Martin - D-10E Retro Sapele Road Series Acoustic Electric
The D-10E Retro Sapele pairs all-solid sapele tonewoods with stripped-down, vintage-inspired Style 15 looks. With bold projection and dependable tone, it’s your road to volume, punch, and reliability—built to handle the miles ahead.
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The Nantel Verdict
The Nantel Verdict
All-solid sapele construction yields a distinct warm midrange with quick attack; compact dreadnought body balances volume with playability; Retro Style 15 appointments echo classic Martin design without modern embellishments; integrated electronics ready for stage or studio without retrofit complexity.
Stock setup suitable for most players; standard strap pins and 14-fret access typical of the class. Consider complementary case for touring; sapele benefits from humidity control during travel. No exotic woods demand specialized care—straightforward maintenance.
A legitimate Martin built for miles, not galleries. The D-10E Retro Sapele prioritizes consistent, dependable tone and practical durability at a price point that respects both the instrument and the player's investment. Solid choice for professionals and serious amateurs alike.
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D-10E Retro Sapele
The Martin D-10E Retro Sapele is a time-tested tool made for players who need volume, punch, and reliability. With a solid sapele top, back, and sides, and scalloped X-bracing, it delivers strong bass and a bold, balanced tone that fills any room. The satin finish, select hardwood fingerboard with diamond-and-square inlays, and vintage-style open gear tuners give it a stripped-down, classic Style 15 aesthetic. A Performing Artist neck profile provides modern comfort and smooth playability, while the select hardwood bridge and ebony bridge pins round out the details. Equipped with E1 electronics, a built-in tuner, and a softshell case, this Dreadnought is built to do the job—whatever your road looks like, and wherever it takes you next.
Highlights
- D-14 Fret body size
- Sapele back and sides
- Sapele top with Dark Mahogany top color
- PA Profile neck with High-Performance Taper
- 1 3/4'' fingerboard width at nut
- Softshell case
- Recommended Strings: Authentic Acoustic Lifespan® 2.0 Guitar Strings Phosphor Bronze - Light
Top |
|
| Top Material | Sapele |
| Finish Top | Satin |
| Top Color | Dark Mahogany |
| Top Inlay Material | None |
| Top Detail | None |
| Binding | None |
| Bridge Material | Select Hardwood |
| Bridge Style | Modern Belly |
| Bridge String Spacing | 2 5/32" |
| Bridge Pin Material | Ebony |
| Bridge Pin Dots | None |
| Pickguard | Faux Tortoise |
| Pickguard Inlay | None |
| Rosette | Single Ring Fiber |
| Saddle | White TUSQ® |
| Saddle Radius | 16" |
Body |
|
| Body Size | D-14 Fret |
| Construction | Mortise & Tenon Neck Joint |
| Back Material | Sapele |
| Side Material | Sapele |
| Back and Sides Finish | Satin |
| Back and Sides Color | Dark Mahogany |
| Back Detail | None |
| Side Detail | None |
| Back Purfling/Strip | None |
| Back Inlay Material | None |
| Side Inlay Material | None |
| Bracing Pattern | X-Brace |
| Brace Shape | Scalloped |
| Brace Material | Spruce |
| Brace Size | 5/16" |
| Endpiece | None |
| Endpiece Inlay | None |
Neck |
|
| Neck Shape | PA Profile |
| Neck Taper | High-Performance Taper |
| Neck Material | Select Hardwood |
| Neck Color | Natural |
| Finish Neck | Hand-Applied |
| Scale Length | 25.4" |
| Number of Frets Total | 20 |
| Neck Joins Body At | 14th Fret |
| Heelcap | Black |
| Fingerboard Material | Select Hardwood |
| Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret | 2 1/8'' |
| Fingerboard Width at Nut | 1 3/4'' |
| Fingerboard Inlay Style | Diamond and Square Short |
| Fingerboard Inlay Material | Faux Mother-of-Pearl |
| Fingerboard Binding Material | None |
| Side Dots | White |
Headstock |
|
| Headstock Shape | Solid |
| Headplate Material | Brazilian Rosewood HPL |
| Headplate Logo Style | Script Ink |
| Headplate Binding Material | None |
| Tuning Machines | Nickel Open Gear |
| Knob | Black Plastic |
| Nut Material | White Corian® |
Misc |
|
| Case | Softshell |
| Label | Paper Label |
| Electronics | Yes |
| Electronics Options | Martin E1 |
| Left Handed Availability | true |
| Pleked | true |
Martin guitars have been the standard-bearer for acoustic instrument craftsmanship since 1833. Founded by Christian Frederick Martin, the company pioneered the dreadnought body style and continues to define what professional-grade acoustics should sound and feel like. Martin's reputation rests on meticulous wood selection, time-honored construction techniques, and an uncompromising commitment to tonal clarity and durability.
Today, Martin remains one of the most trusted names among touring musicians, studio players, and serious enthusiasts. The brand is known for guitars that age gracefully, respond consistently across varied playing styles, and deliver the projection and articulation that discerning players demand. Whether road-tested or studio-bound, a Martin acoustic is built to last generations.

