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Martin D-13E Retro Walnut (297)

A classic Martin dreadnought pairing the clarity of Spruce with the warm, complex voice of solid Walnut, complete with stage-ready electronics.

$1,549.99

Same price at every authorized dealer. The difference is what comes with it.

SKU: 895271
Serial: M3048297
Weight: 4lbs 8oz/ 4.5lbs

0% for 36-48 months available

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5
98% Recommend

557 reviews

1 In Stock - Inspected & ready to ship.

14-Day Sound Check Guarantee

Inspected 3X Before Shipping

Free 1-4 Day Shipping

1 in stock

Talk To A Player Before You Buy

Rob and Cory are gigging musicians who know gear inside and out. They'll give you the straight answer—even if it means pointing you somewhere else.

Quick Specs

  • Solid Black Walnut | Gloss Natural Stain
  • PA Profile w/ High-Performance Taper | Ebony
  • Martin E1 Electronics
  • 25.4" Scale Length | 20 Frets
  • Plek'd for Precision Setup

Player-Perfect™ Pro Setup Included

Our techs are all seasoned players, so they dial in every guitar like it’s going into their own rig—perfect intonation, action set exactly right, ready to rip from the first note.

Want it YOUR way? Tell us at checkout: string gauge, action height, whatever you need. We’ll nail it before shipping.

Product Description

Classic Dreadnought Voice, Modern Playability

Meet the Martin D-13E Retro Walnut—a guitar that pulls its vibe from iconic Martin designs and pushes its performance squarely into the modern player’s hands. This isn’t just another dreadnought. It’s a cannon, pairing a solid Spruce top with solid Black Walnut back and sides. Martin affectionately calls walnut “Pennsylvania rosewood,” and for good reason. It delivers a tonal complexity and warmth that truly rivals the classics, with a strong bass response and a beautifully clear top end. The gloss finish and aging toner on the top give it the look of a seasoned instrument from day one.

Stage-Ready Tone, Unplugged Soul

The D-13E Retro isn’t just built for the studio—it’s ready for any stage. Equipped with Martin’s E1 electronics, you get a reliable, true-to-the-source plugged-in tone that’s easy to dial in, complete with a built-in tuner. Unplugged, the scalloped X-bracing allows the top to really sing, giving you that bold, room-filling projection Martin dreadnoughts are famous for. It’s responsive enough for delicate fingerpicking but has all the headroom you need for heavy strumming.

Effortless Feel

Martin knows a great guitar has to feel as good as it sounds. The Performing Artist neck profile with its High-Performance Taper is built for comfort and speed. Whether you’re chording for hours or flying up and down the ebony fingerboard, this neck just feels right. And since it’s been Plek’d at the factory, you can count on a precise, buzz-free setup right out of the included softshell case.

Anatomy of a Tone Machine

Anatomy of a Tone Machine

Perfect for: Singer-Songwriter • Folk • Country • Rock

Tone

  • Deep, resonant bass with plenty of warmth from the walnut body.
  • Clear, articulate highs thanks to the solid Spruce top.
  • Rich in harmonic complexity, offering a sound that blooms and sustains.
  • Highly dynamic—responds beautifully to a light touch or aggressive strumming.

Playing Feel

  • A balanced and substantial dreadnought feel without being cumbersome.
  • The PA Profile neck is slim and fast, making it comfortable for all hand sizes.
  • Responds instantly to playing dynamics, from a whisper to a roar.
  • Superb factory setup via the Plek process ensures low action and long-session comfort.

Versatility

  • Excels at both delicate fingerstyle and powerful chord work.
  • The Martin E1 electronics provide a clean, natural signal perfect for any PA or amp.
  • Records beautifully, offering a full-bodied tone that sits perfectly in a mix.
  • Strong projection ensures it can be heard in an acoustic jam or on stage.

Complete Technical Specs

Body Specs

TypeAcoustic-Electric Dreadnought
Top WoodSolid Spruce
Back & Sides WoodSolid Black Walnut
FinishGloss
BracingScalloped Spruce X-Brace

Neck Specs

WoodSelect Hardwood
ProfilePA Profile
TaperHigh-Performance Taper
ConstructionMortise & Tenon Neck Joint
FinishHand-Applied

Fingerboard Specs

MaterialEbony
Radius16"
Frets20
Inlays28 Style Dots (Faux MOP)
NutWhite Corian, 1 3/4"

Electronics Specs

ElectronicsMartin E1
ControlsVolume, Tone, Phase Control, and Onboard Tuner

Hardware Specs

BridgeEbony Modern Belly
TunersNickel Open Gear w/ Butterbean Knobs
SaddleCompensated White Tusq

Measurements

Scale Length25.4"
Nut Width1 3/4"
The Lowdown

The Lowdown

We get it. Buying a guitar you haven’t played is a big decision. You need to know it’s going to feel right, sound right, and inspire you the second you open the case. We put together the questions we’d be asking if we were in your shoes—the real-world stuff that specs alone can’t answer. If there’s anything else you’re wondering about, just give us a call.

Think of it as a fantastic middle ground. Walnut has the warmth and fullness of rosewood but with a bit more clarity and punch, like mahogany. It creates a really balanced, versatile sound that’s great for almost any style.
Plek is a high-tech machine that scans the fretboard and frets under actual string tension. It then mills and levels the frets to an incredibly precise degree, resulting in perfect intonation and a buzz-free playing experience right out of the box. It’s a huge upgrade for playability.
Of course. Every guitar gets our full Player-Perfect™ setup, but tell us your preferred string gauge and action at checkout, and we’ll dial it in exactly to your spec before it leaves the shop.
This guitar is covered by our 14-Day Return Policy. If you’re not completely inspired by it, just let us know. We’ll make it right.
If you order before 3 PM CST on a weekday, it ships the same day. We’ll get it into your hands fast with free, insured 2-3 day shipping.
Call us at (888) 794-8482. You’ll talk to a real musician who can answer anything you need to know.
The Moore Guitars Difference

Player-Perfect™ Setups

Every guitar we sell is dialed in by seasoned musicians. We obsess over the details—perfect intonation, immaculate fretwork, and ideal action—so your guitar is ready to rip right out of the case. No exceptions.

Advice From Real Players

Call us and you get a fellow musician, not a script. We'll help you compare neck profiles, talk tone, and find the right guitar for you—even if it's not this one. Our reputation is built on honest conversation.

49+ Years Of Trust

Family-owned since 1976, we stand behind everything we sell. That's why we have a 72-Hour Love-It Guarantee. If you're not inspired, send it back on our dime for a full refund. Your satisfaction is our legacy.

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4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5

244 reviews

98% Recommend

313 reviews

$1,549.99

1 in stock

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