Martin 5-28 Terz: The Smallest Martin Guitar Is Back! Plus Three New Acoustic Models
OM-35 Inception and two Custom Shop Models
Martin has unveiled four new acoustic guitars: the 5-28 Terz, the OM-35 Inception, and the Custom Shop models 0-18 and 0-28. The first guitar, in particular, is quite unusual by Martin standards in terms of size and tuning.
All the new Guitars from Martin:
Martin 5-28 Terz: Go for the Third!
Let’s start with the most unusual model in this release, the 5-28 Terz. Its size alone (Size 5) is worth mentioning. Especially for Martin, where rather bulbous acoustic guitars are most of the lineup. While Martin has occasionally offered Size 5 models, this guitar is the first production model in a while.
The 5-28 Terz features 18 frets and a scale length of 543 mm (21.38″). That’s just under 10 cm shorter than typical Martin models (632 mm or 645 mm). With this short scale length, it’s almost in the same category as the rather rare tenor guitars. In addition (as the name implies) this acoustic guitar is factory-tuned a third higher, to G–C–F–B–D–G.
Why not just put a capo on the third fret of a standard model? The combination of the compact design (back and sides: solid palisander; top: solid spruce; neck: select hardwood; fingerboard: ebony) and the higher tuning produces a bell-like sound that you’d never hear with a standard model.
What does this offer? In ensembles and during studio recordings, the 5-28 Terz adds a unique tonal element—the sound seems to float, and the chords or arpeggios of the larger guitars resonate even more powerfully thanks to the added third. The Martin 5-28 Terz is available at Thomann*.
Martin OM-35 Inception: Sustainable Acoustic Guitar
The “35” traditionally denotes a three-piece back, as seen on the D-35. On this model, the back consists of two halves of black walnut, with a delta-shaped wedge of flamed American white oak in between. The sides and neck are also made of black walnut, and the top is made from FSC-certified European spruce.
Inside, we find GE Scalloped X-Bracing, which, according to Martin, was specifically engineered for this combination of woods. The braces themselves are also made of FSC-certified spruce. The fingerboard, bridge, and headstock inlay are made of FSC-certified ebony. As you can see, the manufacturer places particular emphasis on sustainable materials in this model.
Since we already mentioned the scale length on the 5-28 Terz, here it’s 645 mm, with 20 frets. The guitar comes with in a molded hardshell case. It’s available at Thomann*.
Custom Shop 0-18 and 0-28: Premium Custom Shop Models
Both Custom Shop models come in the 0 size: 632 mm scale length, GE-Modified Low-Oval neck, 20 frets. In addition, both acoustic guitars feature hand-carved Adirondack GE scalloped bracing, a vintage gloss finish on the body and neck, abalone fretboard inlays, and are plectrum-finished.
The Custom Shop 0-18 combines a solid Adirondack spruce top with an aging tone and solid genuine mahogany for the back, sides, and neck. Sonically, it’s the drier, more direct of the two: Martin lists fingerstyle, songwriting, and recording as its recommended uses.
The Custom Shop 0-28 replaces mahogany with solid East Indian rosewood for the back and sides (the neck remains mahogany).
More on the new Guitars from Martin
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