A New Martin That Plays Like a Vintage Classic
You know that feeling when you pick up an old Martin that's been played for decades — the top has settled in, the voice has opened up, and every note just blooms? The 000E Retro Plus Mahogany gets you there on day one. Martin takes a solid spruce top and puts it through a torrefaction process, thermally aging the wood to mimic what usually takes years of playing. The result is a guitar that sounds broken-in from the first strum, with warmth, resonance, and responsiveness you'd expect from a well-loved vintage instrument.
This is part of Martin's Road Series, which means it's built for real-world use — gigging, recording, traveling — without the worry that comes with carrying a fragile heirloom. Solid mahogany back and sides give you that classic, midrange-rich Martin voice, while scalloped X-bracing helps the top move freely for better projection and tonal balance. The 000 body size is that Goldilocks sweet spot: big enough to fill a room when you're strumming, but comfortable and articulate enough for intricate fingerstyle work. And with LR Baggs Element electronics onboard, you're stage-ready right out of the case.
If you're looking for a guitar that delivers premium tone and playability without the premium price tag, this one's worth a close look. Whether you're a working musician who needs a dependable workhorse or a player ready to step up from a laminate guitar, the 000E Retro Plus bridges that gap beautifully.
Torrefied Spruce Top: Vintage Tone, Modern Build
The standout feature here is the torrefied solid spruce top. Torrefaction is a controlled heat-treating process that removes moisture and resins from the wood, essentially fast-forwarding the aging process. What you get is a top that responds like it's been played for 20 years — open, lively, and touch-sensitive. When you dig in with a pick, it responds with punch and clarity. Play softly, and it cleans up beautifully with nuance and detail. This is the same premium spec Martin typically reserves for their higher-end Authentic and Modern Deluxe series, now available in the more accessible Road Series.
Paired with solid mahogany back and sides, the tonal character leans warm and balanced. Mahogany emphasizes the midrange, which means your notes cut through in a mix without sounding harsh or brittle. It's a great combination for singer-songwriters, blues players, and anyone who wants a guitar that sounds full and present whether you're playing solo or with a band. The gloss finish on the top and body adds a bit of visual elegance while protecting the wood, and the aging toner gives it that sun-kissed, played-in look right from the start.
Playability That Feels Just Right
Martin designed the 000E Retro Plus with their Performing Artist neck profile, which features a high-performance taper. That means it's a bit slimmer and faster than a traditional Martin neck, making it easier to move up and down the fretboard without fatigue. The neck is made from select hardwood with a smooth satin finish, so your hand glides effortlessly during chord changes and position shifts. The 24.9-inch scale length is slightly shorter than a dreadnought's, which reduces string tension just enough to make bends easier and fingerstyle playing more comfortable.
The ebony fingerboard is smooth, dense, and responsive, adding a touch of clarity and snap to your notes. It's topped with Old Style 18 faux abalone inlays that give the guitar a classic, understated look. The nut width is 1 3/4 inches, which is standard for most players and provides comfortable string spacing for both strumming and fingerpicking. Nickel open-gear tuners with butterbean knobs add vintage charm while delivering rock-solid tuning stability. And the ebony bridge, paired with a compensated White Tusq saddle, ensures great intonation and sustain across all six strings.
Stage-Ready with LR Baggs Element Electronics
When it's time to plug in, the LR Baggs Element electronics system gives you natural, transparent amplified tone. The system uses a low-profile under-saddle transducer that captures the guitar's acoustic voice with excellent dynamics and detail. Volume and tone controls are mounted discreetly just inside the soundhole, so you can make adjustments on the fly without disrupting your playing. Whether you're performing at an open mic, recording in the studio, or playing a full band gig, the Element system translates your playing faithfully without added color or harshness.
The 000 body shape itself is a workhorse for live performance. It's smaller and more comfortable than a dreadnought, so it sits well whether you're standing with a strap or sitting on a stool. But it still projects beautifully, with balanced string-to-string response that makes every note clear and present. Players love this body size for its versatility — it handles everything from delicate fingerstyle passages to aggressive flatpicking with equal grace. The black binding, faux tortoise pickguard, and multi-stripe top inlay round out the vintage-inspired aesthetic, giving the guitar a look that's both timeless and distinctive.
Product Features:
- Torrefied solid spruce top thermally aged for vintage tone and responsiveness
- Solid mahogany back and sides for warm, balanced, midrange-rich sound
- 000 body size (000-14 Fret) offers comfort and versatile tonal range
- Scalloped X-bracing enhances projection and tonal clarity
- Performing Artist neck profile with high-performance taper for fast, comfortable playability
- Ebony fingerboard and bridge for smooth feel and excellent sustain
- 24.9-inch scale length for reduced string tension and easy playability
- LR Baggs Element electronics with under-saddle transducer and soundhole-mounted controls
- Nickel open-gear tuners with butterbean knobs for tuning stability and vintage charm
- Gloss finish with aging toner for a beautifully seasoned look
Brand: Martin
Model: 000E Retro Plus Mahogany
SKU: 11000ERETROPLUSMAH
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
