Martin Custom Shop 00-28 Deep Body Pacific Big Leaf Flamed Maple Sitka Spruce W/ Case

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 00-28 Deep Body with Pacific Big Leaf Flamed Maple is a true example of that theory coming together in the best possible way.  For extra twist, we requested that this be a "deep body" version of a 00, something that you don't see very often. The look of the guitar itself would be enough, but the materials, construction and appointments make it all the more special.   We've done a Custom Shop 00-28 Deep Body a few times now and have fallen in love with this design.  The others have had Birdseye Maple, so to switch it up, we did this one with Flamed Maple that we picked out ourselves.  The end result is simply stunning.  Not just in terms of looks, but also in terms of tone.  After all, that's what really matters.

The hand-selected Pacific Big Leaf Flamed Maple is what draws your eyes at first, but as beautiful as it is, this wasn't done just for aesthetics.  Maple is one of the most acoustically transparent tonewoods, due to a low velocity of sound and a high degree of internal damping.  It's dense and bright, something that some players desire as a counter to other woods like mahogany.  Big Leaf Maple is an uncommonly used wood for soundboards, however its distinctive voice provides a chunky, earthy tone that remains bright.  It may remind players of vintage parlor guitars and old acoustic recordings.

On this guitar, we also chose an Italian Alpine Spruce top, which is a bit warmer, to offer a balance against the Flamed Maple.  It's a very focused tonewood, so this is perfect for fingerpicking.  It also looks beautiful.  Having the aging toner on this guitar ties it all together.  To complete the circle, we asked for it to be a "deep body" version - this provides more bottom end and "fullness" normally not found on a 00.  As you could expect, this makes it ideal for strumming chords and rhythm usage.  The Deep Body aspect of this 00-28 is appealing for anyone that likes small body acoustics but needs them to project with the bottom end usually only found on a dreadnought.

The guitar is finished in gloss with a satin finished neck.  The neck is 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”.  All Martin Custom Shop guitars feel great, but this one especially does.

We didn't stop there.  To add to the uniqueness, we chose Highly Flamed Koa for the binding - a small addition that really makes this guitar stand out.  Other features to touch upon include the 3 Ring Bold Herringbone Black Maple Fiber rosette and Golden Era Diamonds and Squares Long fretboard inlays. It's safe to say that you've never seen a guitar exactly like this!
 
The deep body construction, Pacific Big Leaf Flamed Maple back & sides, and Italian Alpine Spruce of this Martin Custom Shop 00-28 translates the unique playing style and technique of the player into a signature sound. With its outstanding visual vibe, the guitar not only has an intense sound but a striking look that further emphasizes its alluring aesthetic.  Any serious player looking for a rustic character in both sound and style is going to love it.  While a 00 body shape isn't known for being "big" sounding, this guitar is exactly that.  

The guitar comes with a Martin hard shell case and certificate of authenticity.  Come to Truetone Music today to experience this amazing Martin Custom Shop guitar, or order online right here today.

Specifications Overview