Custom Shop | April 17, 2024

What’s Available in the Martin Custom Shop?

photo of an acoustic guitar on a black background, with stylized type that says custom shop

Close your eyes and picture your perfect guitar... Imagine the flawless resonance, the impeccable craftsmanship, and the personalized touches that make it uniquely yours. Well, at the Martin Custom Shop, we can make that happen. 

We understand that your dream instrument is more than just a collection of parts – it's an extension of you. That's why in this blog post we're going to explore what's available in the Martin Custom Shop, where your imagination meets our expertise to craft the guitar of your dreams. 

Want a D-28 with a clear top and enclosed tuning machines, or a one-of-a-kind statement piece covered in pearl from endpin to headstock? It’s all possible at Martin.  

a quadrant photo showing a custom Martin acoustic guitar

How to Turn Your Dream into Reality 

Creating your custom Martin guitar is easier than you might think. It takes just a few simple steps: 

Visit 

Start your journey by exploring our online catalog. Familiarize yourself with the diverse range of body shapes, tonewoods, neck shapes, headstock styles, and other customizable options. Whether you're drawn to the classic allure of a D-18 or the sleek contours of a cutaway model, our iconic lineup of instruments has something for everyone. 

Test Drive 

For a hands-on experience, visit one of our authorized Martin dealers to test drive a selection of models. Feel the resonance, hear the tone, and experience the playability firsthand. Knowledgeable staff will guide you through our variety of shapes, sizes, and sounds, helping you find the perfect match for your musical preferences. 

Configure 

Ready to bring your dream guitar to life? Work closely with a Custom Shop Expert or dive into Martin's Custom Guitar Configurator, where you can choose from our most popular body styles and compatible options. Select your preferred tonewoods, neck shapes, headstock styles, electronics, and more. With our intuitive interface, designing your custom guitar is as easy as strumming your favorite chord. 

Finalize 

Consult with an authorized Martin dealer to finalize your custom guitar. Expert staff can offer insights and suggestions to enhance your design, ensuring that every detail reflects your unique vision. Once you're satisfied with your selections, the Martin Custom Shop will provide a thorough construction plan to your dealer, bringing your dream guitar one step closer to reality. 

Order 

Place your order with confidence, knowing that your custom guitar is in good hands. Your preferred dealer will authorize the specifications with the Martin Custom Shop and submit your order. Sit back, relax, and prepare to see your dream guitar come to life. 

Pick Up 

The moment you've been waiting for! Visit your Martin dealer and pick up your custom guitar. With anticipation coursing through your veins, cradle your new instrument in your hands, smell the wood, and feel the weight of your musical aspirations come to life. 

Enjoy 

From the first strum to the final encore, savor every moment with your brand-new custom Martin guitar. Crafted with care and precision, it's made to be played for a lifetime. As you embark on your musical journey, let your custom guitar be your faithful companion, inspiring creativity and igniting passion with every note. 

A screenshot of the Martin custom guitar configurator

Explore the Custom Guitar Configurator 

Ready to embark on your custom guitar journey, or just want to build your dream guitar for fun? Dive into our Custom Guitar Configurator and explore all the options available to you. 

Start off by choosing your base model size and style, from 0-18 to D-45, select construction details like using vintage hide glue or adding a cutaway or electronics, personalize the top with different types of tonewoods, some with our VINTAGE TONE SYSTEM® (VTS), and special X bracing patterns, and personalize the binding material, back purfling, pearl, rosette style, and pickguard material and inlay. 

After that, you can customize your bridge material, style, inlay, and pins, pick your preferred tonewood for the back and sides, from mahogany to exotic flamed wood, choose your neck and headstock shape, material, inlay, and tuning machines, pick a fingerboard material and inlay, and finalize your custom Martin by choosing the top color, case, and custom label. 

With each selection, your dream guitar takes shape before your eyes, reflecting your unique style and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, our Custom Guitar Configurator empowers you to create a truly one-of-a-kind instrument... and it’s fun! 

A photo showing multiple angles of an acoustic guitar

Unlocking Endless Possibilities 

At the Martin Custom Shop, the possibilities are truly endless. From traditional tonewoods like East Indian rosewood and mahogany to exotic options like figured English walnut and flamed Hawaiian koa, you have the freedom to choose the materials that resonate with you. 

Our skilled artisans can work with just about any kind of material to create intricate inlays and embellishments that add elegance to your guitar. Whether you're envisioning a custom fingerboard with a personal story or a bespoke pickguard to protect your top, our team can bring your ideas to life with unparalleled precision. 

And ordering your custom Martin guitar has never been easier. With our user-friendly Custom Guitar Configurator and the expertise of our Custom Shop Experts and skilled artisans, you can bring your musical vision to life. 

Explore our website, consult with Custom Shop Experts, and let your creativity run wild as you make a Martin truly yours. 

Happy playing!