C.F. Martin & Co Cs 000 Sitka Spruce/Flamed Mahogany

A 000 Custom Shop: the Nazareth spirit, combining tradition and meticulous selection

This 000 was created through a design process carried out directly in the workshops of the Custom Shop Martin Guitar in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. The idea is simple: start with an iconic body shape, then take the choice of woods, craftsmanship and appointments in a more exclusive direction, without betraying the Martin DNA.

The 000 body shape occupies a special place in the range: less imposing than a dreadnought, yet fuller than a travel-sized guitar, it highlights balance and finesse. Here, the specifications go further with sculpted "Golden Era" bracing and carefully selected aesthetic details (rosette, pickguard, square headstock), creating an instrument with a traditional look and a modern touch.

Which guitarists and styles is this 000 ideal for?

Thanks to its 000 body shape and natural balance, this guitar is well suited to a wide range of intermediate to expert guitarists looking for an expressive, responsive and nuanced acoustic instrument. It will also appeal to demanding beginners seeking an inspiring instrument from the outset, provided they appreciate a guitar that responds sensitively to picking attack and right-hand nuances.

In terms of styles, it excels at fingerstyle (articulation and note separation), folk and acoustic pop (full yet well-defined chords), while remaining highly comfortable for blues and vocal accompaniment. The 000 body shape is also a relevant choice for recording: it fills the sonic space without excessive bass, making it easier to place in a mix.

Precise and warm tone: Sitka, flamed mahogany and "Golden Era" bracing

The grade 4 Sitka spruce top delivers everything expected from a great acoustic guitar: a crisp attack, excellent dynamics and the ability to handle an energetic right hand. Sitka is valued for its versatility: it responds quickly to a light touch while retaining its composure when played harder.

The flamed mahogany back and sides give the guitar a warm tonal character, with prominent mids and exceptionally clear chord definition. Mahogany often brings the instrument's "voice" to the forefront: clear fundamentals, singing midrange and an intimate feel that particularly benefits fingerpicking and accompaniment.

The key feature of this model remains the sculpted "Golden Era" X bracing. This type of craftsmanship generally allows the top to move more freely, resulting in a livelier guitar: greater projection at the same attack level, more dimension in the nuances and sustain that develops naturally without artificially swelling the bass. On a 000 body shape, the result is often spectacular: a solid foundation is preserved while precision and expressiveness are enhanced.

In terms of playing feel, the overall result is enhanced by coherent choices: ebony key and bridge for definition, a compensated bone bridge saddle for precise intonation and efficient vibration transfer, and a gloss finishing that highlights both the flamed mahogany and the spruce. The "faux tortoiseshell" pickguard and "Bold Herringbone" rosette complete the visual character with a distinctly "vintage" elegance.

Recommended compatible accessories

To get the most out of this 000, you may want to have a set of Light-gauge folk acoustic strings (the body shape and configuration accommodate this standard), as well as an acoustic guitar humidifier if the instrument is stored in a dry room. A chromatic tuner (clip-on or pedal) and a guitar stand complete a simple, useful setup with no compatibility concerns.

Technical specifications

Body shape	000	Scale length	24.98" / 634.5 mm
Glue	Modern	Neck wood	12/4 mahogany
Top	Grade 4 spruce	Number of frets	14
Bracing	Sculpted "Golden Era" X-bracing	Truss rod	adjustable
Back and sides	flamed mahogany	Profile	GE Modified Low Oval, High Performance Taper
Binding	black top binding	Key	ebony
Rosette	3-ring "Bold Herringbone" Boltaron	Key markers	Style 45 snowflakes
Bridge	GE Modern Belly	Neck finishing	satin, gloss headstock
Bridge material	ebony, GE Modern Belly	Headstock	square flamed mahogany
Saddle	compensated bone	Headstock inlay	CFM Block in abalone
Pickguard	faux tortoiseshell	Tuning machines	Grover Gold V97-18GA StaTite, 18:1 ratio, with Vintage buttons
Kerfing	Spanish cedar	Strings	Martin Athentic Lifespan 2.0 Light
Finishing	gloss