Aahzz
Habanero Evangelist
If you hadn't seen the announcement, Martin has refreshed the road series guitars. They went with a little bit more vintage appointments - aging toner top, open gear tuners, a switch to striped ebony for the fingerboard and bridge (it was richlite), they have scalloped bracing - they have 2 lines, Retro and Modern. I'm talking about the Retro line.
I'd been looking for a D-10E when these were announced, was about ready to pull the trigger - then I saw the announcement and decided to pounce. Ordered from GC on Thursday, they shipped fast and it arrived today. I feel safe ordering from GC because I can return it locally if it turns out to not suit me.
I ordered the D-10E Retro - solid Sapele back and sides, solid Sitka Spruce top, Dreadnought. Visual appointments are 15 style.
It arrived in Martin's really nice softshell case, still in the factory box - I'm not sure anyone at GC had even opened the box. It definitely wasn't a floor model. Like some of them I've seen online, it has a little "beauty mark" on the bridge from the striped ebony. It threw me a little at first, but once I started playing it I forgot about the looks. It sounds fantastic. Considerably better than the D-10E I had been playing at my local store. Better than the D-10E I used to own. It's nicely balanced, LOUD if you hit it hard, but still responds well to a light touch. The trebles shimmer and the bass speaks with authority. It has a nice vintage tonality that makes me wish I played Bluegrass
. The satin finish is really nice, it almost looks like a polished satin. I'm sure it'd polish up nicely if you're into that sort of thing.
I'll get a demo up tomorrow or Monday, when I get some time. In the meantime, have some pics:
I'd been looking for a D-10E when these were announced, was about ready to pull the trigger - then I saw the announcement and decided to pounce. Ordered from GC on Thursday, they shipped fast and it arrived today. I feel safe ordering from GC because I can return it locally if it turns out to not suit me.
I ordered the D-10E Retro - solid Sapele back and sides, solid Sitka Spruce top, Dreadnought. Visual appointments are 15 style.
It arrived in Martin's really nice softshell case, still in the factory box - I'm not sure anyone at GC had even opened the box. It definitely wasn't a floor model. Like some of them I've seen online, it has a little "beauty mark" on the bridge from the striped ebony. It threw me a little at first, but once I started playing it I forgot about the looks. It sounds fantastic. Considerably better than the D-10E I had been playing at my local store. Better than the D-10E I used to own. It's nicely balanced, LOUD if you hit it hard, but still responds well to a light touch. The trebles shimmer and the bass speaks with authority. It has a nice vintage tonality that makes me wish I played Bluegrass
. The satin finish is really nice, it almost looks like a polished satin. I'm sure it'd polish up nicely if you're into that sort of thing.I'll get a demo up tomorrow or Monday, when I get some time. In the meantime, have some pics:
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