Martin Custom Shop D-28 Cocobolo and Adirondack Spruce With Case

Martin Custom Shop D-28 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 Cocobolo and Adirondack 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 Cocobolo, something you rarely find on a guitar 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 - Cocobolo is a great tonewood.  It's super dense, twice as much as mahogany and 20% more than Brazilian rosewood.  When handled 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 Cocobolo, and were able to pick what we saw as the perfect spread for this guitar.

We decided to match the spectacular Cocobolo with an Adirondack Spruce top, accenting the overtones, and adding volume which is a known trait.  We worked with the wood expert in the Custom Shop to pick out the best piece of Adirondack Spruce on hand.  The rich, balanced tone projecting out of this guitar is something to behold - the forward shifted X bracing creates a louder and more responsive instrument.  It's one of the best sounding Martin guitars we've ever had here, and that's saying a lot.  

The tonewoods chosen create a guitar that's 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.  The 3 Ring Bold Herringbone rosetette adds character as well.  We also chose to add 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 Schaller 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: C25-037371
• Serial # 3081802
  
• Body Shape:  Dreadnought
• Inspired by:  D-28 Style
  
• Base Model Note: Wood Selected by Truetone
  
• Appointment Level: Standard
• Adhesive: Modern Adhesive
• Top Material:  Adirondack Spruce
• Bracing Material, Top: Adirondack Spruce
• Bracing Pattern, Top:  X Brace - Forward Shifted
• Bracing Pattern Number, Top:  3-A DOMLE
• Bracing Shape, Top:  Scalloped
• Bracing Style, Top: Standard (D1)
• Bracing Size, Top: 5/16"
• Back and Side Material:  Cocobolo - Premium Upgrade
• Binding Material: European Flamed Maple
• Rosette Style:  3 Ring Bold Herringbone 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:  Schaller Nickel BrandTune BB Button  
• Fingerboard Material: Black Ebony
• Fingerboard Inlay:  Diamonds and Squares Long
• Finish Type: Standard
• Finish Package: Gloss Body w/ Satin Neck
• Top Color: Aging Toner
• 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