Martin Custom Shop D-28 Crimson Cocobolo with Sitka Spruce With Case

Martin Custom Shop D-28 Crimson Cocobolo 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-28 with Crimson Cocobolo 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.

The wood we chose for the back & sides is what really stands out - it's Crimson Cocobolo, something you rarely ever see.  In fact, we've never seen it on a D-28 like this.  Obviously, it's stunningly beautiful, which you can see in the photos.  The grain is truly something special.  But, it's not just about the aesthetics - this is a great tonewood.  It's super dense, twice as much as mahogany and 20% more than Brazilian rosewood.  When produced properly (which Martin does, of course), it gives you a bigger sound and enhanced shimmer.  It offers increased power and projection, with better sustain than you would normally get out of rosewood, even Brazilian.  We were lucky enough to be at Martin when they had a small selection of Crimson Cocobolo, which is hard to find, and we were able to pick what we saw as the perfect spread for this guitar.

We also chose a Sitka Spruce top, which is a bit warmer, to offer a balance against the attack of the Cocobolo.  It's a focused, tight tonewood, so this is perfect for fingerpicking.  It being a D-28, strumming and chordal work will sound great as well.  The end result is a very balanced, versatile guitar.

Even though the guitar was already going to be gorgeous, we decided to add European Flamed Maple binding, which really stands out.  We knew it would be a nice touch but when the guitar arrived, we fell in love with this look.  We also chose to add Golden Era Diamonds and Squares inlays to the black ebony fretboard.   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 a very "easy to play" guitar.  Other features included a tortoise pickguard, nickel Grover tuners and the modern belly bridge.  It comes with a Martin hard shell case and certificate of authenticity.  

Any Martin D-28 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.

 

• Configuration: C22-054139
• Serial # 2750457
• Body Shape:  Dreadnought
• Inspired by:  D-28 Style
  
• Base Model Note: Wood Selected by Truetone
  
• Appointment Level: Standard
• Adhesive: Modern Adhesive
• Top Material:  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: Golden Era
• Bracing Size, Top: 5/16"
• Back and Side Material:  Crimson Cocobolo - Premium Upgrade
• Binding Material: European Flamed Maple
• Rosette Style:  Style 28 Black Maple Fiber Antique White
• 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:  Golden Era Diamonds and Squares Long
• 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: Long Bone
• Bridge & End Pins: White w/ Faux Tortoise
• Case:  Molded Hardshell