Martin Road Series Retro D12E: A Modern Acoustic

In the world of acoustic guitars, the Martin name carries a certain weight, a legacy of craftsmanship that stretches back to the 19th century. The introduction of the Martin Road Series Retro D12E, as reviewed by Phillip McKnight, seems to be a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity.

The Retro D12E, part of Martin's Made in Mexico line, presents itself as a formidable option for those who yearn for the Martin experience without the Martin price tag. "One of the things about the Made in Mexico line is that a lot of those models are not, you know, like one-to-one comparison to the USA models," McKnight notes, highlighting the unique positioning of this series.

Aesthetic Appeal and Craftsmanship

This guitar doesn't just sound good; it looks the part too. The aged look, described as "a little worn in and yellowed," appeals to those who cherish a vintage aesthetic. It's a feature that suggests history and character, even if freshly minted. The guitar boasts a solid spruce top and a mahogany neck, with back and sides that are "essentially like mahogany." This choice of materials speaks to the traditional roots of guitar making, yet the execution is all about modern quality and assurance.

The craftsmanship extends to its functionality. McKnight praises the setup, finding "absolutely no dead frets or dead notes," underscoring the meticulous attention to detail that Martin is known for. Even the fret ends, which can often betray a guitar's true quality, earn high marks, described as "a four out of five" by McKnight for their smoothness.

Modern Features for the Contemporary Player

While its looks might suggest a bygone era, the Retro D12E is firmly planted in the present with its electronic features. "The Martin E electronics in here...you have essentially your volume, tone, and a phase switch," McKnight explains, noting the utility for live performances. The built-in tuner remains discreet, enabling performers to subtly tune during a set without drawing attention.

Such features are indicative of Martin's understanding of the modern guitarist's needs. They eschew overly complex onboard EQs, favoring simplicity that allows the natural tone of the guitar to shine through. This aligns with McKnight's observation: "The really thing that's important is that it's a great sounding and playing guitar."

Value Proposition

Price is an ever-present consideration in the world of musical instruments. Here, the Retro D12E shines, offering a taste of Martin's legendary quality at a fraction of the cost of their higher-end models. A gloss finish Martin D18 might set you back around $3,000, but the Retro D12E is a more approachable $1,350.

McKnight draws a parallel with Fender's strategy of offering affordable versions of their iconic models, noting, "I think Martin doing this is the smartest idea I've seen them do." It suggests that Martin is not only aware of their brand's allure but also mindful of making that allure accessible to more musicians.

A Consummate Choice?

The Retro D12E is not without its critiques. The fretboard, while rolled, is "not as rolled as I'd like it," McKnight mentions, suggesting a minor point of contention for those expecting a fully 'worn-in' feel. Yet, for many players, this might be a negligible concern, easily addressed or even unnoticed.

Ultimately, the Retro D12E seems to stand as a testament to Martin's capability to blend tradition with innovation. It's a guitar that respects its lineage while embracing the needs of today's musicians. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the world of acoustics, the Retro D12E offers a compelling option.

A question that lingers might be: how will this blend of history and modernity influence future designs from Martin? As guitarists, we can only wait and hope that this is but the beginning of a new chapter in acoustic excellence.

Harry Goodman