Martin - D-12E Retro Acoustic Electric Road Series
The D-12E Retro blends spruce, sapele, and scalloped bracing for bold projection and strong bass in a gloss Dreadnought body. Vintage-inspired Style 18 details make it your road to tone, power, and lasting performance.
Couldn't load pickup availability
We’re celebrating the launch of our new website. Get $20 off when you spend $1,000 or more. Discount is automatically applied at checkout.
The Nantel Verdict
The Nantel Verdict
Twelve-string configuration delivers rich harmonic doubling; spruce/sapele pairing balances brightness with warmth; scalloped bracing maximizes projection and sustain; Style 18 aesthetic nods to vintage Martin character; integrated electronics enable stage-ready amplification without compromising acoustic integrity.
Twelve-string tuning demands stronger hands and adjusted technique; built-in pickup system requires occasional maintenance; heavier gauge strings recommended; compatible with standard pedalboards and mixing consoles; benefits from quality strap and case investment.
A purpose-built twelve-string that balances tonal depth with amplified presence. The D-12E Retro suits players who value established Martin craftsmanship and need a guitar that translates acoustic richness through live sound systems.
Have a question about this instrument?
Our advisors know it well and can help you find the right one.
Review by the Nantel Musique team
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
D-12E Retro
The Martin D-12E Retro delivers classic style, powerful tone, and proven performance—all wrapped in a full-body gloss finish that adds rich visual depth to its solid spruce top and solid sapele back and sides. The Dreadnought body produces bold, projective tone with strong bass, while scalloped X-bracing adds clarity and responsiveness. A Performing Artist neck with high-performance taper ensures smooth, modern playability across the fingerboard. Vintage-inspired touches like old-style dot inlays, a multi-stripe rosette, and nickel open gear tuners with butterbean knobs nod to Martin’s Style 18 roots. With versatile E1 electronics, a built-in tuner, and a softshell case, this Road Series model is made to go the distance.
Highlights
- D-14 Fret body size
- Sapele back and sides
- Spruce top with Aging Toner 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 | Spruce |
| Finish Top | Gloss |
| Top Color | Aging Toner |
| Top Inlay Material | Multi-Stripe |
| Top Detail | None |
| Binding | Black |
| Bridge Material | Ebony |
| Bridge Style | Modern Belly |
| Bridge String Spacing | 2 5/32" |
| Bridge Pin Material | White Plastic |
| Bridge Pin Dots | Black |
| Pickguard | Faux Tortoise |
| Pickguard Inlay | None |
| Rosette | Old Style 18 Boltaron |
| 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 Side Finish | Gloss |
| 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 | Ebony |
| Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret | 2 1/8'' |
| Fingerboard Width at Nut | 1 3/4'' |
| Fingerboard Inlay Style | Old Style 18 |
| 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 | Butterbean |
| Nut Material | White Corian® |
Misc |
|
| Case | Softshell |
| Label | Paper Label |
| Electronics | Yes |
| Electronics Options | Martin E1 |
| Left Handed Availability | true |
| Pleked | true |
Martin Guitars stands as one of the world's most respected acoustic guitar manufacturers, with a legacy spanning nearly two centuries. Founded in 1833, the company pioneered the dreadnought body shape and established benchmarks for tone, craftsmanship, and durability that continue to define the industry.
Martin instruments are known for their meticulous attention to wood selection, traditional construction methods, and consistent sonic excellence. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has made Martin guitars the choice of professional musicians and serious players across genres.
