C.F. Martin & Co CS 00-12 Guatemalan RW C23-031915

A Custom Shop with a "Style 28" Flair, Featuring the Unique Charm of 12 Frets

The CS 00-12 Guatemalan RW C23-031915 embodies the spirit of a 00-28 style while asserting a distinctly "Custom Shop" personality: wood selection, level of detail, and balance designed for nuance. Choosing a neck-body joint at 12 frets is not just a vintage look: it places the bridge in a particularly resonant area of the soundboard, often enhancing the sense of roundness and density in the low-midrange. Combined with the 00 body size, this results in a compact yet surprisingly present guitar, made to inspire both at home and under the microphone in the studio.

For Which Guitarist and Styles?

With its short scale length and 00 format, this model targets the intermediate guitarist who wants to step up in comfort and musicality, as well as the advanced musician seeking an expressive, sensitive, and "alive" acoustic. It excels in fingerstyle, folk, acoustic blues, delicate accompaniment, and open tunings where the flexibility under the fingers and harmonic richness are appreciated. Lacking electronics and a cutaway, it is designed for pure acoustic playing: natural projection, easy recording, and dynamics that faithfully follow the right hand.

Sound Characteristics

The Engelmann spruce top is valued for its quick response and soft attack: it "speaks" quickly, with singing mids and a detailed high end without harshness, perfect for arpeggios and finger nuances. The scalloped X-bracing at 1/4" thickness contributes to this responsiveness by opening up the top and promoting a beautiful harmonic breadth. The Guatemalan rosewood (back and sides) adds depth, definition, and note length: full but controlled basses, silky highs, and sustain that highlights melodies. Finally, the 00 Grand Concert format favors balance and precision: a guitar that lets each string breathe, ideal for articulate and musical playing.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To stay consistent with the original spirit and setup, a set of light gauge 012-054 steel acoustic strings is a safe and versatile choice. To protect the woods and stabilize the action throughout the seasons, a universal acoustic guitar humidifier is highly recommended, especially during heating periods or in dry environments.

Technical specifications

Type	acoustic guitar (no electronics)	Tail Block	mahogany (000)
Orientation	right-handed	Purflings	European curly maple
Number of Strings	6	Back Purfling	Style 28 (Checker)
Format	00 Grand Concert Body	Back Bracing - Material	spruce
Body Depth	standard	Back Bracing - Pattern	0012 Fret
Top	Engelmann spruce	Center Strip	spruce
Top Upgrade	standard	Ribbons	Spanish cedar
Top Final Grade	Grade 3-4	Endpiece - Material	European curly maple
Top Thickness	standard	Rosette Style	2 Ring Black Maple with MOP Squares
Top Bracing - Material	spruce	Rosette - Mother of Pearl	Mother of Pearl Squares
Top Bracing - Pattern	X Brace	Rosette - Pearl Thickness	0.230" / 5.84 mm
Top Bracing - Shape	scalloped	Rosette - Poly	0.200 Poly (0.200" / 5.08 mm)
Top Bracing - Style	standard	Top Pearl	none
Bracing Size	1/4" / 6.35 mm	Pickguard	Faux Tortoise (Pattern 7B)
Back and Sides	Guatemalan rosewood	Rosette and Pickguard Note	Belleza Nera Rosette by Request - may require trimming PG to fit rosette
Back and Sides Grade	Premium	Inspiration Model	00-28 Style
Back	2-piece	Ornamentation Level	standard
Neck Block	mahogany (00/000, 12, Adj-Long Leg)	Adhesive	Modern Adhesive