Martin Custom Shop 000-28 Slotted Headstock Guatemalan Rosewood With Italian Alpine Spruce

Martin Custom 000-28 Slotted Headstock Guatemalan Rosewood

Truetone Music was invited to Nazareth, PA for a very special visit. We had the chance to spec out guitars to be custom built by the Martin Custom Shop. We were also thrilled by the prospect of being able to hand select our own wood at the factory, aided by Custom Shop representatives and tonewood experts.  That began a relationship that has continued for multiple custom runs over a number of years.  During our latest visit, we were able to dream up a guitar that we are now excited to present.

We knew we wanted to represent an interesting variety as far as models and exotic woods, but we also wanted the guitars to sound as best they could, never sacrificing tone for bling.  

This Martin Custom Shop version of a 000-28 Slotted Headstock with Guatemalan Rosewood is a true example of that theory coming together in the best possible way.  The stunningly beautiful back and sides of the guitar are what you notice first, with exquisite grain. The look of the guitar itself would be enough, but the materials, construction and appointments make it all the more special.  The idea for the slotted headstock came from one of the Truetone's sales guys, who pointed out that you rarely, if ever, see that on such a guitar.  The folks at Martin agreed, and this guitar was born.

Guatemalan Rosewood is known to be among the most comparable tonewoods to Brazilian Rosewood.  It is light and not too dense, making it perfect for a smaller body guitar such as a 000.  The tone is rich and warm while still producing a focused attack, with tons of sustain.  This particular 000-28 was matched with an amazing Italian Alpine Spruce top, which was also hand-selected while at the Custom Shop.  It adds a bit of warmth to the bottom end, as well as mid-range to balance the brightness of the rosewood back & sides, producing a great balance for fingerpicking.  The aging toner on the top adds a beautiful look.

Even though the guitar was already going to be gorgeous, we decided to add antique white binding, as well Golden Era style inlays to the black ebony fretboard, just to make it a bit more singular. The neck is Martin’s modified low oval with high performance taper, making it very comfortable to play for hours. The radius is 16” with a nut width of 1 3/4”.  The guitar is finished in gloss with a satin finished neck - it's smooth and easy to play without hand fatigue.  When it comes to a guitar like this, you want want to put it down.

This Custom Shop 000-28 Slotted Headstock is a wonderful represenation of what the masters at Martin can do.  We absolutely love getting creative with them to cook up magical guitars like this.  You won't see another out there exactly like it, as there's only one!  The guitar comes with a high quality Martin hardshell case and certificate of authenticity.  

Come to Truetone Music today to experience this amazing Martin Custom Shop guitar, or order online right here today.