Custom Shop Build Overview
The Martin Custom Shop D-18 Style Adirondack Ambertone is a powerful, vintage-inspired dreadnought that pairs classic mahogany tone with the strength and responsiveness of an Adirondack spruce top.
This Custom Shop build features a premium Adirondack spruce top combined with mahogany back and sides, delivering a clear, focused voice with strong fundamentals and impressive dynamic range. Adirondack spruce is prized for its stiffness and headroom, allowing the guitar to handle aggressive playing while maintaining clarity and definition.
Finished in a striking Ambertone burst, this instrument blends traditional Martin tone with a visually rich, vintage-inspired aesthetic.
Why Adirondack on a D-18 Matters
Adirondack spruce enhances the classic D-18 platform by increasing power, projection, and responsiveness.
- Greater headroom for aggressive flatpicking
- Strong, clear fundamental notes
- Excellent projection with controlled low end
- Responsive top that continues to open up over time
Combined with mahogany, the result is a dry, woody tone with exceptional articulation and punch.
Custom Shop Craftsmanship
Handcrafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, this Custom Shop instrument features Martin’s traditional dovetail neck joint and solid tonewood construction to maximize resonance and long-term stability.
The forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing allows the top to move more freely, enhancing both responsiveness and tonal depth while maintaining clarity across the tonal spectrum.
The classic Style 18 appointments paired with the Ambertone finish give this guitar a timeless look that reflects Martin’s vintage heritage.
Tone & Performance
The D-18 is known for its strong midrange, clarity, and punch. In this Custom Shop configuration, the Adirondack top adds increased power and dynamic range, making the guitar highly versatile across playing styles.
- Dry, woody midrange with strong fundamentals
- Clear note separation under both light and heavy attack
- Tight, controlled bass response
- Excellent projection for stage and studio use
This makes the guitar an ideal choice for flatpickers, singer-songwriters, and players looking for a powerful yet articulate dreadnought.
Why This Guitar Stands Out
- Martin Custom Shop D-18 Style build
- Adirondack spruce top for added headroom and projection
- Forward-shifted scalloped bracing
- Classic mahogany dreadnought tone
- Vintage-inspired Ambertone finish
- Handcrafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania
- Brand new with full Martin Lifetime Warranty
Serial Number: 2863115
Professionally inspected and ready to ship.
Specifications
- Construction: Mahogany Blocks / Dovetail Neck Joint
- Body Size: Dreadnought
- Top: Adirondack Spruce
- Bracing: Forward Shifted Scalloped X (Adirondack 5/16")
- Back & Sides: Mahogany
- Binding: Black
- Neck: Genuine Mahogany – Modified Low Oval
- Fingerboard & Bridge: Ebony
- Nut Width: 1 3/4"
- Scale Length: 25.4"
- Bridge Spacing: 2 5/32"
- Nut & Saddle: Bone
- Fingerboard Inlays: Old Style 18
- Bridge Style: Modern Belly
- Tuning Machines: Nickel Grover
- Bridge & End Pins: Black
- Pickguard: Tortoise
- Finish: Ambertone – Gloss Body / Satin Neck
- Case: Geib Hardshell
Serving Musicians Since 1991
You can browse available Custom Shop Dreadnought builds here.
