Martin Custom Shop D-14 Fret - Progressive Tone Bar Bracing No.1988579

Step Up to the Tone Bar.
When Wildwood Guitars wanted to launch a project that would “drive the tone” throughout the breadth of popular Martin body shapes, we jumped at the opportunity. Many guitar enthusiasts are familiar with the typical sound signature of the iconic Martin models, and know they’re also an excellent jumping-on point in the quest for tone with customization. The partnership between Wildwood Guitars and Martin reflects that same incredible collaboration and quest for tone. While there are endless combinations possible throughout Martin’s impressive model history, we collaborated to arrive at the “Wildwood Formula” - not a radical departure from the standard, yet employs a unique strategy with potential to further open up the tone envelope. Notably, the end goal was further tuning for bass focus and mid/treble presence. Towards this goal, we’ve chosen to create the “Wildwood Formula” combining an Adirondack top, Adirondack X-bracing, and progressively scalloped tone bars; a build combination not previously utilized within the standard Martin product assortment. While top & bracing materials vary widely throughout the line, the Wildwood Formula highlights the accepted performance benchmark of an Adirondack top & X-bracing AND partners the assembly with a noticeably different compliment of top tone bars. "Progressively scalloped bars, not commonly found among the standard lineup, exploit the strength of the legendary Martin X-brace while reducing mass from the overall assembly with the goal of quickening the top and promoting maximum tonal spectrum. Compared to the standard tone bars found extensively throughout the Martin lineup, progressively scalloped tone bars are shorter in peak height by 25% to nearly 40% respectively, and are measured to provide an overall weight reduction of approximately 20% in contrast to their normal counterparts." The Wildwood Staff has been absolutely blown away by these incredible Custom Shop Martin instruments; each one representing an inspired take on a classic Martin production model. From the moment we picked the cases, we could hear and FEEL the difference. Adirondack Spruce tops and bracing, along with the progressive tone bars have created an experience like no other, with astounding clarity, vivid, dynamic highs, and a low end that is simply breathtaking. These instruments offer a unique experience, delivering all the tonal magic of Adirondack spruce, with an incredible dynamic response, exceptional volume push and HD-like ultra wide frequency response that has to be heard to be believed. We couldn't be happier with our collaboration with Martin Guitars, and invite our exceptional customers to experience these exceptional creations that have simply blown us all away. Wildwood Guitars is honored to partner with Martin to create these incredible instruments that will surely inspire, reward and deliver an experience like no other.
Tonal Evaluation
Wow! Now *this* one shocked us. It has an especially satisfying warmth throughout and potent low-end presence. Excellent clarity and focus throughout completes what is easily one of the best tonal values in the shop.







Brand:
Martin


Model:
Custom Shop D-14 Fret - Progressive Tone Bar Bracing


Finish Color:
1935 Sunburst


Finish Type:
Nitrocellulose Lacquer


Top Wood:
Adirondack Spruce


Bracing:
Adirondack / Non-Scalloped 5/16''/Standard


Back & Sides Wood:
Solid East Indian Rosewood


Neck Finish:
Satin


Neck Wood:
Genuine Mahogany


Neck Joint:
Dovetail


Neck Shape:
Low Profile


Neck Dimensions:
.840 1st - .890 9th


Fingerboard:
Ebony


Scale Length:
25.4"


Width at Nut:
1 11/16"


Nut Material:
Bone


Headstock:
Raised Gold Foil Decal Logo


Binding:
White Boltaron


Purfling:
Style 28 w/ D-18 Strip on Either Side


Rosette:
Style 28


Tuners:
Grover Chrome


Bridge:
Black Ebony, 2/18th String Spacing


Saddle:
16" Radius/Compensated/Bone


Pickguard:
Black


Case:
Black Molded Hardshell Case






www.music-blvd.com