Quality Martin Dreadnought Built from Solid Spruce and Koa
This special D-12E dreadnought from Martin gets a tonewood upgrade, with exotic koa serving as its back and sides and solid spruce providing its mature, dynamic response. In addition to quality tonewood selection, this guitar features a smooth-as-glass Richlite fingerboard and a hand-rubbed neck finish for clean access to all 20 frets. Like the standard D-12E, the Koa model also sports Fishman MX-T electronics with an auto-mute tuner for convenient stage amplification and plug-in recording convenience. All told, if you've been searching for a Martin dreadnought with classic looks and time-honored tone and playing response, the D-12E Koa delivers plenty of bang for the buck.
Solid woods deliver premium tone
As a top tonewood, spruce's strength and elasticity provide a broad dynamic range and crisp articulation that are ideal for a wide range of playing styles, from delicate fingerpicking to aggressive flatpicked strumming. Exotic koa, used for the back and sides of the D-12E Koa, compares favorably to walnut and packs a tone that is sweet, clear, and refined. Together, these tonewoods give the D-12E Koa not only a one-of-a-kind Martin look, but a balanced sound that remains even across the audible spectrum.
The Martin dreadnought: a cornerstone of modern music
Martin's early dreadnoughts set into motion the guitar's prominent role in modern music and set the standard for tone quality in acoustic guitars. Martin dreadnoughts became known for resonant warm tones, quality craftsmanship, and tasteful styling. For those reasons, Martin guitars became an important part of the music written and performed by the stars of the 1920s and '30s. Post-WWII, the Martin dreadnought became a cornerstone of the folk and folk rock music of the '50s and '60s. The powerful voice and full sound of these iconic instruments have made them a staple in the bluegrass world, but their bold sonic signature is heard cross-genre.
The Martin dreadnought: a cornerstone of modern music
Martin's early dreadnoughts set into motion the guitar's prominent role in modern music and set the standard for tone quality in acoustic guitars. Martin dreadnoughts became known for resonant warm tones, quality craftsmanship, and tasteful styling. For those reasons, Martin guitars became an important part of the music written and performed by the stars of the 1920s and '30s. Post-WWII, the Martin dreadnought became a cornerstone of the folk and folk rock music of the '50s and '60s. The powerful voice and full sound of these iconic instruments have made them a staple in the bluegrass world, but their bold sonic signature is heard cross-genre.
Features:
- Solid spruce top
- Exotic koa back and sides
- X-braced top is robust and dynamic
- Style 28 fingerboard inlays
- Multi-Stripe MOP rosette
- Black binding and pickguard
- Select hardwood neck with Performing Artist profile, High Performance Taper, and hand-rubbed finish
- Glassy Richlite fingerboard with 16" radius and 20 frets
- Richlite bridge, 2.15625" string spacing
- Compensated Tusq saddle; plastic bridge pins
- Fishman MX-T electronics
- 25.4" scale length; 1.75" Corian nut
- Enclosed gear tuners; single-action truss rod, neck heel access
