For guitar lovers, especially those with a soft spot for Johnny Marr from The Smiths, the release of the Martin M-6 Johnny Marr Acoustic-Electric Guitar is nothing short of exciting. Blending Marr’s signature style with the craftsmanship of Martin Guitars, this instrument offers a truly unique playing experience. In this post, we’ll dive deep into everything that makes the M-6 special, its key features, and why it might be worth the investment for any level of guitarist.

The Story Behind the Martin M-6 Johnny Marr Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The collaboration between Johnny Marr and Martin Guitars brings something genuinely special to the acoustic guitar market. Marr, known for his incredible ability to blend melody and rhythm, worked closely with Martin to create a guitar that reflects his unique approach to music. Whether you’re a fan of The Smiths or simply a guitarist seeking a quality acoustic-electric guitar, the M-6 represents an exciting blend of tradition and personal touch.

The M-6 is built with the idea of capturing both the iconic acoustic tones that Marr is known for and giving players the versatility to plug in and amplify their sound without losing character. The guitar is designed with premium materials, features a modern yet classic aesthetic, and aims to provide a memorable playing experience.

Key Features of the Martin M-6 Johnny Marr Acoustic-Electric Guitar

1. Premium Tonewoods for Perfect Resonance

The Martin M-6 is crafted using some of the finest materials that Martin has to offer, which not only ensures superior sound quality but also adds a beautiful visual appeal to the guitar.

• Solid Sitka Spruce Top: The top is made from solid Sitka spruce, which provides excellent resonance and projection. This wood type is known for its bright tonal characteristics and responsive dynamic range.
• East Indian Rosewood Back and Sides: The back and sides of the guitar are made from East Indian rosewood, known for its rich, warm tones and resonance. The rosewood brings out a full-bodied sound, perfect for those lush fingerstyle pieces and rich chords.
• Select Hardwood Neck: The neck is constructed from select hardwood, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience. It’s designed to cater to a variety of playing styles, from intricate fingerpicking to full-on strumming.

2. Unique Design Elements Reflecting Johnny Marr’s Style

This guitar is not just about sound—its design tells a story.

• Custom Inlays: The fingerboard features unique inlays inspired by Johnny Marr’s journey as a musician, adding a touch of personalization to an already stunning instrument.
• Vintage-Inspired Aesthetics: The Martin M-6 includes design elements that give it a vintage vibe, paying homage to guitars from the past while adding modern functionality.
• Comfortable Body Shape: The M-6 has a comfortable body size, making it ideal for long practice sessions or gigs. The rounded edges add to the comfort, making it perfect for players who prefer a lighter acoustic guitar that doesn’t compromise on volume or tone.

3. Acoustic-Electric Versatility

The Martin M-6 Johnny Marr Acoustic-Electric Guitar is equipped with high-quality electronics, making it stage-ready straight out of the case.

• Fishman Matrix Infinity Pickup System: This premium pickup system ensures that the guitar’s natural tone is perfectly captured when amplified. Whether you’re playing in a small venue or on a large stage, the M-6 retains its acoustic character, allowing the warmth and clarity of the tonewoods to shine through.
• Onboard Controls: With discreet onboard controls, the M-6 allows you to tweak the tone and volume effortlessly, providing the flexibility to adapt to different playing environments.

Video Showcase of the Martin Johnny Marr Guitars

To give you a closer look at the Martin M-6 and M-7 Johnny Marr Acoustic Guitars, we’ve found an in-depth video review that showcases their features, sound, and unique design elements. The video gives you a true sense of what makes these guitars stand out, from the custom inlays to the rich tones produced by their premium tonewoods.

Check out the video here to see these amazing guitars in action:

Why the Martin M-6 Is Perfect for Guitarists of All Levels

Whether you’re a beginner looking for a quality acoustic-electric guitar that will grow with you or a seasoned player seeking a new addition to your collection, the M-6 offers features that cater to everyone.

• Easy Playability: The guitar has a comfortable action right out of the box, making it easy for beginners to play. Experienced guitarists will appreciate the well-balanced neck, which is suitable for both lead playing and intricate fingerstyle work.
• Versatile Sound: Thanks to its premium materials and sophisticated electronics, the M-6 is versatile enough for different styles, from folk to rock and everything in between.
• Signature Style: If you’re a fan of Johnny Marr, having a guitar that bears his design touches and contributes to his signature sound is a dream come true. It’s a piece of history that connects you with the music of The Smiths and beyond.

Sound Profile: What Does It Sound Like?

The Martin M-6 is known for its bright and balanced sound. The solid Sitka spruce top provides a crisp, articulate high end, while the rosewood back and sides add warmth and depth to the overall tone. This combination is perfect for both fingerstyle and strumming.

