Martin Custom Shop 0-18K2 Koa: Limited to 100 Guitars Worldwide!
Honoring 100 Years of Adopting Sprayed Lacquer
Martin Guitars is celebrating the anniversary of a major invention in its history: in 1926, the company adopted sprayed lacquer, which revolutionized both the sound and look of their acoustic guitars. To mark the 100th anniversary, the company is releasing the Custom Shop 0-18K2 Koa, which honors one of the first models to feature this finishing process. This acoustic guitar not only features the finest materials, but it is also highly limited: only 100 models will be available worldwide.
Martin Custom Shop 0-18K2 Koa: Compact, Classic, Koa Body
The Martin Custom Shop 0-18K2 Koa commemorates the 100th anniversary of Martin adopting the sprayed lacquer method. Even at the time of its introduction, Martin Guitars was already a major player in the guitar world. To meet its high-quality standards even in mass production, the company introduced spray lacquering.
According to Martin, this set new standards in 1926 for both appearance and sound quality that continue to influence the world of acoustic guitars to this day. By applying the finish particularly thinly, the natural resonance of their acoustic guitars could develop virtually unimpeded. This contributed significantly to their legendary sound.
The Custom Shop 0-18K2 Koa comes with a body crafted from Hawaiian koa wood and it joins Martin’s O’AHU series. The acoustic guitar comes in the compact Concert body size, or 0-12F, as Martin calls it.
X-bracing and Ebony Fingerboard
The flamed koa wood of the Custom Shop 0-18K2 Koa is particularly well showcased by the “Vintage Gloss” finish. In addition, the manufacturer has installed a scalloped, hand-shaped Golden Era X-bracing in the body, which contributes significantly to the acoustic guitar’s exceptionally detailed response.
There are even more elements that add to the guitar’s timeless vibe. Martin has fitted the neck, crafted from select hardwood, with an ebony fingerboard featuring old-style 18 abalone inlays. You also get 20 frets, a 24.9-inch scale length, and a bone nut (1.75 inches).
The manufacturer has also opted for ebony for the bridge, along with Golden Age Relic brass tuners.
How much does the Martin Custom Shop 0-18K2 Koa cost?
Something so strictly limited (and from Martin, no less) won’t be cheap. And rightly so. If you want to snag one of the 100 models available worldwide, you can get the Martin Custom Shop 0-18K2 Koa for €7,799 at Thomann*. It comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by CEO Chris Martin IV and a hard-shell case.
More on the Guitar from Martin
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