{"product_id":"martin-custom-shop-d-18-12-string-koa-with-case","title":"Martin Custom Shop D-18E 12 String Flame Koa With Sitka Spruce","description":"\u003cstyle data-mce-fragment=\"1\" type=\"text\/css\"\u003e\u003c!--\ntd {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e Martin Custom Shop D-18E 12 String Flamed Koa\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTruetone Music was invited to Nazareth, PA for a very special visit. We had the chance to spec out guitars to be custom built by Martin. We were also thrilled by the prospect of being able to hand select our own wood at the factory, aided by Custom Shop representatives and tonewood experts.  That began a relationship that has continued for multiple custom runs over a number of years.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe knew we wanted to represent an interesting variety as far as models and exotic woods, but we also wanted the guitars to sound as best they could, never sacrificing tone for bling.  This Martin Custom Shop version of a D-18E 12 String with Flamed Koa and Sitka Spruce is a true example of that theory coming together in the best possible way.   It's a simple move to make - essentially a classic D-18 12 String, with a unique pairing of wood, made with the best materials and craftsmanship from the top luthiers at the Martin Custom Shop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe inspiration for this guitar came from a very special customer of ours - it's based on a guitar that he had when he was young.  Doing a 12 string in Koa jumped out to us a excellent idea, so when we went to Nazareth to visit the Custom Shop, this one was at the top of our list to do.  Being able to pick out the wood made it even more special - and when you're looking at koa, it ALL looks good.  We found what we thought was the most evenly matched spread, with the perfect amount of character.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe chose to pair the Flamed Koa back \u0026amp; sides with the best Sitka Spruce.  Koa is one of the most exotic and recognizable tone woods used on acoustic guitars.  The obvious appeal right off the bat, is aesthetic, but it's about much more than looks.  Koa produces a brighter sound that is also very evenly balanced.  We felt that this is perfect for a 12 string guitar.  Often described as being between maple and rosewood, Koa offers the best of both worlds: the crisp, clarity of the former and warmth and thick tone of the latter.  Koa guitars might sound bright and tight off the shelf, and benefit from a good amount of ‘playing in.’ The more they’re played, the more the sound opens up. Tones become richer, sweeter and more resonant, with a rich low end and well-rounded sparkle overall.  The Sitka Spruce top resonates and sings sweetly, providing excellent note definition.  It adds a bit of mid-range to balance the back \u0026amp; sides, producing a great balance for fingerpicking.  The balance between the two types of wood is perfect.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe love the grain of the Flamed Koa that was selected, as well as how the Aging Toner enhances the look of the Sitka Spruce.  Another custom feature is the Koa headplate with the \"Old Style Gold\" decal.  It's little things like that that make a guitar like this even more unique.  The look of the guitar itself would be enough, but the materials, construction and appointments make it all the more special.  In some ways, compared to other Martin Custom Shop guitars we've done, this is a simple design, but it's much more than that.  In the end, it's all about feel and sound - and this guitar has it all.  When it arrived, we realized that we had hit upon a supremely winning combination of specs for a 12 string like this.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAn added bonus that we applied to this guitar is the used of East Indian Rosewood for the binding.  It's not something that you see very often.  It's another customization that really makes this guitar unique, like no other out there. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe guitar is finished in gloss, with a satin finished Mahogany neck.  It has Martin’s popular modified low oval with high performance taper, making it very comfortable to play for hours. The radius is 16” with a nut width of 1 3\/4”.  It's a very easy to play guitar, especially for a 12 string.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor those that want to amplify there sound for live performance, this Custom Shop D-18E 12 String is loaded with LR Baggs Anthem electronics.  We typically don't go acoustic-electric on our builds, but we felt that this one deserved it.  Featuring the patented TRU-MIC technology, it seamlessly combines a condenser microphone with the acclaimed Element pickup to deliver warmth, fidelity and true representation of the guitar's tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Other features included a tortoise shell pickguard, a Black Ebony fretboard, and Gotoh tuners.  It comes with a Martin hard shell case and certificate of authenticity.  \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA Martin dreadnought like a D-18 is about as classic as it can get, and this one takes it to another level by being a Flamed Koa 12 string, with electronics.  Come to Truetone Music today to experience this amazing Martin Custom Shop guitar, or order right here today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eConfiguration\u003c\/strong\u003e:  C22-052759\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSerial #\u003c\/strong\u003e 2750449\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBody Shape:  \u003c\/b\u003eDreadnought 12 String\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInspired by: \u003c\/b\u003eD-18 Style\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBase Model Note: \u003c\/b\u003eWood Selected by Truetone at the Martin Custom Shop\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAppointment Level: \u003c\/b\u003eStandard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAdhesive: \u003c\/b\u003eModern Adhesive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTop Material: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSitka Spruce\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBracing Material, Top: \u003c\/b\u003eSitka Spruce\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBracing Pattern, Top: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eX Brace - Forward Shifted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBracing Pattern Number, Top: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e3-A DOMLE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBracing Shape, Top: \u003c\/b\u003eScalloped\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBracing Style, Top: \u003c\/b\u003eStandard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBracing Size, Top: \u003c\/b\u003e5\/16\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBack and Side Material: \u003c\/b\u003eFlamed Koa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBinding Material: \u003c\/b\u003eEast Indian Rosewood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRosette Style: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eOld Style 18 Boltaron\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNeck Material: \u003c\/b\u003eMahogany \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNeck Profile: \u003c\/b\u003eModified Low Oval\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNeck Taper: \u003c\/b\u003eHigh Performance Taper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFingerboard Width at Nut:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 13\/16\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFingerboard Width at 12th Fret\u003c\/strong\u003e: 2 1\/4\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eString Spacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 5\/16''\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTuning Machines: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Gotoh Chrome SG360\/07 w\/ Small Buttons\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFingerboard Material: \u003c\/b\u003eBlack Ebony\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFingerboard Inlay: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eOld Style 18; Select Abalone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFinish Type: \u003c\/b\u003eStandard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFinish Package: \u003c\/b\u003eGloss Body w\/ Satin Neck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTop Color: \u003c\/b\u003eAging Toner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFrets Clear: \u003c\/b\u003e14 Frets Clear of Body\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTotal Frets:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 Total\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eScale Length: \u003c\/b\u003e25.4\"\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNeck Joint: \u003c\/b\u003eDovetail\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTruss Rod: \u003c\/b\u003eAdjustable 14 Fret\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBridge Style: \u003c\/b\u003eModern Belly 12 String\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSaddle Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drop in Saddle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSaddle Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compensated Bone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBridge End Pins:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e  3-Ply Hardshell with Domed Top\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSKU C22-052759\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Martin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43979290968307,"sku":"04MCS040","price":4800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0789\/2433\/files\/1-DSCF7382_bba3f582-6763-4ee9-a1ec-fadd1db893a2.jpg?v=1698693777","url":"https:\/\/www.truetonemusic.mom\/products\/martin-custom-shop-d-18-12-string-koa-with-case","provider":"Truetone Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}