A Custom Shop Cannon with Exotic Flair
This isn’t your everyday dreadnought. This Martin Custom Shop “D” is a masterclass in tonewood selection, blending the stunning, striped figuring of Goncalo Alves with a premium Italian Alpine Spruce top. Inspired by the legendary HD-28V, it’s a guitar built for players who demand power, nuance, and a voice that’s truly their own. The tone is classic Martin—rich, powerful, and articulate—but with a unique sonic signature you won’t find anywhere else.
Exotic Tonewoods, Legendary Sound
Goncalo Alves, sometimes called “Tigerwood,” makes up the back and sides, and it’s more than just a pretty face. This dense, beautiful hardwood delivers a tone that’s often compared to the best rosewoods—think deep, resonant lows and sparkling, clear highs. Paired with a premium Grade 7-8 Italian Alpine Spruce top, the result is breathtaking. Italian Spruce is revered for its quick attack, complex overtones, and incredible dynamic range. It responds to the lightest touch with musicality but offers massive headroom when you dig in, making this a cannon that can also whisper.
Vintage Feel, Modern Playability
The neck is where you connect with the guitar, and this one feels like an old friend. The Modified V profile is a nod to Martin’s Golden Era, offering a comfortable handful that’s perfect for chording and flatpicking. The classic 1 3/4″ nut width gives you plenty of room for complex fingerings, while the satin finish ensures a smooth, fast feel up and down the Black Ebony fingerboard. Details like the Golden Era-style hand-shaped bracing and vintage-inspired Diamonds and Squares inlay complete this perfect blend of old and new.
Built for a Lifetime
From the slotted headstock with its Goncalo Alves headplate to the Grover Sta-Tite tuners, every detail of this Custom Shop instrument is chosen for performance and beauty. It’s a purely acoustic instrument—no electronics to get in the way of its natural resonance. This is a guitar for the discerning player, a true heirloom that’s ready for the stage, the studio, and a lifetime of making music. And with our 72-Hour Love-It Guarantee, you can be sure it’s the right one for you.