• Rich Bass and Clear Trebles: The rosewood gives the guitar a rich bass response, which is complemented by the clear, sparkling treble notes from the spruce top.
• Dynamic Range: Whether you’re playing soft fingerstyle melodies or aggressive strumming patterns, the M-6 maintains a balanced tone, ensuring that every note is heard clearly.

Practical Tips for Getting the Best out of Your Martin M-6

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your Martin M-6 Johnny Marr Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

• Use a Quality Amp: To fully appreciate the Fishman Matrix Infinity pickup, use a high-quality acoustic amplifier. This will ensure that the guitar’s natural tone is represented accurately when amplified.
• Experiment with String Types: The M-6 responds well to different string types, so feel free to experiment with phosphor bronze strings for warmth or 80/20 bronze for a brighter sound.
• Perfect for Live and Studio Use: Whether you’re recording or playing live, make sure to adjust the onboard controls to suit your environment. A slight tweak can make a big difference in how the guitar sounds in different acoustics.

How Does It Compare to Other High-End Acoustics?

The Martin M-6 holds its own against other high-end acoustics, such as the Gibson J-45 and the Taylor 814ce. While all three guitars have their unique strengths, the M-6 stands out for its signature sound and Johnny Marr-inspired design elements.

Pros and Cons of the Martin M-6 Johnny Marr Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Pros

• Unique Signature Design: Features design elements inspired by Johnny Marr, giving it a unique flair.
• Premium Tonewoods: The combination of Sitka spruce and rosewood offers a rich and balanced tone.
• Fishman Matrix Infinity Pickup: Delivers a clear and natural amplified sound.
• Comfortable Playability: Ideal for players of all levels, with a well-balanced neck and action.

Cons

• High Price Point: The M-6 is an investment, and may not be suitable for those on a budget.
• No Cutaway: Some players may miss having a cutaway for easier access to higher frets.

Real Community Opinions

• A guitarist on The Gear Page noted: “The M-6 really captures the essence of Johnny Marr’s style. It’s an incredible acoustic guitar with the versatility to match his dynamic playing”.
• Another user on a guitar forum shared: “I was blown away by the warmth and clarity of the M-6. It’s definitely not just for Marr fans—it’s a fantastic guitar for anyone who wants quality and character”.
• On Reddit, users expressed a mix of excitement and admiration for the M-6 and M-7. One user mentioned that the M-7’s seven-string configuration offered an exciting twist, making it perfect for experimenting with richer and more complex arrangements. Another user pointed out that while the price tag is high, it’s a collector’s dream for Johnny Marr fans, praising the guitar’s craftsmanship and connection to Marr’s legacy. Overall, the community agreed that both models were well-crafted instruments that deliver on their promises.

FAQs

1. Is the Martin M-6 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the M-6 is a versatile guitar that can cater to players of all skill levels. While it has the quality to satisfy experienced players, its comfortable playability makes it accessible to beginners.

2. What kind of strings come with the Martin M-6?

The guitar comes fitted with Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 strings, which are known for their longevity and great tone.

3. Can I play the M-6 without an amplifier?

Absolutely! The M-6 sounds amazing acoustically, but also has the capability to be amplified thanks to its Fishman Matrix Infinity pickup.

4. How does the M-6 compare to other Martin guitars?

The Martin M-6 Johnny Marr offers a unique sound profile and design elements that set it apart from other Martin guitars, making it perfect for those seeking something a little different.

Introducing the Martin M-7 Johnny Marr Acoustic Guitar

Alongside the M-6, Martin has also released the Martin M-7 Johnny Marr Acoustic Guitar—a seven-string option that adds an exciting new dimension to the series. The M-7 retains the same high-quality craftsmanship, tonewoods, and design elements of the M-6, while adding a low B string for extended range and greater versatility. This makes it perfect for guitarists looking to experiment with deeper, fuller sounds and explore new creative possibilities. The M-7 is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Johnny Marr and Martin, offering even more versatility to players who want to push the boundaries of their music.

Given its nearly $5,000 price point, the M-6 and M-7 are most likely to be adopted by collectors or die-hard Johnny Marr fans who appreciate both the instrument’s craftsmanship and the artist’s influence. But at this price-point they are for sure out of the reach of most of us, which is a shame.

Final Thoughts: Is the Martin M-6 Johnny Marr Worth It?

The Martin M-6 Johnny Marr Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a perfect blend of classic Martin craftsmanship and Johnny Marr’s signature style. It’s a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar with versatility, style, and a connection to one of the most influential guitarists of our time. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Marr or simply seeking a beautifully crafted guitar with excellent tone, the M-6 is worth every penny.

If you’re ready to take your playing to the next level, or if you just want to add a beautifully crafted piece to your collection, the Martin M-6 Johnny Marr should be on your radar. For more reviews, guitar tips, and gear guides, be sure to visit our Guitar Blog. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—what do you think of the M-6? Would you add it to your collection?