Custom Shop Build Overview
This Martin Custom Shop D-18 Style Adirondack / Sinker Mahogany Dreadnought is a powerful, vintage-inspired build that pairs two of the most sought-after tonewoods in modern acoustic guitar design.
The Adirondack spruce top is known for its exceptional stiffness and headroom, delivering strong projection, quick response, and the ability to handle aggressive playing without breaking up. It’s the top choice for players seeking clarity and dynamic range.
Paired with Sinker Mahogany back and sides, this guitar offers a deeper, more complex take on the traditional D-18 voice. Sinker mahogany—recovered from old-growth logs submerged for decades—adds enhanced resonance, warmth, and a rich, broken-in tonal character right out of the case.
Tone & Performance
This tonewood combination creates a dreadnought voice that is both powerful and refined, with vintage character and modern responsiveness.
- Exceptional headroom and projection from the Adirondack top
- Warm, seasoned tonal depth from Sinker Mahogany
- Strong fundamental clarity with rich, woody overtones
- Balanced response suited for flatpicking, strumming, and fingerstyle
The result is a guitar that feels open, dynamic, and responsive across all playing styles.
Custom Shop Craftsmanship
Handcrafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, this instrument features Martin’s traditional dovetail neck joint and all-solid tonewood construction for maximum resonance and long-term stability.
The forward-shifted scalloped Adirondack bracing allows the top to move freely, enhancing volume, sustain, and overall responsiveness.
The classic Style 18 appointments keep the aesthetic clean and timeless, allowing the premium tonewoods to take center stage.
Why This Guitar Stands Out
- Martin Custom Shop D-18 Style dreadnought build
- Adirondack spruce top for power and dynamic headroom
- Sinker Mahogany back and sides for aged, resonant tone
- Forward-shifted scalloped Adirondack bracing
- Modified V neck profile for a traditional feel
- Vintage-inspired Style 18 aesthetics
- Handcrafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania
- Brand new with full Martin Lifetime Warranty
Serial Number: 2714350
Professionally inspected and ready to ship.
Features & Specifications
- Construction: Mahogany Blocks / Dovetail Neck Joint
- Top: Adirondack Spruce
- Bracing: Forward Shifted X – Adirondack 5/16" Scalloped
- Back & Sides: Sinker Mahogany
- Neck: Genuine Mahogany – Modified V
- Fingerboard & Bridge: Ebony
- Nut Width: 1 3/4"
- Scale Length: 25.4"
- Frets Clear: 14
- Bridge Spacing: 2 5/32"
- Nut & Saddle: Bone
- Top Inlay: Style 18
- Fingerboard Inlays: Old Style 18 Abalone
- Binding: Black
- Tuners: Nickel Grover
- Finish: Gloss Body & Headplate / High Sheen Satin Neck
- Bridge Style: Belly
- Bridge & End Pins: Black
- Pickguard: Tortoise
- Case: Geib Hardshell
Serving Musicians Since 1991
You can view our available Custom Shop Dreadnought inventory here.
