C.F. Martin & Co DE Retro Plus

A "retro" spirit designed to play anywhere

The DE Retro Plus follows an approach that blends the traditional aesthetics of folk guitars with more contemporary performance-oriented choices. The idea is simple: preserve the acoustic character (woods, resonance, natural response), while adding the comfort and practicality expected from a modern instrument, notably through onboard electronics and smooth handling.

For which guitarists and styles?

This electro-acoustic folk guitar is aimed at a wide audience, from motivated beginners to intermediate and advanced guitarists seeking a versatile instrument. It is particularly well suited for folk, pop, acoustic rock, country, and fingerstyle. On stage, its built-in preamp facilitates amplification; in the studio, its construction promotes a balanced and usable sound capture.

Sound

The solid spruce top provides clarity and excellent dynamic response: pick playing gains definition, while arpeggios maintain a beautiful note separation. The mahogany back and sides add a rounder, warmer tone with present mids and well-controlled lows, naturally highlighting rhythmic accompaniment and singing playing. The bone nut contributes to a more direct vibration transmission and a more even sustain feel. Finally, the integrated preamp system allows you to retain this sonic foundation when plugged in, with a reproduction designed to remain clear in a mix.

Technical specifications

Category	Steel String Shaped Body Electric-Acoustic	Fingerboard	Ebony
Format	Dreadnought	Original Strings	Light
Left handed	No	Cover/case	Soft-case
Cutaway	No	Neck Type	Glued
Strings	Steel	Electroacoustic	Yes
Nbr of strings	6	Color	Natural
Back&Sides	Mahogany	Finishing	Glossy
Neck	Selected wood	Hardware	Nickel

Type	electro-acoustic folk guitar	Profile	comfortable (effortless playing)
Top	solid spruce	System	built-in preamp
Back	mahogany	Nut	bone
Sides	mahogany	Finish	satin