playability.

Build

Martin equipped this model with a solid Sitka spruce top that has scalloped ¼” X-bracing. The back and sides are made from Sapele and the neck is made of select hardwood that all together give this smaller sized model the punchy, bright sound that you are looking for. A lot of people do not like Sapele as much but I think it is as much a personal choice as prejudice towards some material. The point is, when you pick up this guitar and start playing you will not hear a sab par quality. The construction and combination of all of this material render astounding sound as well as make this travel/small size guitar very durable which is a rather important factor if you are always on the go.

Hardware

The D Jr. is equipped with a White Corian nut and black Richlite fingerboard. This guitar also comes with Fishman’s Sonitone sound reinforcement system. The tuning machine is standard chrome enclosed with small buttons and to top it all off you get a nylon gig bag that will keep your guitar safe during travels.

Martin Dreadnought Junior Sound

When you see a guitar the size of Martin D Jr. you might laugh it off or think that will sound like some sort of a soprano ukulele and nothing like a full-sized Martin that people are drooling over. And oh how mistaken you would be. This baby delivers rich, woody tone with great volume and punchy mid-range tones. Although this is a compact model the tonewood and construction create the sound that would match any other full sized guitar.

Conclusion

Martin D Jr. is an excellent choice for beginners, kids and people who are more comfortable with smaller-sized guitars. It is also compact enough to travel around with. The quality of the construction and material deliver  astounding sound that you would not expect from a guitar this size. I have heard sometimes people saying that they do not see the point in paying the same amount or more for models that are smaller than  regular size and to that… I honestly don’t know what to say. The point of smaller guitars is not to economize on material but provide even more comfort than usual sized models with the same sound so it is twice as hard to create a model that will do that. AND if a guitar actually encompasses all of the basic of full sized versions but is a smaller size I would, personally pay more for it.

Excellent build quality and materials.

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