The Martin Custom Shop represents the pinnacle of personalized craftsmanship in the acoustic guitar world, and we at The Acoustic Shoppe recently had the privilege of experiencing it firsthand. Our journey to Nazareth, Pennsylvania gave us a deeper understanding of what truly goes into creating a Martin Custom Shop instrument—from wood selection to voicing—and we returned not only inspired, but also with our very first custom Martin guitar in hand.
A New Chapter in Our Martin Partnership
As a newer Martin dealer, we expected a lot from the Martin Custom Shop, but what we discovered exceeded every expectation. This wasn’t just about picking specs off a form—it was about collaboration, innovation, and artistry. From meeting Jimmy Kleintop, the head of the custom shop, to walking through Martin’s unmatched wood vaults, we found ourselves immersed in a process that was equal parts heritage and forward-thinking creativity.
We walked in hoping to get a great guitar. We left with a one-of-a-kind instrument that redefines what a maple-bodied Martin can be.
Introducing Our First Martin Custom Shop Guitar
The very first Martin Custom Shop guitar now at The Acoustic Shoppe is a Grand Performance model with 14 frets and a breathtaking list of specifications. This isn’t just a beautiful guitar—it’s an example of how Martin's best luthiers can push the limits of design, tone, and player experience.
Main Specs for the Custom Shop Grand Performance
Model: Grand Performance 14-Fret
Top: High Altitude Swiss European Spruce
Back & Sides: Pacific Big Leaf Flamed Maple
Neck: Flamed Maple with Matching Binding
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Scale Length: 25.4"
Nut Width: 1 3/4" (Low Oval profile with soft V feel)
Finish: Gloss Body with Satin Neck
Color: Toasted Burst (Custom-designed by Jimmy Kleintop)
Inlays: Style 45 Reduced Hexagon with PA Shell
Tone Enhancements: Liquidmetal bridge pins + custom-voiced tone bars
This guitar is priced at $11,921, and every dollar is reflected in the tone, aesthetics, and craftsmanship.
Tone Like Nothing Else
One of the biggest surprises from this Martin Custom Shop creation is the tone. Traditionally, maple-bodied guitars are known for being bright and somewhat lacking in low-end punch. That’s not the case here. Thanks to custom voicing done by Jimmy himself—specifically shaving the tone bars and selecting a top with more flexibility—this Grand Performance has a full-bodied resonance that’s punchy, warm, and incredibly balanced across all strings.
Whether you’re a fingerstyle player or a dynamic singer-songwriter, this guitar offers articulation, clarity, and power in equal measure. It sounds as stunning as it looks.
Built by Martin’s Elite Team
What makes the Martin Custom Shop truly stand out is the people behind it. The team that builds these guitars isn’t just any group of luthiers—they’re Martin’s most experienced craftspeople, many of whom have worked there for 20 to 30 years. The result? A guitar that’s flawless from the inside out.
The inside of this guitar is just as clean and precise as its exterior. No glue marks. No inconsistencies. No imperfections. Just expert execution at every level.
Setting a New Standard for Playability
From the moment we picked it up, this Martin Custom Shop guitar felt like it had been made specifically for us. Set up with medium strings and precision PLEK’d, it played effortlessly. The neck profile hits a sweet spot—a low oval shape with just enough subtle V to give it a vintage feel without sacrificing comfort.
In terms of playability, this is one of the best Martin guitars we’ve ever put in our hands. It’s ready for performance, studio work, or serious collecting.
Aesthetics That Let the Wood Speak
Martin is known for elaborate inlays and pearl-heavy builds—but this guitar shows restraint in the best way. The flamed maple back and sides, paired with the Toasted Burst finish, speak volumes without shouting. The PA shell inlays are vivid, colorful, and tasteful, complementing the gold hardware and white accents.
We wouldn’t change a thing about the visual design. It’s understated elegance at its finest—a hallmark of a truly custom instrument.
Sustainable Craftsmanship
At The Acoustic Shoppe, sustainability matters—and we’re happy to say that this Martin Custom Shop guitar passes our internal sustainability check. Chris Martin and the Martin team have made major strides in responsible wood sourcing and production practices. This guitar, built with flamed maple and high-altitude spruce, reflects those efforts while still offering premium performance.
Who Is This Guitar For?
We asked ourselves that question the moment we first played it. The answer? This Martin Custom Shop Grand Performance is ideal for players who appreciate rare tonewoods, one-of-a-kind builds, and premium craftsmanship. It’s not for the average beginner—but for a collector, professional performer, or passionate guitarist who wants something that can’t be replicated, this guitar checks every box.
Think stage-ready beauty for touring artists, heirloom-quality build for collectors, or tonal complexity for discerning fingerstyle players.
Pros and Cons of This Custom Shop Build
Pros:
Unique tonal character for a maple-bodied guitar
Elite-level craftsmanship and clean build quality
Stunning, natural aesthetic without excess bling
Comfortable, fast-playing neck profile
Sustain and balance that rivals much larger body shapes
Cons:
Price point (~$12,000) may be out of reach for many players
Not ideal for bluegrass-style flatpicking or dreadnought purists
A New Era of Martin Custom Guitars at The Acoustic Shoppe
This is just the beginning. Our visit to the Martin Custom Shop wasn’t a one-time event—it was the start of a long-term collaboration. We’re already working on new builds, some rooted in traditional specs, and others that push the boundaries of design and tone.
Whether you’re seeking a maple masterpiece or something entirely different, we now offer custom Martin guitars that you simply can’t get anywhere else.
Final Thoughts
The Martin Custom Shop gave us more than just a guitar—it gave us a deeper connection to the craftsmanship, history, and innovation that makes Martin one of the most respected names in the industry. This Grand Performance guitar is proof that even within tradition, there’s room for innovation, personality, and new musical stories.
Come visit us at The Acoustic Shoppe in Springfield, Missouri, or explore our current Martin Custom Shop collection online. We’d love to help you find your dream custom guitar—one that sounds as good as it looks and feels like it was built just for you.
