Martin 012-28 Modern Deluxe Acoustic Guitar, VTS Spruce Top & East Indian Rosewood Back and Sides
The Martin 012-28 Modern Deluxe acoustic guitar is a refreshing reinterpretation of Martin’s Vintage charm, standing out as a mashup of vintage coolness and modern sophistication. Built with meticulous attention to detail, it embodies the rich, fully aged Martin tone that has inspired players for years.
What sets the 0-12 28 Modern Deluxe apart is its incorporation of new technology. The Vintage Tone System (VTS) spruce top, developed by Martin, produces a distinctive sound through the application of wood torrefaction. With VTS, Martin can accurately emulate particular historical eras, aging both the top and X bracing accordingly. This process recreates the aesthetically pleasing appearance of vintage guitars while also accurately reproducing the tones of these instruments.Â
Despite its more modern features, the 012-28 maintains classic Martin elements such as its East Indian rosewood backs and sides, dovetail neck joints, European flamed maple binding on its body, and natural protein glue, also known as “fish glue”, used in its construction. The classic aesthetic also includes a 1930s-style script logo on the peghead, gold open-gear tuners, and eye-catching abalone inlay work on an ebony fretboard. Â
Martin’s attention to vintage detail is evident in the 012-28s build quality and premium materials, however it boasts some more modern features as well, like Liquidmetal bridge pins with red dots, and a slightly asymmetrical Vintage Deluxe neck shape that many claim to be the most comfortable neck profile ever created. The playability of this guitar is a joy, thanks to its shorter scale length and wider fretboard that evokes prewar Martins.
Beyond its easy-on-the-eyes appearance, this guitar delivers an exceptional tonal experience. Each note produces a balance of frequencies and overtones, with a rich sustain that unfolds in dovetailing stages. The bass response, warmth, and EQ curve are all notable aspects of this Martin, making it a fantastic player-grade instrument.
- Classic Martin look and style
- Solid spruce top with East Indian Rosewood body and sides for even harmonic tone
- Vintage Tone System (VTS) mocks wood aged to specific time period
- Vintage Deluxe neck profile enhances playability and comfort
- Liquid metal bridge pins increase volume