What are the biggest differences between Martin Custom Shop and Standard Series guitars?

Standard Series guitars use fixed, model-specific specifications and are typically available immediately. Custom Shop guitars are built to order with player-selected specifications, including neck profile and nut width, expanded tonewood options, and selectable bracing and construction details, usually with a 5–9 month lead time.

Is a Martin Custom Shop guitar always more expensive than a Standard Series guitar?

Custom Shop guitars generally cost more than Standard Series models, but the difference often depends on how the guitar is spec’d. Builds focused on tone and playability—without heavy cosmetic upgrades—can be closer in price to high-end production models than many players expect.

Which should I choose: Martin Standard Series or Martin Custom Shop?

Choose a Standard Series Martin if you want a proven model with no waiting and you’re happy with standard neck and tonewood specs. Choose a Martin Custom Shop guitar if you want control over neck feel, tonewoods, and construction, and you’re looking for a long-term personal instrument.

Can I get a Martin Custom Shop guitar without waiting for a full build time?

In many cases, yes. Some dealers have Custom Shop guitars already on order, which can reduce or eliminate wait times while still offering carefully chosen Custom Shop specifications.

Martin Custom Shop vs Standard Series

Q: What is the Martin Standard Series?

The Martin Standard Series is Martin’s core lineup of production acoustic guitars. These models are built to consistent, time-tested specifications and are available for immediate purchase.

Q: What is the Martin Custom Shop?

The Martin Custom Shop lets you design a guitar around your specific preferences by working with an authorized dealer to define major build details. Custom Shop guitars are built one at a time to individual specifications in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

Martin Custom Shop vs Standard Series: What’s the Difference?

Choosing between a Martin Custom Shop guitar and a Martin Standard Series guitar comes down to how much control you want over tone, feel, and long-term ownership.

Both options deliver classic Martin quality, but they are designed for very different types of players. This guide breaks down the real-world differences so you can decide which path makes the most sense for you.

This page is part of our complete resource on Martin Custom Shop guitars.

What Is the Martin Standard Series?

The Martin Standard Series represents Martin’s core lineup of production acoustic guitars. These models are built to consistent, time-tested specifications and are available for immediate purchase. They represent Martin’s reference point for traditional tone and feel.

Key characteristics of the Standard Series:

Fixed specifications
Proven, traditional Martin designs
Immediate availability
Excellent craftsmanship and tone consistency

Standard Series guitars are ideal for players who want a classic Martin sound without needing to customize every detail.

Best for players who:

Want a known, reliable Martin model
Need a guitar right away
Prefer lower upfront cost
Are comfortable with standard neck and tonewood specs

What Is the Martin Custom Shop?

The Martin Custom Shop allows you to design a guitar around your specific preferences. Instead of choosing from a fixed model, you work with an authorized dealer to define every major aspect of the build.

Custom Shop guitars are built:

One at a time
To individual specifications
By Martin’s most experienced luthiers
In Nazareth, Pennsylvania

A Custom Shop guitar isn’t about excess—it’s about precision, fit, and intentional design. Many Custom Shop builds prioritize tone and playability over cosmetic upgrades.

Best for players who:

Know what neck feel they prefer
Want specific tonewood combinations
Care deeply about responsiveness and feel
Plan to keep the guitar long-term

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Standard Series	Custom Shop
Specifications	Fixed	Fully customizable
Neck Profile & Nut Width	Pre-determined	Chosen by the player
Tonewoods	Standard options	Expanded & premium options
Bracing & Construction	Model-specific	Selectable
Availability	Immediate	Built to order
Lead Time	None	Typically 5–9 months
Price	Lower entry point	Varies by specs

Tone & Playability: The Real Difference

Standard Series guitars sound excellent—but they are designed to appeal to a broad range of players.

Custom Shop guitars, by contrast, are designed to match one player.

Players often choose Custom Shop when they want:

A specific neck shape that reduces fatigue
More headroom or responsiveness
Vintage-inspired construction details
A guitar that reacts exactly to their playing style

This is why many Custom Shop owners say their guitar feels “alive” in a way production models don’t.

Price: Is Custom Shop Always More Expensive?

Not always—at least not as much as many players expect.

While Custom Shop guitars generally cost more than Standard Series models, the difference often depends on how you spec the guitar.

Players who prioritize:

Tonewoods
Neck feel
Construction details

—and avoid heavy cosmetic upgrades—are often surprised how close a Custom Shop build can be to a high-end production model.

Learn more here: Martin Custom Shop pricing explained

Which One Is Right for You?

Choose a Standard Series Martin if:

You want a proven model with no waiting
You’re happy with standard neck and tonewood specs
You want the best value at a lower price point

Choose a Martin Custom Shop guitar if:

You know what you want—and can’t find it in a standard model
Neck feel and playability matter deeply to you
You want a long-term, personal instrument
You’ve ever said, “I love this guitar, but…”

Can You Get the Best of Both Worlds?

Yes.

At GuitarHotline, we often have Martin Custom Shop guitars already on order—built with carefully chosen specs that appeal to a wide range of players.

These guitars offer:

Known specifications
Defined pricing
Reduced or eliminated wait times

View a selection of Martin Custom Shop guitars already on order

Talk It Through With GuitarHotline

If you’re deciding between a Standard Series Martin and a Custom Shop build, we’re happy to help you compare options honestly.

Call Mark Rohrer at (888) 795-3582 or (317) 849-5744, or email msrohrer@gmail.com.

GuitarHotline – Authorized Martin Custom Shop Dealer

Serving Musicians Since 1991