After playing this Custom Shop Martin D-41 for a few minutes, we came to the conclusion that it is too good to be true. Large-bodied instruments with rosewood back and sides oftentimes trade a little bit of clarity for piano-like richness, but that is not the case with this dominating D-41, perhaps because of the Vintage Tone System used on the Adirondack spruce top. By aging the top with the VTS, the acoustic wizards at the Martin Custom Shop have imbued this serial with vintage-style roundness and clarity.
Of course, the Adirondack top also imparts a great deal of headroom while also giving the player unparalleled control over the percussive attack. This clear, midrange-forward voice interacts beautifully with the Honduran rosewood back and sides, which add huge bass response and sparkling trebles to the equation.
This D-41's high-end merits a closer look, because it is quite inspiring! Its harmonic complexity is simply staggering--so much so that describing requires a bit of a synesthetic approach. Whereas many acoustic guitars conjure visions of two or three "colors" with the overtones they produce, this one produces a veritable rainbow of enticing timbres.
This would be an impressive feat in and of itself, but this delectable D-41 also manages to retain the aforementioned warmth and clarity in the low-end--no mush or flub here! It also has excellent note separation, and shocking balance.
Anyone searching for a strummer with a clear, rich voice will love this serial!
Site: https://wildwoodguitars.com/product/2186871/custom-shop-d-41-2/
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Serial Number: 2186871
Brand Martin Guitars
Model Custom Shop D-41
Type D-14 Fret
Top Wood Adriondack Spruce w/Vintage Tone System
Back & Sides Wood Honduran Rosewood
Bracing Adirondack, Scalloped 5/16" Standard, Golden Era
Neck Joint Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
Neck Shape Performing Artist
Neck Wood Mahogany
Neck Dimensions .840 1st - .870 12th
Scale Length 25.4"
Width at Nut 1 3/4"
Bridge Spacing 2 5/32"
Binding European Flamed Maple
Rosette Select Abalone, Style 45
Headplate Guatemalan Rosewood (Rare Rose)
Bridge Modern Ebony Belly
Saddle Compensated Bone Drop-In
Bridge Pins White w/Paua Pearl Dots
End Pin White w/Paua Pearl Dots
Pickguard Faux Tortoise
Case Black Geib Style