C.F. Martin & Co DE Retro Plus Gloss Spruce/Granadillo
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- This item is covered for 3 years
What you need to know
What you need to know
- Dreadnought D-14 Fret body: plenty of volume, strong projection and solid bass.
- Solid roasted spruce top: a “played-in” response from the very first notes, with a vintage character and lively attack.
- Solid granadillo back and sides: long sustain, powerful lows and clear highs for a highly present sound.
- LR Baggs Element electronics: a dreadnought ready for the stage and studio, without sacrificing the Martin DNA.
Manufacturer Information
Martin Guitar
https://www.martinguitar.com
customerservice@martinguitar.com
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Safety manager:
Algam SAS
Email: contact@algam.net
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Essential Information About the Martin DE Retro Plus Granadillo Guitar
- D-14 Fret Dreadnought Format: large volume reserve, clear projection, and solid bass.
- Torrefied Solid Spruce Top: "played" response from the very first notes, with a vintage character and lively attack.
- Solid Granadillo Back and Sides: long sustain, powerful lows, and clear highs for a very present sound.
- LR Baggs Element Electronics: a dreadnought ready for stage and studio, without sacrificing Martin's DNA.
The "Style 28" Heritage: Classic Aesthetic, Modern Spirit
Inspired by the legendary "28-style" models, the Martin DE Retro Plus Granadillo embraces the timeless codes of the brand (Style 28 details, Dreadnought format) while adding decidedly contemporary choices. The torrefaction of the top aims to achieve the tonal maturity of a well-broken-in instrument more quickly, while the careful design and finishes make it a guitar built to last, play loudly, and record cleanly.
For Whom and Which Styles?
This Martin is aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists who want a dreadnought with a strong character, equally comfortable in powerful accompaniment and flatpicking. It shines in folk, country, pop, acoustic rock, and singer-songwriter genres, especially when seeking a broad rhythmic foundation, a solid low-end presence, and excellent clarity in the mix. The Performing Artist neck facilitates playing across the entire range, including during long sessions.
Sound
The torrefied solid spruce top provides a more open attack and a sensation of "immediate response," with a slightly drier and vintage tone, ideal for a guitar that needs to project effortlessly. The solid granadillo back and sides enhance bass depth and note definition while extending the sustain: chords remain full, and melodic lines maintain excellent hold. The scalloped X-bracing adds breath and dynamic punch, making the instrument very expressive with both pick and fingers. Finally, the LR Baggs Element electronics capture a direct and usable image of the playing, designed for performance.
Recommended Compatible Accessories
To preserve the original response and balance, you can install the recommended strings: Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Light MA540T.
Technical specifications
| Format | D-14 Fret (Dreadnought, neck/body joint at the 14th fret) | Fingerboard | ebony |
| Top | torrefied solid spruce | Fingerboard inlays | 28 Style Dots |
| Back | solid granadillo | Total number of frets | 20 |
| Sides | solid granadillo | Scale length | 25.4" / 645 mm |
| Bracing | X Brace | Nut width | 1 3/4" / 44.5 mm |
| Bracing shape | scalloped | Bridge | ebony |
| Top finish | glossy | Bridge nut | White Tusq |
| Back and sides finish | glossy | Tuners | open gear nickel |
| Top color | Aging Toner | System | LR Baggs Element |
| Pickguard | faux tortoiseshell | Case | softshell |
| Material | select hardwood | Left-handed availability | yes |
| Profile | PA Profile (Performing Artist) | Recommended string set | Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 - Light MA540T |
| Finish | satin | ||
Questions frequently asked
What sound does the torrefied spruce top of the Martin DE Retro Plus Gloss Spruce/Granadillo provide?
The solid torrefied spruce top promotes an open attack and immediate response, with a slightly dry tone. The scalloped X-bracing enhances dynamic punch and projection.
Does solid granadillo change the sound of a dreadnought?
The solid granadillo back and sides add depth in the bass, increased note definition, and more sustain.
Is this Martin dreadnought suitable for flatpicking?
This model is suitable for powerful accompaniment and flatpicking thanks to the D-14 Fret body shape and scalloped bracing. The 645 mm scale length supports precise note response. The 44.5 mm nut width provides spacing adapted to articulate playing.
What electronics are installed on this Martin?
LR Baggs Element electronics are integrated to capture the playing directly in performance situations.
What strings should be used on the DE Retro Plus Granadillo?
Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Light MA540T strings are the recommended set. A softshell case is provided with the instrument.



