Name: Martin Custom Shop D-18 Mahogany with Sitka Spruce With Case
Brand: Truetone Music
SKU: martin-custom-shop-d-18-mahogany-with-sitka-spruce-with-case-1
Availability: InStock

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Martin Custom Shop D-18 Mahogany with Sitka Spruce With Case

Martin Custom Shop D-18 Mahogany with Sitka Spruce

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 Martin. 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.

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 D-18 with Mahogany with Sitka Spruce is a true example of that theory coming together in the best possible way. It's a simple move to make - essentially a classic D-18 made with the best materials and craftsmanship from the top luthiers at the Martin Custom Shop.

The wood choice is what comes first. We chose to pair the Mahogany back & sides with the best Sitka Spruce. The warmth provided by Mahogany is a great choice for any dreadnought, especially for strumming. The Custom Shop presented hand-selected, choice Sitka Spruce for us to choose for the top. We wanted Sitka for it's classic sound and responsiveness to the player's attack. I t produces a rich, sweet mid-range tone, which makes it a perfect complement to the Mahogany on this guitar. The warm tone of the woods, coupled with resonant scalloped bracing under the hood, provides for a sound that's honest, authoritative, and clear.

All of the wood was hand-selected by Truetone at the Custom Shop. We were beyond impressed with the end result - deep, warm and round, but with a a clear articulation and strong sustain. It's a D-18, enhanced.

The look of the guitar itself would be enough, but the materials, construction and appointments make it all the more special. In some ways, compared to other Martin Custom Shop guitars we've done (many are exotic woods), this is the simplest design, but it's much more than that. It's the best of the best. We did go with the 3 Ring Bold Herringbone Boltaron as a nice touch.

The guitar is finished in gloss, with a satin finished Mahogany neck. It has Martin’s popular 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”. It's a very easy to play guitar. Other features included a Tortoise pickguard to make it stand out a bit, a Black Ebony fretboard, black binding, and nickel Grover tuners. It comes with a Martin hardshell case and certificate of authenticity.

Any Martin Custom Shop build is going to be a spectacular guitar, but this on a whole different level. Come to Truetone Music today to experience this amazing Martin Custom Shop guitar, or order right here today.