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Pricing and availability

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Description

The Martin Ditson pays homage to a legacy of acoustic elegance, seamlessly blending vintage allure with modern craftsmanship. Inspired by the original 1916 model, this dreadnought beauty is crafted with genuine mahogany back and sides, offering a warm, resonant sound that only deepens with time. Its Adirondack spruce top is perfectly complemented by a Brazilian rosewood headplate and binding, ensuring not just an auditory delight but a visual masterpiece as well.

The guitar's ebony pyramid bridge and fingerboard, adorned with graduated position markers, speak to a design that respects tradition while catering to today's musicians. The wider 1-7/8" nut width offers ample room for intricate fingerstyle playing, making it an ideal companion for both seasoned strummers and delicate pickers alike.

Adding to its vintage charm, the Ditson features a unique single ring wood rosette and special three-in-line Waverly tuners on a slotted headstock, preserving the authentic look and feel of its storied predecessor. It's not just a guitar; it's a journey back in time, with the original "Oliver Ditson Co., Boston, New York" stamp from 1916 proudly showcased on the headstock and centerstrip.

This guitar transcends mere functionality, presenting itself as an heirloom piece, perfect for those who appreciate history, craftsmanship, and exceptional sound.

Key Features:

  • Genuine mahogany back and sides
  • Adirondack spruce top
  • Brazilian rosewood headplate and binding
  • Ebony pyramid bridge and fingerboard
  • Graduated position markers at the 5th, 7th, and 9th frets
  • 1-7/8" nut width
  • Unique single ring wood rosette
  • Three-in-line Waverly tuners on slotted headstock
  • Original "Oliver Ditson Co., Boston, New York" stamp

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Martin Ditson guitar?

The Martin Ditson features a solid Adirondack spruce top and solid genuine mahogany for the back and sides, providing a rich, warm tone with excellent projection.

What is the neck profile of the Martin Ditson guitar?

The Martin Ditson guitar features a Modified V neck shape, which offers a comfortable grip suitable for both fingerstyle and flatpicking techniques.

Does the Martin Ditson guitar come with electronics installed?

No, the Martin Ditson guitar does not include any built-in electronics, making it a pure acoustic instrument ideal for traditional acoustic performances.

What is the scale length of the Martin Ditson guitar?

The Martin Ditson has a scale length of 25.4 inches, providing a balanced tension and playability across the fretboard.

What kind of tuning machines are used on the Martin Ditson guitar?

The Martin Ditson is equipped with Waverly/Sloane tuning machines featuring small ivoroid knobs, ensuring smooth and precise tuning stability.

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Martin Ditson Dreadnought 111 2007 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Martin Ditson Dreadnought 111 2007 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by TFOA Demos

Martin Ditson Dreadnought 111 2007 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Ditson.

Comparisons

  • It's suggested to purchase vintage Martins in-person from reputable dealers like Gryphon Strings in Palo Alto for authenticity and tonal quality assurance.

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  • Martin-made Ditson guitars may have unique features like herringbone purfling patterns uncommon in other models.

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Use cases and applications

  • Vintage Martins are highly regarded for playing jazz tunes, particularly those by Cliff Edwards, due to their unique tonal qualities.

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  • A Martin guitar with a non-original bridge may still be worth salvaging for its visual appeal.

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User experience

  • Owners find that 1940s Martin instruments have varied voices, highlighting the importance of trying them firsthand to match personal tonal preferences.

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Build quality

  • 1919 Martins may have ink stamps on the back of the headstock and center strip, indicating builds for other companies, like Wurlitzer.

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  • Non-original bridges on Martins often differ from Martin's traditional pin bridges, affecting authenticity.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Elderly Instruments in Michigan is recommended for Martin repairs despite no firsthand user experience.

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Critic Reviews

Martin Ditson Dreadnaught III Guitar Review - Maury's Music

maurysmusic.com

This Martin Ditson Dreadnaught III review exudes enthusiasm for its vintage-inspired design and booming sound. Praised for its historical authenticity, the guitar features genuine mahogany and Adirondack spruce, with unique vintage appointments like Waverly replica tuners. Despite its lack of the bass swell found in 14-fret dreads, it offers a balanced tone across strings, impressing with both fingerpicking and strumming. The only downside noted is its discontinued status, limiting availability. A standout for historical guitar aficionados and tone purists alike.

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Artist usage

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See how Sting uses Martin Ditson

Sting

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

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Verified via YouTube

In a TED talk, Sting discusses how he came to possess the Martin Ditson guitar, an heirloom from his ancestors, noting its poor condition when he acquired it.

Genre Usage

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