Martin 0-12 Fret Custom Shop Birdseye Maple "Stauffer Inspired"

The story of the legendary Martin guitar factory began in Markneukirchen, Germany. Christian Friedrich Martin Senior, founder of Martin Guitars, came to Austria in 1820 at the age of 24 to work in Johann Stauffer's guitar factory, probably the most famous at the time. He later carried this influence back to Germany and finally to the USA in 1833, where he emigrated with his family. The guitars created at that time were strongly influenced by Stauffer's work. I was able to experience one such guitar, probably the oldest Martin guitar in existence today, in the museum in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. This special instrument gave me the inspiration for this Custom Shop instrument!

In April 2025, I was able to visit the factory and select the perfect woods for this project. A fine Engelmann spruce is used for the top. For the back and sides, the choice naturally fell on birdseye maple. Here, I was able to select a beautiful, premium-class set. The neck is made of mahogany and, typical of the Stauffer style, finished in black. I opted for a black satin finish. The headstock front, which is also veneered with birdseye maple, has a high-gloss finish like the rest of the instrument. To continue the stylistic "black and white" theme, the bindings are also black. A rosette in the "Old Style 18" look completes the simple appearance. Selected black ebony is used for the fingerboard and bridge. The bridge itself is a pyramid bridge and features a bone saddle and bridge pins. Another visual highlight is the "C.F. Martin" stamp on the back, directly below the neck heel. A detail that can also be found on old guitars from the 19th century!

What can we expect in terms of sound? With its small 0-12 fret body and wood combination of Engelmann spruce and birdseye maple, you can expect a clear, warm, and balanced sound. The response is very airy and light. Furthermore, the string separation is very good. The overtones are rather subtle. It will be an intimate sound experience, as the instrument responds very directly to the player's actions. This guitar will be wonderful for fingerpicking and will be perfect both on the couch and in the recording studio. Players who come from a classical guitar background or are looking for a steel-string guitar that closely resembles the feel and sound of a classical guitar will particularly enjoy this instrument.

A wonderful one-of-a-kind piece from the Martin Custom Shop, conceived as a homage to the roots of this traditional manufacturer!