Martin Custom Shop DSS 2018

This 2018 Martin Custom Shop DSS is a remarkable instrument that combines Martin's most advanced techniques with the timeless charm of the very first dreadnought. Weighing in at just 1.7 kilograms (3.7 lbs), it's one of the lightest dreadnoughts Martin has ever built, without compromising tone whatsoever. In fact, the combination of high-tech materials and premium tonewoods results in a guitar with enormous dynamics, tight bass, and a sound that effortlessly transitions from whisper-quiet to powerfully loud.

Martin presented this DSS at the 2018 NAMM show in response to a daring question: can a dreadnought be both extremely light and produce a full, powerful tone? The luthiers at the Custom Shop took on the challenge and succeeded with flying colors. Only 40 of this special series were built, and this is number 27. The slope-shoulder design harks back to the earliest dreadnoughts from the 1930s, but features the latest innovations Martin has to offer.

To achieve this low weight without sacrificing strength and tone, Martin used a titanium truss rod, carbon and titanium tuners, and a bridgeplate made of carbon and VTS Adirondack. The Liquidmetal bridge pins are also special: they are made of a high-tech zirconium compound that increases sustain, harmonics, and volume by several decibels. The guitar is also constructed with traditional hide glue, which enhances the resonance and warmth of the tone.

The mahogany back and sides of the guitar and the Adirondack spruce top are in a class of their own. The mahogany delivers warmth and depth, while the Adirondack top provides clarity, projection, and an open character. The result is a guitar that effortlessly handles fast flatpicking without dropping a single note, but also handles complex chord work with ease. The tight bass and enormous dynamic range make this DSS suitable for any playing style, from intimate fingerpicking to powerful strumming. The Modified Low Oval neck with Performance Taper offers a comfortable and familiar playing feel, ideal for both long sessions and intensive playing. The ebony fingerboard with 42-style snowflake inlays and European flamed maple binding give the guitar a refined appearance that befits the craftsmanship that is incorporated into every detail.

The back and sides show light playwear and a few dings, as does the back of the neck. The original carbon pickguard has also been replaced with a solid black one. This is an instrument that is not only technically impressive, but also simply plays and sounds wonderful!