Table of Contents
- Welcome to another edition of New Guitar Thursday!
- What is the Story Behind the Martin Custom Shop Size 2?
- Why Choose the Bourgeois Down East Double O?
- How Do the New Gold Tone Elite Instruments Perform?
- Must-Have Accessories for the New Guitar Thursday Lineup
- Common Questions from our Viewers
- Ready to Find Your Next Forever Instrument?
- Acoustic Shoppe FAQ
Welcome to another edition of New Guitar Thursday!
Our favorite time of the week where we unbox the latest and greatest to hit the floor at The Acoustic Shoppe. This week is particularly historic as we unveil a very special Martin Custom Shop project that has been years in the making. From 19th-century parlor guitars to the cutting edge of carbon-fiber mandolin design, we are diving deep into instruments spanning a century of musical evolution. Whether you are a bluegrass flatpicker or a collector of fine boutique instruments, there is something in this lineup that will stop you in your tracks.
What is the Story Behind the Martin Custom Shop Size 2?
The highlight of this week's New Guitar Thursday is a project that started when a customer brought a 1896 Martin Style 17 into our shop. This original parlor guitar featured Brazilian Rosewood and a level of craftsmanship that defined an era. We took that exact guitar to the Martin factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and worked directly with the Custom Shop team to re-create it.
Our modern version uses master-grade Adirondack Spruce and Guatemalan Rosewood, selected specifically to mirror the look and grain of the 1896 original. It even features a custom label dated November 19th, 1896, to honor the heritage of the model. This instrument isn't just a "new" guitar; it’s a bridge to the past, offering that vintage parlor "bark" with modern playability.
Why Choose the Bourgeois Down East Double O?
Another standout featuring in our New Guitar Thursday showcase is the Bourgeois Down East Double O Mahogany top. As a premier dealer for Bourgeois Guitars, we are thrilled to see this Standard Series model bridge the gap between high-end boutique quality and professional affordability.
Top Material: Solid Mahogany
Body Shape: Double O (14-Fret)
Tone Profile: Warm, punchy mid-range, ideal for fingerstyle and light flatpicking.
Because this instrument is priced at boutique levels, it qualifies for our exclusive Dread-Not Guarantee, ensuring your investment is protected by the best service in the industry.
How Do the New Gold Tone Elite Instruments Perform?
Gold Tone is entering a new era of "Elite" level builds, and we featured two major releases during this New Guitar Thursday stream. First is the Grandmaster Elite Mandolin, which Jeremy described as having a "deep, throaty tone" with a "poppy" response that jumps off the fretboard.
We also showcased the new Gold Tone BG150F Banjo. This model is designed to offer a professional feel without the massive weight of a traditional cast tone ring. It features a rolled brass tube tone ring and a neck profile that feels natural in the hand, moving away from the "clubby" feel often found in import banjos.
Pre-Order Now!
Instrument Specification Comparison
| Feature | Martin Custom Size 2 | Bourgeois Down East Double O | Gold Tone Grandmaster Elite |
| Type | Acoustic Guitar | Acoustic Guitar | Mandolin |
| Top Wood | Adirondack Spruce | Solid Mahogany | Solid Spruce |
| Back/Sides | Guatemalan Rosewood | Solid Mahogany | Solid Maple |
| Price Tier | Premium Custom | Mid-High Boutique | Professional Elite |
Must-Have Accessories for the New Guitar Thursday Lineup
To get the most out of these high-end instruments, you need the right support gear.
Premium Support: For the mandolin players, we highly recommend a Mandolin Tone-Gard to keep the instrument away from your body and maximize vibration.
Precision Tuning: High-end instruments deserve precision. Check out our selection of Guitar Tuners to keep your intonation spot-on.
Protection: Whether it's the carbon fiber Klös F-Style or the Martin Custom, a high-quality Mandolin Case or guitar case is essential for humidity control.
Common Questions from our Viewers
During the New Guitar Thursday live stream, our community asked some fantastic questions regarding tone and specs. One viewer asked about the difference between the Eastman E3 and the Deluxe series. The main takeaway is that the gloss finish on the Deluxe series tightens the low end and adds clarity, whereas the satin finish offers a warmer, woodier "broken-in" sound.
Another common question was about the best bluegrass guitar for a $4,000 budget. John's top recommendation remains the Bourgeois Pro series or a Martin Custom Shop D18 with an Adirondack top. These instruments provide the headroom and "cut" necessary to lead a bluegrass jam.
Ready to Find Your Next Forever Instrument?
If you saw something on this New Guitar Thursday that caught your eye, don't wait. Many of these, like the Klös carbon fiber mandolin and the Gold Tone Elite series, are available for pre-order and sell out fast.
Every instrument we sell undergoes our rigorous 23-Point Professional Setup, ensuring it plays perfectly right out of the box. Since we are the #1 Worldwide Dealer for Eastman Guitars & Mandolins, you can trust our expertise in finding the right fit for your style.
Shop Our Full Collection Here!
Acoustic Shoppe FAQ
What is the benefit of the Martin Custom Shop Size 2 body?
The Size 2 body is a traditional parlor shape that offers exceptional clarity and a focused mid-range. While smaller than a dreadnought, the Custom Shop version uses premium tonewoods to provide surprising volume and projection.
Does the Gold Tone BG150F Banjo include a tone ring?
Yes, the Gold Tone BG150F features a rolled brass tube tone ring. This provides a classic banjo "crack" and sustain while keeping the instrument much lighter than banjos with heavy cast lead-bronze tone rings.
What makes the Klös carbon fiber mandolin different from wood models?
The Klös F-style carbon fiber mandolin is nearly impervious to weather and humidity changes. Tonally, it offers more mid-range clarity than typical A-style carbon fiber models, making it sound closer to a traditional wood mandolin while remaining incredibly durable.
What is the main sonic difference between the Eastman E3 and the Deluxe series?
The primary difference is the finish. The Deluxe series features a high-gloss finish that tightens the low end and adds clarity and projection. In contrast, the standard E3 has a satin finish that sounds warmer and woodier, though it can lose some individual note definition.
What is a good recommendation for a bluegrass guitar on a $4,000 budget?
John recommends the Bourgeois Pro series (like the Country Boy or Vintage) or a Martin Custom Shop D18 with an Adirondack Spruce top. These models provide the high headroom and percussive "cut" required to be heard in a bluegrass jam.
Will upgrading my bridge pins to brass improve the sound of my Martin?
It will change the sound, but not necessarily "improve" it for everyone. Brass pins add mass to the bridge, which increases sustain but can also "muddy" the tone and slow down the decay. Most bluegrass players prefer traditional materials to maintain a crisp, woody punch.
How does the new Gold Tone BG150F compare to previous intermediate banjos?
The BG150F represents Gold Tone's new "Elite" level of building. Unlike many import banjos that feel "clubby" or thick, the 150F has a slim, natural neck profile and a rolled brass tube tone ring that provides a premium professional feel and sound at an affordable price.
Can the Bourgeois Down East Double O handle flatpicking?
While the Double O body size is traditionally a fingerstyle favorite due to its comfort and balanced mid-range, the Down East series Mahogany top version provides enough punch for light flatpicking. It is an excellent "boutique-level" versatile instrument for players who want a smaller body without sacrificing quality.
