A Custom Shop Cannon of Tone and Beauty
This isn’t just another dreadnought; it’s a testament to the luthier’s art from the Martin Custom Shop. We hand-selected this exquisite pairing of tonewoods—ultra-rare Bearclaw Sitka Spruce over a jaw-dropping set of Premium Cocobolo—for a guitar that’s as visually stunning as it is sonically powerful. Inspired by the legendary HD-28 and elevated with Custom Shop appointments, this D-14 is a one-of-a-kind instrument built for the discerning player who demands nuance, power, and a voice that’s entirely its own.
The Engine: Bearclaw Spruce & Golden Era Bracing
The top is the soul of an acoustic, and this one is special. The “Bearclaw” figuring in the Sitka Spruce isn’t just for looks; it’s an indicator of older, stiffer wood, which translates to a top that’s incredibly responsive and dynamically alive. Drive it hard with a pick, and it roars to life with headroom to spare. Underneath, the hand-shaped, forward-shifted Golden Era X-bracing is the engine. This vintage-style architecture makes the top lighter and more flexible, creating a powerful, bass-rich voice with a breathy openness you feel in your chest.
The Body: Premium Cocobolo Power
Flip this guitar over, and you’ll see one of the most beautiful sets of wood we’ve ever had in the shop. Cocobolo, a dense and vibrant member of the rosewood family, delivers the goods. You get all the rich overtones and deep, resonant lows of rosewood, but with an added sparkle and clarity in the high end. It’s often described as “rosewood on steroids” for its power and punch, making it a perfect complement to the articulate spruce top. It’s a tonal combination that’s both powerful and articulate, ideal for everything from bluegrass flatpicking to delicate fingerstyle.
Effortless Playability
A great guitar should feel like an extension of your hands, and this D-14 delivers. The neck is carved into Martin’s popular GE Modified Low Oval profile with a High Performance Taper. It’s a comfortable, modern shape that feels instantly familiar—not too thick, not too thin—with a satin finish that’s smooth and fast. Combined with the 1 3/4″ nut width, it provides ample room for complex chords without feeling cumbersome, making it a true player’s neck built for long sessions.
