Gearank Recommendation
The Martin Custom D Classic appeared on our recommended list for Acoustic Guitars in the now defunct $1000 to $1500 price category from September 2019 until September 2020.
In January 2022 we announced the results of our annual analysis of acoustic guitar brands – Martin ranked 1st.
Overview
While C.F. Martin & Co is still the brand to beat when it comes premium acoustic steel string guitars, the company has been successfully extending their reach to relatively lower price ranges. The Custom D is a good example, described as one of their most affordable American-made all-solid wood dreadnought.
Solid Sitka spruce is used for the guitar’s top, while solid mahogany is used for the back and sides, all of which are built to their strict quality standards in their Nazareth Pennsylvania facility.
It also features a dovetail neck joint, which is preferred by many for its effect on overall resonance and sustain.
More importantly, all these features are packaged in a guitar that’s reasonably priced (relatively speaking).
Specifications
- Body Shape:
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back and Sides: Solid Mahogany
- Finish: Satin
- Bridge: Solid Indian Rosewood
- Neck: Solid Mahogany
- Neck Profile: Modified Low Oval
- Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
- Fingerboard Radius: 16″
- Number of Frets: 20
- Frets to Body: 14
- Scale Length: 25.4″
- Nut Width: 43mm”
