This Martin custom shop 0-28VS is built from Carpathian Spruce and Amazon Rosewood, and represents the cream of the crop that comes out of the Martin Guitar factory. It is incredible how much tone they were able to pack into such a little body. The basses are warm and full, betraying the fact that this is not a large body guitar. Trebles and mids blend perfectly with a little top end shimmer. Blues and ragtime feel right at home on this guitar, but it handled more modern pieces with beauty and grace. This is a perfect guitar for intimate playing sessions, or joining up with the banjo and washboard.

To say this guitar is rare is an understatement. This Martin Limited Edition D-50 in Brazilian Rosewood and Bearclaw Sitka Spruce is truly a remarkable achievement. Number 2 of 50, this guitar is as much art object as instrument, but if you dared take it to the Feed ‘n Seed for a pickin party, the voice would hold it’s own against more seasoned instruments. Lush, tight basses are easily coaxed from this beauty, along with well defined mids and trebles with just the right chime and sparkle. But let’s be honest, this show-stopper should be enjoyed in the climate-controlled comfort of a private listening room with excellent lightling, so all the intricate nuances of the abundant inlay can be fully appreciated. The extensive use of abalone, outlined in mother-of-pearl, represents the pinnacle of fine craftsmanship by the team at Pearl Works, under the watchful eye of legendary inlay artist, Larry Seifel, before his untimely passing. The Tree of Life motif is brilliantly executed, flowing gracefully up the fingerboard onto the headstock, while abalone purflings wrap around all edges. Comes with letter of authentication and custom leather-bound case with built-in analog hygrometer.

Everyone knows that if you’re looking for a guitar company with a sterling reputation that spans over a hundred years, C.F. Martin is the way to go. This Custom Short Scale Martin OM in Claro Walnut and Italian Spruce has that very quality all about it, from its forward shifted bracing to its custom inlay and 42 style abalone trim. It has lovely, warm bass, and trebles that are lively and clear. It can handle anything you throw at it, from fingerstyle blues and Celtic to flatpicking, ragtime, blues and more.

Here is a Martin Custom Shop 00-21 in Madagascar Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce. Commonly referred to as a Madi/Adi, this wood combination is just wonderful, very much like the Brazilian/Adirondack combination of yesteryear. This particular 00-21 Custom has OM sized bass and clear and powerful trebles that make fingerstyle pieces really shine. With Flamed Koa Bindings and Herringbone Rosette, it’s a bit prettier than the typical 21 style Martin as well. Top notch woods make this a truly custom Martin, one you’ll be proud of.

This lovely Martin OM-21C Mandolin Brothers Special is from a nice custom series commissioned by Mandolin Brothers, and it’s very cool that they designed a guitar that delivers on tone and playability but doesn’t break the bank. The key feature is a solid Adirondack Spruce top over Indian Rosewood for the body. This particular guitar has both sweetness and punch, and there’s no doubt that she’ll open up beautifully over time. You’ll be very happy with this one for decades to come.