Martin Custom Shop Expert | Super D High Flame Koa

This is one of the best sounding Martin's we've heard in the shop, and we've heard lots of good ones. Both the low end thump and clarity are there in spades; it's an absolute winner.

The Martin Custom Shop Super D is the largest body size ever offered by Martin, a bold and powerful redesign that pushes the dreadnought concept further than any model before it. While Martin has built oversized instruments in the past, such as the D-45S Authentic 1936, the Super D is the first to enter the official product line as a fully realised body shape. With an internal air volume approximately twenty percent greater than a standard dreadnought, it delivers a dramatic increase in bass response, projection and overall dynamic range. Acoustic testing revealed gains of up to 12dB compared to a standard dreadnought, giving the Super D a commanding voice that fills a room with less effort and more authority than any other Martin.

Despite its size, the Super D remains proportional and true to the classic dreadnought silhouette. Standard depth and a familiar 25.4" scale length make it surprisingly comfortable to play, and the new proprietary bracing pattern maximises volume while maintaining clarity across the frequency range. The result is a guitar with huge low-end power, accurate mids and clear, singing trebles, capable of handling everything from delicate playing to aggressive flatpicking.

This Custom Shop example features highly flamed koa back and sides, a visually stunning tonewood with deep figure and natural shimmer. The three-piece back and matching sides are finished in gloss, showcasing the dramatic flame pattern. The top is spruce with VTS treatment, giving it the openness and responsiveness of a well-aged vintage instrument. Tri-Colour Herringbone top inlay, antique white binding and a multi-stripe rosette complete the elegant aesthetic.

The ebony fingerboard and bridge offer a smooth, premium feel, with Diamond and Square Long Pattern abalone inlays adding a touch of classic Martin refinement. The Modified Low Oval neck with High-Performance Taper provides modern comfort, while the genuine mahogany neck with satin finish feels fast and familiar. Nickel open-gear butterbean tuners sit on a highly flamed koa headplate with CFM Script inlay, tying the whole instrument together visually.

As a Custom Shop Expert Dealer exclusive model, the Super D in High Flame Koa is available only through a select handful of dealers worldwide, with Peach being one of only two in the UK. It is a rare, powerful and visually striking instrument that represents the pinnacle of Martin craftsmanship and innovation.