Such a delight to see this one in the shop. This is one of Martin’s most coveted signature series, the 1999 D-45SS Stephen Stills, and we’ve landed number 86 of 91 of that most exclusive run. Each of these was built with figured Brazilian Rosewood and Alpine Spruce on top, plus perfectly executed 45-style appointments and a MOP Southern Cross inlaid into the guard in homage to CSN. This particular beauty has the snowflakes & diamonds fretboard spread as well.
Tonally, this is a distinctive, expressive, exquisitely musical Dreadnought. It’s sensitive enough for fingerpicking, and also has enough headroom for aggressive strumming without breaking up.

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The Custom Shop folx nailed it with this 2015 D14F Martin—fantastically balanced and responsive, lively and energetic, effortless playability. Guatemalan Rosewood back and sides pair with Adirondack Spruce on top and 28-style fretboard position markers, plus open back tuners. We love the shimmer and warmth in the midrange, and the note separation and easy playability. It’s sensitive for a fingerpicking approach just as much as it’s stiff enough for a flatpick.

Other keywords: cf martin, lutherie, dreadnaught, allen shadd, 28 style, pre-war, 1887268, d-14f, bluegrass

The Martin Custom Shop team knocks it out the park with this powerhouse D-28 VTS from 2017. Indian Rosewood back and sides plus their Vintage Tone System torrefied Adirondack Spruce top, Koa bindings, and Performing Artist Taper neck profile for a quick feel and vibrant tone. 28-style appointments throughout, plus nickel Grover open back tuners, Ebony bridge with drop in saddle, and a tortoise style pickguard for classic vibes.

Other keywords: cf martin, lutherie, dreadnaught, allen shadd, 28 style, pre-war, 2213256, bluegrass, d28, d 28, stika, eir

Martin’s D-28 Authentic 1937 Aged may be a mouthful, but it’s worth it. The torrefied tonewoods make for added power, articulation, and balance, and Martin’s relic job to make it look the part. This beauty comes to us from 2018 and is wide awake and ready for action as a result of Martin’s vintage-ification aging process. Full neck profile feels familiar as family, with a 1 23/32” nut that’s very easy in hand. Madagascar Rosewood with Adirondack Spruce on top, you just can’t go wrong.

Other keywords: cf martin, lutherie, dreadnaught, allen shadd, 45 style, adriondack, pre-war, maddie, tkl, 2187644

Martin’s Custom Shop team does it right. Here’s a great example from 2008 that’s outfitted with Madagascar Rosewood back and sides, Italian Spruce top, and 42-style Abalone appointments for flair, plus a Flamed Spanish Cedar neck and Modified V profile. Through a venetian cutaway into the mix? Why not! Then cap off this Custom Shop OM-28V with Waverly tuners and an Abalone torch inlaid at the headstock.

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The Martin Custom Shop team knows how it’s done, and this 2013 D-45 Custom Shop proves it. They opted for a lovely set of Madagascar Rosewood for the back and sides with black ink lines (ditto with the headstock veneer), paired that with classic Adirondack Spruce on top for bell-like tonality and power, then dressed it all to the nines with a 45-style package. Complete with Abalone hexagonal inlays, rather than the more commonly seen diamonds & squares. So this Custom Shop model has the visual flair to match the quality and presence of its voice, which we love for its clarity and warmth, especially in the midrange where many other dreads would suffer a muddy response. Instead, this D-45 has lovely balance and note definition across the registers.

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Martin’s D-28 Authentic 1937 Aged may be a mouthful, but it’s worth it. The torrefied tonewoods make for added power, articulation, and balance, as well as the use of a forward-shifted X brace, and Martin’s light relic job to make it look the part. This beauty comes to us from 2017 and is already wide awake and ready for action (thanks for the pre-breaking in, Martin’s torrefaction team!). Full neck profile feels lovely in hand, with the slimmer 1 11/16” nut that’s familiar for flatpickers.

Other keywords: cf martin, lutherie, dreadnaught, allen shadd, 45 style, adriondack, pre-war, maddie, tkl, 2085017