If we had to limit ourselves to one word to describe this 2016 Martin Custom Shop, we’d use “workhorse.” Dig in with a pick, and there’s heaps of projection, with a woody bass response. Fingerstyle arrangements? There’s an extra helping of articulation and note separation to lend real polyphony to complex chord voicings. Flatpicked fiddle tunes in DADGAD, or a bluesy swing in the style of Lyle Lovett, this 000 does an excellent job of keeping the tone lively and punchy.
Madagascar Rosewood back and sides pair with an Italian Spruce top, with white bindings and 28-style appointments elsewhere. Open back Waverly tuners, Venetian Cutaway, and a short scale neck for an easy playing experience (to say nothing of the smooth, satin-finished neck!).
Martin Custom Shops run the gamut for specs, but they all boast Martin’s finest materials—and this 000 got some extra overtone richness in the trebles and gorgeous sustain.