Martin Custom Shop D-28 Figured Black Walnut With Case

Over the years, Truetone Music has been to Nazareth, PA multiple times to spec out guitars to be custom built by Martin.  It's a long trip, but well worth it.  In a reversal, Martin recently came to California for the NAMM shows, and brought a load of exotic woods to choose from.  An exclusive appointment was set.  We were also thrilled by the prospect of being able to hand select our own wood, aided by Custom Shop representatives and tonewood experts.  That was the genesis of this guitar.

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-28 with Figured Black Walnut and 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-28 with a unique pairing of wood, made with the best materials and craftsmanship from the top luthiers at the Martin Custom Shop.

Black Walnut is a highly sought-after tonewood due to its stunning dark grain structure, particularly in the heartwood. The wood's color varies from dark to lighter shades of brown with distinct yellow or gold stripes.  It is known for producing a gorgeous musical tone with rich mid-range and crystal-clear highs.  Players have found love for a well-balanced tone that bridges the gap between rosewood and mahogany.   It is light and not too dense, making it perfect for dreadnought.  The tone is rich and warm while still producing a focused attack, with tons of sustain.  We worked with the nice folks at Martin to find the most highly figured piece on hand, and the result was amazing.  We also chose a Sitka Spruce top, which is a bit warmer, to offer a balance.  It's a very focused tonewood, so this would be considered a very versatile dreadnought.

Even though the guitar was already going to be gorgeous, we decided to add Black Ebony binding, as well as Foden Style Mother of Pearl inlays to the Black Ebony fretboard, to make it a bit more singular.   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, this is a simple design, but it's much more than that.  In the end, it's all about feel and sound - and this guitar has it all.  The grain on the back is especially intriguing.  Be sure to zoom in on the photos, not just to see the wood but also the purfling and other intricate details on the guitar.  

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 very easy to play.  Other features included a tortoise shell pickguard and nickel Grover tuners.  The case is special too - it's a Custom Shop Deluxe with Embroidery.  The guitar comes with a certificate of authenticity.  

Any Martin D-28 is going to be a special guitar, but this on a whole different level.  We were thrilled to be able to pick the wood out, and to now present this amazing Martin Custom Shop guitar.  Come to Truetone Music today to experience it, or order right here today.

 

• Configuration: C23-028240
• Serial # 2799751
• Body Shape: Custom ''D'' Dreadnought Body
• Inspired by:  D-28 Style
  
• Base Model Note: Wood Selected by Truetone and the Custom Shop
  
• Appointment Level: Standard
• Adhesive: Modern Adhesive
• Top Material:  Premium Sitka Spruce
• Bracing Material, Top: Sitka Spruce
• Bracing Pattern, Top:  X Brace - Forward Shifted
• Bracing Pattern Number, Top:  3-A DOMLE
• Bracing Shape, Top: Scalloped
• Bracing Style, Top: Standard
• Bracing Size, Top: 5/16"
• Back and Side Material:  Exceptionally Figured Black Walnut
• Binding Material: Black Ebony
• Rosette Style:  Style 28 Black Maple Fiber
• Neck Material: Mahogany 
• Neck Profile: Modified Low Oval
• Neck Taper: High Performance Taper
• Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4"
• Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8"
• String Spacing: 2 5/32''
• Tuning Machines:  Grover Nickel V97-18NA StaTite 18:1 Vintage Button  
• Fingerboard Material: Black Ebony
• Fingerboard Inlay:  Foden Style; Mother of Pearl
• Finish Type: Standard
• Finish Package: Gloss Body w/ Satin Neck
• Top Color: Clear
• Frets Clear: 14 Frets Clear of Body
• Total Frets: 20 Total
• Scale Length: 25.4"
  
• Neck Joint: Dovetail
  
• Truss Rod: Adjustable 14 Fret
• Bridge Style: Modern Belly
• Saddle Style: Drop in Saddle
• Saddle Material: Compensated Bone
• Bridge Pins: White with Faux Tortoise
• Case:  Custom Shop Deluxe with Embroidery