Martin & Co D-1GT

Manufacturing USA in Nazareth (Pennsylvania), model 2013 (Series 1 / "road series")
Dreadnought shape (more than) traditional

-Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Dam: to modified and scallopé (= relief by digging) X Hybrid
-Sides and back: Solid Sapele (wood of the mahogany family)
Mancha: Stratabond = hard skin then plated (laminated) wood in the direction of the length of the handle, widely used in the manufacture of guns and bows
-Fingerboard and bridge: Richlite (material formed from a mixture of recycled paper and phenolic resin and pressed terracotta)
-Mechanical: Martin Chrome
-Nuts: Corian (composite of minerals and acrylic resin)
-Martin Strings Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Medium (Nb: hard to find ds trade)
-Hard Case (345 series)

Note: The "mortise" body receiving the "post" of the neck is mahogany veneer (laminate). That is, with the bridge, the only element of the body that is not "massive".
The overall look is quite spartan but exudes quality. No frills. Only the table receives a thick varnish (Gloss Top), the rest lacquer thinner (Satin). There is only the handle Stratabond that brings a touch of originality to the table with its longitudinal strata (love it or hate it).

UTILIZATION

Earlier oriented to the game with a pick (strumming and flat picking) she's doing really well in the game with fingers (ah ... beautiful harmonics).
Rolled handle is a treat in terms of its shape and grip. His touch is nice. It does not stick and allows easy disjointed. Also affects the "composite" allows almost touch "silky" and really think ebony both visually and tactilely.
The action is set at the factory: no worries to make barred from any location
The tuners are precise and easy to adjust (it is not far from Grover).

SOUNDS

This is where things make sense. I remembered having heard Martin's dry enough. It was only at the insistence of a seller I tried the D1.
And there is the slap: the hot sounds while remaining well-defined treble. Well do not sit low cutting mediums. A quite impressive consistency with powerful projection and good harmonics (which do not fight a duel). When tested in any other store had this consistency in this price range to + / € -200.

But I blame him overall tone a little "dark" (as if a tone knob slightly to the grave). This was quickly arranged by taking a pick thinner (, instead of 73, 88). It may be to try to replace the original game Phosphor Bronze strings Cleartone treated) by 80/20 Bronze brightest (and easier to find)? In any case, the nuances of the game and pick the various types are well reproduced.

OVERALL OPINION

Martin completed the bet offer pure dreadnought acoustic guitar made in the USA around 1000 € (this area is trustee by electro). The sound is there, said, consistent, making other guitars tested unbalanced or too loaded midrange / treble. I sorely lack of perspective on Martin to certify that this is indeed "Martin sound". This small D1 has really given me want to learn more about the brand and even to acquire ...
The debate remains open on the willingness of Martin to replace the wooden handle and the key by "composite" or rolled (ecology or economy?).
American competition for the charging zone has most often made in China guitars (Guild GAD series, Breedlove, solid) or Mexico (Taylor with sides and bottom laminate). Special mention for the hard case originally supplied.
The test showed me that the comfort and ITS are present and it is the essential ...