MARTIN - 0-12 fret - CUSTOM shop - NAMM 2026 edition - KOA

This guitar is not a production model. It is one of the exclusive instruments crafted by Martin Guitar’s Custom Shop for NAMM 2026. This particular guitar was available through a limited release reserved for retailers during the 2026 NAMM show and was presented as a one-of-a-kind instrument.

The inspiration dates back to the first Hawaiian guitars built by Martin in the early 20th century. At that time, Hawaiian koa was widely used on instruments intended for the Hawaiian market, and 12-fret models with slotted headstocks were common. The Custom Shop sought to recreate this historical spirit while adding modern refinements.


WHY A 12-FRET “0” BODY?

The 0 size is one of Martin’s oldest body styles. Before the advent of dreadnoughts, the 0, 00, and 000 sizes formed the core of production.

The 12-fret-from-the-body design moves the bridge closer to the center of the top. This generally results in:

- greater resonance;
- richer bass than one would expect from a small body;
- a very responsive feel when fingerpicking;
- a more intimate and “vintage” feel.

This is precisely what has earned the small Martin 12-fret models their reputation among fingerpickers and lovers of traditional guitars. There is, in fact, a great deal of enthusiasm for this type of construction within the Martin community.


THE CHOICE OF KOA:

This NAMM edition is crafted entirely from figured koa (top, back, and sides). Martin has selected a visually striking piece of koa with very pronounced grain.

In terms of tone, koa is often described as:

- more focused in the midrange than rosewood;
- brighter and more defined than mahogany;
- possessing a pleasant natural compression;
- evolving significantly with age, gaining depth and harmonics.


Technical specifications:

Body size:
0-12 frets

Scale length:
24.9"

Top material:
Exceptional wide-grain koa

Bracing material:
Spruce

Bracing shape/style:
GE hand-carved scalloped

Back and sides material:
Exceptional wide-grain koa

Binding material:
Antique white

Top inlay:
None

Rosette style:
3 thin herringbone rings

Neck material:
Selected hardwood

Neck profile:
Modified low oval GE

Neck taper:
High-performance taper

Fretboard spacing:
1 3/4“ x 2 1/8”

Fretboard material:
Black ebony

Fretboard inlays:
Diamonds and squares, selected abalone

Bridge material:
Black ebony

Bridge style:
Modern straight line

Tuners:
Grover Gold Vintage Button

Finish:
Glossy body with satin neck

Top color:
Clear

Case:
3-ply hard case

Recommended strings:
MA540T