Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Martin Announces 15 New Instruments for NAMM 2012

An expansion of the Performing Artist Series instruments, Custom Series, Road series, refinement of the D-18 model, and several new ukulele models

Nazareth, PA (December 18, 2011) – C. F. Martin & Co. has announced their lineup of new instruments for the 2012 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, January 19-22. The iconic acoustic guitar-maker will unveil 15 innovative guitars and ukuleles that will enhance the brand’s already premiere line of instruments.

Attendees visiting the Martin Guitar booth (Booth 5454 Hall B) will be able to have the chance to preview the new releases that include: an expansion of the highly successful Performing Artist Series instruments, Custom Series, Road series, refinement of the D-18 model, and several new ukulele models, spinning on the heels of the successful run of ukulele models revealed last year.

DRS2
The latest of Martin’s hard-working, great sounding solid wood Road Series guitars, the new DRS2 delivers a unique blend of durability and concert-quality sound and projection. Constructed with solid Sapele back and sides and Sitka spruce top, the DRS2 is a serious working musician’s guitar built with an extra rigid Stratabond neck to withstand the rigors of touring. A Fishman Sonitone sound reinforcement system completes this very road – and stage – worthy Martin. Includes a hardshell case. MSRP: $1099

DCPA5 and GPCPA5
The new DCPA5 and GCPA5 are Martin's most affordable Performing Artist models. Available in both a Dreadnought and Grand Performance cutaway, both models include solid Sitka spruce top, koa patterned high pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides, High Performance Neck and Fishman F1 Analog electronics. Case available. MSRP $1099

DCPA4 Siris and GPCPA4 Siris
With these two new Performing Artists guitars, Martin introduces an exciting new tonewood called Siris, adding even more tonal color and variety to the PA series. The DCPA4 Siris and the GPCPA4 Siris are 14-fret cutaway guitars, and have fast, comfortable Performing Artist profile necks, Hybrid "X" scalloped top bracing, black Richlite fingerboards and bridges and Fishman F1 Analog onboard electronics. Case included. MSRP: $1849

GPCPA4 Sapele
Martin Guitar has been a leader in sourcing alternative wood species for over two decades and the company’s continued commitment to responsible guitar building will be on display at this year’s show. The GPCPA4 Sapele features FSC Certified Recycled Sitka Spruce reclaimed from dismantled Canadian bridges and is finished with a polished gloss top. Includes Fishman F1 Analog electronics and a hardshell case. MSRP: $1799

DCPA1 Madagascar Rosewood and GPCPA1 Madagascar Rosewood
These dovetail models push the envelope of Martin’s high end instruments, with solid Adirondack Spruce top, solid Madagascar Rosewood back and sides, Golden Era bracing, pearl accents and Fishman F1 Aura + electronics featuring Easy Mode. The guitar is available in Dreadnought and Grand Performance sizes, each with a gray Geib style case. MSRP: $6499

CS-D18-12
Inspired by a 1929 Ditson 111 that resides in the C.F. Martin museum, the CS-D18-12 is a 12 fret Dreadnought with a body constructed of mahogany reclaimed from rivers in Belize. Commonly referred to as “sinker mahogany,” these logs sank to the bottom of a river that was used to transport them and have been lost for over 100 years. Hot hide glue was used to construct these instruments which also boast a T-bar trussrod, slotted headstock, and Adirondack spruce top. Also included on the CS-D18-12 and new for 2012 is the Custom Shop Thin Finish package. This nitrocellulose finish is 40% thinner than the standard C.F. Martin nitrocellulose finish. Only 75 of these instruments will be made for the world in 2012. MSRP $6499

CS-D28-12
The CS-D28-12 is a gorgeous 14 fret Dreadnought highlighted by its Cocobolo back and sides, and Adirondack spruce top. Cocobolo is a rare and dense tonewood from Mexico that delivers beautiful bell-like tones. The custom model features a two-way trussrod, forward shifted and scalloped bracing, and herringbone trim. Also included on the CS-D28-12 and new for 2012 is the Custom Shop Thin Finish package. This nitrocellulose finish is 40% thinner than the standard C.F. Martin nitrocellulose finish. Only 125 of these instruments will be made for the world in 2012. MRSP $6999, $7249 for sunburst

The Mamas and The Papas Custom Artist Edition
A new 14-fret Dreadnought crafted of rare premium tonewoods, the guitar's top is made of Carpathian spruce, solid Madagascar rosewood on the back and sides, with a neck carved from genuine mahogany. An ebony head plate features The Mamas and The Papas’ silhouettes inlaid in solid mother of pearl directly above the nut. Each guitar is equipped with MSP7200 medium gauge phosphor bronze Martin SP Lifespan strings and will be limited to no more than 100 special instruments. MSRP $4999

For more information:
Martin

Check out these exclusive Amazon Prime gear discounts, only available October 8—9. Upgrade your sound without hurting your budget!

Read MoreShow less

In our annual pedal report, we review 20 new devices from the labs of large and boutique builders.

Read MoreShow less

A familiar-feeling looper occupies a sweet spot between intuitive and capable.

Intuitive operation. Forgiving footswitch feel. Extra features on top of basic looping feel like creative assets instead of overkill.

Embedded rhythm tracks can sneak up on you if you’re not careful about the rhythm level.

$249

DigiTech JamMan Solo HD
digitech.com

4.5
4.5
4.5
4

Maybe every guitarist’s first pedal should be a looper. There are few more engaging ways to learn than playing along to your own ideas—or programmed rhythms, for that matter, which are a component of the new DigiTech JamMan Solo HD’s makeup. Beyond practicing, though, the Solo HD facilitates creation and fuels the rush that comes from instant composition and arrangement or jamming with a very like-minded partner in a two-man band.

Read MoreShow less

Three thrilling variations on the ’60s-fuzz theme.

Three very distinct and practical voices. Searing but clear maximum-gain tones. Beautiful but practically sized.

Less sensitive to volume attenuation than some germanium fuzz circuits.

$199

Warm Audio Warm Bender
warmaudio.com

4.5
4.5
5
4

In his excellent videoFuzz Detective, my former Premier Guitar colleague and pedal designer Joe Gore put forth the proposition that theSola Sound Tone Bender MkII marked the birth of metal. TakeWarm Audio’s Warm Bender for a spin and it’s easy to hear what he means. It’s nasty and it’s heavy—electrically awake with the high-mid buzz you associate with mid-’60s psych-punk, but supported with bottom-end ballast that can knock you flat (which may be where the metal bit comes in).

Read MoreShow less