Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,537

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus seamlessly blends timeless craftsmanship with modern innovation, making it an ideal choice for both traditional and contemporary musicians. This acoustic-electric guitar offers a harmonious balance of rich, resonant acoustic sound and versatile electronic capabilities. Its design caters to those who appreciate the deep resonance of a classic Martin while also valuing the convenience of a quality onboard pickup system for amplified performances.

Built with a solid Sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides, the DE Retro Plus delivers a balanced and dynamic tone. The high-performance neck taper ensures comfortable playability, whether you're fingerpicking or strumming powerful chords. This model features the Fishman MX-T electronics, providing clear and precise sound capture, perfect for live performances or studio recordings.

The Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus is crafted with intricate attention to detail, evident in its fine appointments like the FSC Certified Richlite fingerboard and bridge, which offer durability without compromising tone quality. The addition of a built-in tuner ensures you're always in tune, making it an exceptional choice for both practice and performance.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides
  • Fishman MX-T electronics with a built-in tuner
  • High-performance neck taper for enhanced playability
  • FSC Certified Richlite fingerboard and bridge
  • Designed for balanced acoustic resonance and amplified sound quality

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model Road Series DE Retro Plus
Year 2025
Made In Mexico
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Natural, Tan
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Road Series
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of wood is used in the construction of the Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus?

The Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus features a spruce top with mahogany back and sides, providing a balanced tone with warmth and clarity.

Does the Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus have an active preamp?

Yes, the Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus is equipped with an active preamp, enhancing its amplified sound for live performances.

What type of pickup is used in the Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus?

The Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus uses an undersaddle piezo pickup, known for its ability to capture the guitar's natural acoustic tone when amplified.

Is the Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its active preamp and undersaddle piezo pickup, the Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus is well-suited for live performances, offering a clear and powerful amplified sound.

How many frets does the Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus have?

The Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus features 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of musical expression.

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus.

Build quality

  • The mahogany back finish is glossy enough to cause reflections, suggesting a high-quality finish that rivals custom shop standards.

    Source
  • The Richlite fingerboard and neck shape are praised for their comfort and playability, contributing to a positive playing experience.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Owners appreciate the built-in electronics, noting the tuner is particularly easy to use, enhancing live performance functionality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Choosing the DE Retro Plus can save around $1000 compared to a new 000-18, especially if a hardshell case is unnecessary.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DE Retro Plus was preferred over a 000-18 due to its retro vibe tuners and torrefied spruce top with aging toner, offering a unique aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • The D-10E's sapele top offers a sound akin to the 15 series with mahogany tops, differing from standard series spruce tops.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner, after extensive experience with 10-15 acoustic guitars, found the D-10E's tone unexpectedly smooth and balanced, leading them to sell most other guitars.

    Source
  • A Road Series owner noted the guitar's ability to maintain tuning stability and handle environmental changes like heat and humidity effectively.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Road Series guitars are described as ideal for working musicians, offering reliability and good acoustic sound even when unplugged.

    Source

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