Last updated: February 08, 2024Every guitar enthusiast acknowledges the remarkable contribution of Martin Guitars to the world of music. In the discussion of the acoustic guitar’s evolution, the name Martin is impossible to overlook.
Christian Frederick Martin, the founder, was born into a family of cabinet makers. His journey toward guitar craftsmanship began under the tutelage of Johann Stauffer in Markneukirchen, Germany. The expertise gained from this mentorship and a passion for music prompted Martin to establish his own guitar manufacturing company in 1833.
Since then, Martin Guitars has been at the forefront of innovation in the guitar industry, introducing design elements and crafting techniques that have become the standard in modern acoustic guitars. A delicate blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary technology is the brand’s signature, evident in every guitar that bears the Martin name.
The Martin D-10E guitar is a member of the brand’s Road Series, a range specifically designed for the modern performer who’s always on the move. It serves as an upgrade to the previous DRS1 and DRS2 models, featuring enhanced electronics, improved aesthetics, and a handy inbuilt tuner. However, to consider it merely an upgrade would be a disservice to this guitar’s distinctiveness. It offers an elevated playing experience that encapsulates the quality and performance Martin is known for, all at an affordable price point.
The first thing that strikes you when you hold a D-10E is its remarkable craftsmanship, reflecting Martin’s meticulous attention to detail. The guitar features a dreadnought body shape known for its robust, resonant sound. This guitar is entirely constructed from solid woods, featuring a Sitka spruce top and Sapele back and sides, ensuring an improvement in tone quality over time.
The D-10E surpasses its predecessors, the DRS1 and DRS2, in aesthetics. A mother of pearl pattern on the fingerboard and around the soundhole, faux tortoiseshell pickguard, and a multi-stripe rosette border make the D-10E visually appealing.
The instrument also features a satin finish all over, complemented by a Richlite fingerboard and bridge, both FSC certified. The neck is hand-rubbed, underscoring Martin’s dedication to exceptional craftsmanship.
A great guitar must sound phenomenal and be comfortable to play. The D-10E delivers remarkably well on this aspect.
The neck of the D-10E, often referred to as the ‘Performing Artist’ neck, is notable for its slim profile, making it ideal for players of various hand sizes.
The D-10E’s ergonomics, the way it fits against the player’s body, the ease of reaching upper frets, and the balance while standing or sitting all contribute to the instrument’s overall playability. This guitar supports every style of playing with grace, whether it’s fingerstyle, flat-picking, or strumming.
Constructed with a dreadnought body and all-solid woods, the D-10E produces a vibrant, resonant sound packed with volume and sustain. It delivers a rich bass response, well-balanced mids, and clear, ringing highs. The D-10E’s sound quality is so robust that it delivers a full-bodied sound even when played acoustically.
While the D-10E sounds beautiful acoustically, its amplified sound is where it truly excels. Thanks to the Fishman MX-T electronics, the D-10E offers an amplified sound that is balanced, clear, and full of detail.
The Fishman MX-T electronics system in the D-10E includes a Sonicore under-saddle pickup and an easy-to-use preamp with volume and tone controls. The pickup captures the guitar’s natural resonance, and the preamp enables you to shape your sound according to your personal style and the demands of the venue.
One of the D-10E’s standout features is its onboard tuner, which is discreetly located inside the soundhole. The tuner is convenient for quick, on-the-spot tuning adjustments and automatically mutes the guitar’s output when engaged, sparing your audience the ordeal of hearing your mid-performance tuning.
The Martin D-10E is suitable for guitarists at every skill level, from beginners embarking on their musical journey to seasoned performers seeking a reliable workhorse. Its price point places it within reach for those who desire the Martin sound and build quality without the investment of higher-end models.
While the D-10E is an excellent instrument, it might not be the right choice for every musician. Those seeking a vintage or boutique guitar experience or prefer smaller, concert-style bodies for their main instrument may want to explore other options in Martin’s catalog or other manufacturers.
The Martin D-10E is constructed entirely from solid woods, featuring a Sitka spruce top and Sapele back and sides.
In the context of Martin Guitars, the ‘E’ stands for Electric. This signifies that the guitar, like the D-10E, includes onboard electronics for amplification.
The Martin D-10E, like all Martin guitars, is manufactured in the USA, specifically in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where the Martin company is headquartered.
Yes, Martins and other solid wood guitars generally improve with age. The natural wood’s cellular structure dries and hardens over time, enhancing resonance, volume, and tonal complexity.
The Martin D-10E stands as a testament to the brand’s longstanding tradition of creating remarkable, high-quality instruments. It offers an accessible option for those seeking Martin’s sound quality and craftsmanship without the price tag of its higher-end models.
The guitar’s eye-catching aesthetics, comfortable playability, rich acoustic sound, and superior amplified tone make it a well-rounded choice. The D-10E doesn’t just uphold Martin’s esteemed reputation—it enriches it. Whether you’re on a stage, in a recording studio, or simply jamming at home, the D-10E will accompany and elevate your music.
A guitar like the D-10E isn’t merely a tool for making music—it’s a companion for your musical journey and a collaborator in your sonic narratives. Picking up a Martin D-10E is not just purchasing an instrument—it’s investing in a piece of history and a partner in your musical adventure.
