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Martin D12-35 50th Anniversary LTD – Summer NAMM 2015

C. F. Martin & Co. celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the D-35 model with the limited edition D12-35 50th Anniversary 12-string acoustic.

Martin D12-35

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Being a commemorative limited run release, this new 12-string acoustic guitar from Martin is sure to interest collectors, fans of the brand and guitar players alike.

In honor of the first D-35 models that were released, the new D12-35 50th Anniversary will be limited to a quantity of 183, the same number of D-35 guitars that were released back in its first production run in 1965. It carries over the best features of the original release, while introducing modern improvements to make the design more relevant to the needs of today’s players.

As the name implies, this celebratory 12-string guitar features a dreadnought shape body, the shape that Martin themselves developed to become the standard and most popular guitar shape. The guitar’s top is crafted from solid Eurpean spruce and it passes through the company’s artificial aging process called Vintage Tone System (VTS) to mimic the properties of 1965 D-35 acoustics.

Here is what the company says about VTS: “The new Martin Vintage Tone System (VTS) uses a unique recipe that is based on the historic torrefaction system. The VTS acts much like a time machine in which Martin can target certain time periods and age the top/braces to that era. This focused method allows Martin’s craftsmen and women to recreate not only the pleasing visual aesthetics of a vintage guitar, but also reproduce the special tones previously reserved for vintage instruments.”

The special top is supported by 5/16″ solid sitka spruce braces that follow the company’s standard ”X” non-scalloped. The back and sides are crafted from solid tonewood, specifically, Indian rosewood. Adding to its premium appeal, the back has a nice looking east Indian rosewood wedge. This combination of dreadnought shape with solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides result in a punchy and articulate tone, with emphasized lower frequencies. It should work well with the guitar’s 12-string format, balancing out the extra high frequencies added by the extra strings with enough bottom end.

The neck is crafted from solid mahogany and topped by a solid black ebony fretboard. It follows traditional specs, meeting the body at the 12th fret instead of the more modern 14 fret neck joint. Nut width is 1-13/16”, while scale length is 24.9″, and it has a total of 19 frets. Other features of the Martin D12-35 50th Anniversary include grained ivoroid body and fingerboard binding, “style 28” rosette and solid black ebony bridge. Another notable feature of this guitar is the use of solid east Indian rosewood for its headplate.

Because of its premium features and limited availability, the new Martin D12-35 50th Anniversary guitar has an MSRP of $5,999. For more information, and to check out the complete specifications, head over to Martin Guitar. You can also visit their Summer NAMM 2015 booth from July 9 to Jul 11, 2015 to see and experience this guitar in person.

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