When you start looking for a bluegrass guitar, you quickly discover that the choice is enormous. Is Martin simply unbeatable in this field? And if so, can the new models surpass the magic of vintage models? Or are there other (boutique) brands that have perfected the recipe for the ultimate bluegrass guitar? We will search for you!
The ultimate bluegrass guitar with Bertolf
When searching for the ultimate bluegrass guitar, we naturally need an expert bluegrass player. Someone who knows exactly what to listen for in a good acoustic guitar. Fortunately, the best bluegrass guitarist in the country is a good friend of ours: Bertolf.
Together we walk through our guitar villa and Bertolf selects his three favourite guitars. Watch the video to hear all the guitars and find out which one Bertolf chooses as the winner.
Want to see more guitars? We've collected them for you below on this page!
Bertolf's Picks
Martin D28 1947
Bertolf immediately falls in love with the first guitar! With rosewood back and sides, the D28 has a fuller low end compared to the mahogany of the D18. The clarity of this guitar is also immediately noticeable.
See the Martin D28 1947
Collings D2HA
The Collings D2HA does exactly what a dreadnought should do: produce a lot of volume. Very handy when you also have a banjo player in the band. Thanks to the Adirondack top, you have plenty of headroom, but the sound always remains clear and defined.
For a band setting, this is the perfect guitar for Bertolf.
Martin D45 Standard Refresh Natural
The Refresh models were released in 2025 as Martin's new standard line. A number of changes in the Refresh series hark back to Martin's Golden Era, and this has proven to be a golden move.
For Bertolf, this guitar has just the right amount of low end. Not too boomy, but very warm. This D45 is even crowned the winner of the video!
Where you might expect a sober “working man” guitar for bluegrass, it is the D45 that excels the most and is even preferred over the vintage D28 from 1947. Proof that Martin still makes fantastic bluegrass guitars after all these years.
Looking for your ideal acoustic guitar?
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