Martin Custom Shop Tonewoods Explained
Choosing tonewoods is one of the most important decisions when designing a Martin Custom Shop acoustic guitar. While model size and bracing set the framework, tonewoods determine the guitar’s voice, responsiveness, and long‑term character.
This guide explains how Martin Custom Shop tonewoods work, how different woods affect sound and feel, and how to make smart choices that align with your playing style and budget.
This guide is part of our complete resource on Martin Custom Shop guitars.
What Are Tonewoods in a Martin Custom Shop Guitar?
Tonewoods refer to the woods used for the top, back, and sides of an acoustic guitar. In the Martin Custom Shop, these woods are carefully selected, graded, and matched for tonal consistency, structural stability, and musical response.
Unlike production guitars with fixed wood options, the Custom Shop allows you to select specific tonewoods to achieve a desired sound and feel. These choices influence:
- Volume and headroom
- Warmth vs clarity
- Responsiveness to touch
- Overtone content
- Long‑term tonal development
There is no single “best” tonewood — the right choice depends on how you play and what you want to hear.
Top Woods: The Primary Driver of Tone
The soundboard (top) has the greatest impact on a guitar’s voice. Even small changes in top wood can dramatically affect responsiveness and projection.
Sitka Spruce - the most versatile and widely used top wood in the Martin Custom Shop.
- Balanced frequency response
- Excellent dynamic range
- Adapts well to many playing styles
Sitka is a strong choice for players who strum, fingerpick, and flatpick in equal measure. It offers clarity without being overly stiff and matures gracefully over time.
Adirondack (Red) Spruce - prized for its power and headroom.
- Strong attack
- High volume ceiling
- Exceptional clarity when driven hard
This wood excels for bluegrass, aggressive flatpicking, and players with a heavy right hand. Adirondack often costs more due to scarcity and grading standards, but many players consider it worth the investment.
European / Alpine Spruce - sits tonally between Sitka and Adirondack.
- Quick response
- Rich overtone complexity
- Excellent sensitivity at low volume
It is a favorite among fingerstyle players and those seeking nuance and harmonic depth.
Back & Side Woods: Character and Color
While the top drives projection, the back and sides shape tonal color, sustain, and balance.
Mahogany - produces a direct, woody tone with strong fundamentals.
- Clear note separation
- Focused midrange
- Lightweight feel
Mahogany pairs exceptionally well with Adirondack or Sitka tops for players who value articulation and dryness over lush overtones.
East Indian Rosewood - delivers the classic Martin sound many players expect.
- Deep bass response
- Rich harmonic content
- Strong sustain
It works well across many body sizes and playing styles and remains one of the most popular Custom Shop choices.
Koa - offers a unique tonal profile and visual appeal.
- Focused midrange
- Smooth high end
- Tonal warmth that increases with age
Koa guitars often start bright and become richer as they are played in, making them appealing for long‑term ownership.
Guatemalan Rosewood & Other Exotic Woods - provide tonal variations that sit between mahogany and East Indian rosewood.
- Balanced response
- Complex overtones
- Limited availability
Availability and pricing vary depending on current Custom Shop stock and sustainability considerations.
How Tonewood Choices Affect Price
Tonewood selection is a significant factor in Martin Custom Shop pricing, but higher cost does not automatically mean better sound. Price is influenced by:
- Wood rarity and availability
- Grading and visual consistency
- Structural requirements
Thoughtful tonewood choices can often keep a Custom Shop guitar closer in price to high‑end production models. For a deeper look at cost factors, see our guide - Martin Custom Shop pricing explained.
Popular Martin Custom Shop Tonewood Pairings
Not sure which pairing fits your style? GuitarHotline can walk you through real-world examples and past builds.
Some combinations consistently perform well:
- Adirondack spruce + Mahogany – Powerful, dry, and articulate
- Adirondack spruce + East Indian Rosewood – Maximum headroom and complexity
- European spruce + Rosewood – Nuanced, responsive, and harmonically rich
- Sitka spruce + Mahogany – Balanced and versatile
Tonewoods vs Bracing & Construction
Tonewoods do not work in isolation. Bracing style, top thickness, and construction details all influence how wood responds. A well‑matched bracing pattern can:
- Increase responsiveness
- Enhance bass or clarity
- Control overtones
This is why Custom Shop guitars are best specified holistically rather than selecting woods alone.
Choosing Tonewoods Based on Playing Style
- Flatpicking & Bluegrass: Adirondack spruce tops with mahogany or rosewood backs
- Fingerstyle: European or Sitka spruce with rosewood or mahogany
- Singer‑songwriter: Sitka spruce with mahogany or rosewood for balance
- Studio use: Woods with strong note separation and controlled overtones
Your hands, attack, and musical context matter more than any specification sheet.
Common Tonewood Myths
- “More expensive woods always sound better” — Not necessarily; match matters more than cost.
- “Rosewood is too boomy” — Proper bracing and body size control bass response.
- “Koa is only cosmetic” — Koa’s tonal evolution is one of its strengths.
How GuitarHotline Helps You Choose Tonewoods
As an Authorized Martin Custom Shop Dealer, GuitarHotline helps players:
- Match tonewood choices to playing style
- Avoid unnecessary upcharges
- Balance tone, feel, and budget
- Navigate Custom Shop availability
Learn more about working with an Authorized Martin Custom Shop dealer or explore the full ordering process in our guide - How to order a Martin Custom Shop guitar .
Frequently Asked Questions About Martin Custom Shop Tonewoods
- Does tonewood affect resale value?
Certain traditional combinations tend to retain value well, but long‑term satisfaction matters most. - Can I choose lighter or darker wood sets?
Visual preferences can sometimes be accommodated, depending on Custom Shop availability. - Do Custom Shop guitars change tone over time?
Yes — most guitars open up with regular playing, especially solid‑wood builds.
Ready to Talk Tonewoods?
If you’re considering a Martin Custom Shop guitar and want guidance choosing tonewoods that make sense for your music:
Call or email Mark Rohrer at (888) 795‑3582 or (317) 849‑5744, or email msrohrer@gmail.com.
You’ll get honest advice focused on sound, feel, and long‑term enjoyment — not unnecessary upgrades.
GuitarHotline – Authorized Martin Custom Shop Dealer
For a full overview of options, pricing, and availability, visit our Martin Custom Shop guitars page.
Serving Musicians Since 1991