Martin D-12E Retro Road Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Aging Toner

Built for players who demand timeless craftsmanship and bold dreadnought tone in an ultra-dependable package, the Martin D-12E Retro Road Series acoustic-electric guitar is a stage-ready workhorse that perfectly bridges the gap between modern performance and classic Martin soul. Its solid spruce top and solid sapele back and sides produce the powerful voice and harmonic depth that have defined Martin dreadnoughts for generations, while scalloped X-bracing maximizes responsiveness and sustain. The comfortably contoured Performing Artist neck is capped with a smooth ebony fingerboard, ensuring effortless playability across the entire register. Finished with vintage-inspired Style 18 appointments and Martin E1 electronics, this Road Series standout is designed to sound great, play intuitively and go the distance.

Solid Spruce and Sapele Construction for Powerful Dreadnought Tone

The D-12E Retro’s solid spruce top provides excellent clarity, dynamic range and headroom, making it ideal for players who dig in with confidence. Solid sapele back and sides contribute a focused low end and strong midrange presence that help the guitar sit naturally in a mix. Scalloped X-bracing allows the top to move freely, increasing volume and responsiveness without sacrificing control. Combined with the dreadnought body shape, this construction produces bold projection and rich harmonic content suited for strumming, flatpicking and vocal accompaniment.

Comfortable Performing Artist Neck and Smooth Ebony Fingerboard

The Performing Artist neck profile and high-performance taper deliver a smooth, modern playing feel that accommodates a wide range of styles and techniques. The carve promotes a relaxed fretting-hand position while maintaining stability for confident rhythm work. An ebony fingerboard adds a refined touch and a smooth playing surface, complemented by Style 18 dot inlays for a classic visual cue. With a 25.4" scale length and precise factory setup, the D-12E Retro offers a balanced feel that encourages both comfort and control.

Stage-Ready Martin E1 Electronics With Built-In Tuner

Equipped with Martin’s E1 electronics system, the D-12E Retro is ready for stage and studio applications alike. The system delivers clean, natural amplification that preserves the guitar’s acoustic voice, while onboard volume and tone controls allow quick adjustments during performance. A built-in tuner provides convenient, on-the-fly reference between songs, keeping setups streamlined and efficient. Whether plugged into a PA, amp or recording interface, the E1 system ensures consistent, musical results in any amplified environment.

Vintage-Inspired Style 18 Appointments and Road-Ready Hardware

Drawing inspiration from Martin’s Style 18 heritage, the D-12E Retro balances classic aesthetics with practical road-ready reliability. The gloss finish highlights the natural beauty of the tonewoods, while black binding, a multi-stripe rosette and faux tortoiseshell pickguard add understated visual depth. Nickel open-gear tuners with butterbean knobs provide dependable tuning stability with a vintage look. A modern belly ebony bridge completes the package, reinforcing the guitar’s blend of tradition and performance-focused design.

The Martin D-12E Retro: Classic Power, Modern Reliability

The Martin D-12E Retro is built for players who want the authority of a dreadnought paired with refined styling and dependable electronics. From its powerful acoustic voice and comfortable neck to its vintage-inspired details and gig-ready Martin E1 system, this Road Series model is designed to grow with you over years of playing. Complete with a soft case, the Martin D-12E Retro Road Series acoustic-electric guitar delivers timeless tone, confident performance and the reliability working musicians depend on.