The Limited Edition Martin D-12 Dreadnought isn't your average off-the-shelf strumming machine. It's a sleeper; a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Firstly, this is a dreadnought, folks. Big, bold, full-bodied sound. You won't be miming along to Oasis unplugged with a wispy thing like a folk guitar. But unlike some dreadnoughts that sound like a cardboard box being kicked down the stairs, this Martin has a solid Sitka spruce top. Spruce! That's the good stuff, like using prime fillet steak instead of mystery meat. It's nice and bright, with plenty of projection.
Now, where this gets interesting is that it's a limited edition. Not just any old D-12. This one is a special run, which means it's a bit like a barn find Bentley. You're getting something a bit out of the ordinary, something with a bit more collectibility. Mind you, unlike a Bentley, you'll want to be playing this, not sticking it in a garage and polishing it every weekend.
They've gone with sapele for the back and sides. Now, it's not quite the holy grail of rosewood, but it's a darn sight better than your laminate rubbish. Sapele gives you a bit of warmth, a bit of body, keeps things interesting. All in all, you've got a guitar here that sounds like a proper Martin – rich, resonant, and built to last longer than your hearing will.
Though, let's not forget this is a limited edition. So, if you're looking for a bit of exclusivity, a chance to own a piece of Martin history, well, this is your chance. Just don't come crying to me when they're all gone and you're stuck strumming on a cardboard box. Is it the best Martin ever made? No. But is it a fantastic dreadnought with a solid top, decent tonewoods, and a bit of collectibility? Absolutely!
SPECS
- Body Size: D-14 Fret
- Top Material: Spruce
- Bracing Pattern: X Brace
- Brace Shape: Non-Scalloped
- Brace Material: Sitka Spruce
- Back Material: Sapele
- Side Material: Sapele
- Binding: Black
- Neck Shape: Performing Artist
- Neck Taper: High Performance Taper
- Nut Material: White Corian
- Headstock Shape: Solid with Standard Taper
- Fingerboard Material: FSC Certified Richlite
- Scale Length: 25.4"
- Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret
- Number of Frets Total: 20
- Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4''
- Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8''
- Fingerboard Inlay Style: MOP Pattern Dots- 28 Style Pattern
- Side Dots: White
- Back and Side Finish: Gloss
- Back and Sides Color: Dark Mahogany
- Finish Top: Gloss
- Bridge Material: FSC Certified Richlite
- Bridge Style: Modern Belly - Drop in Saddle
- Saddle: Compensated White Tusq
- Tuning Machines: Nickel Open Gear
- Bridge Pin Material: Black Plastic
- Pickguard: Black
- Case: Soft Shell
- Electronics: Fishman MX-T
