Martin Road Series DC-10E Retro Special Electro Acoustic Guitar

The Martin Road Series DC-10E Retro Special is a workhorse electro acoustic built to deliver iconic Martin tone on every stage, in every studio, and at every writing session. With a solid spruce top, solid sapele back and sides and scalloped X bracing, it offers bold projection, rich low end and a responsive, dynamic voice that sits beautifully in a mix. Classic styling details and modern playability come together in a D-14 fret cutaway body that is ready to support you from your first chord to your hundredth gig.

Whether you are strumming big open chords, flatpicking melodies or fingerpicking intricate patterns, the DC-10E Retro Special responds with clarity and warmth. The Performing Artist neck profile and hand-applied neck finish make it easy to play for hours, while the onboard E1 electronics let you plug in and go with reliable, great-sounding amplified tone. This is a guitar designed to grow with you, putting that unmistakable Martin sound within reach.

Solid Spruce and Sapele Tonewood Combination

At the heart of the DC-10E Retro Special is a solid spruce top paired with solid sapele back and sides. Spruce provides the punch, projection and dynamic headroom that players rely on, while sapele adds focused lows, clear mids and a balanced top end. The result is a versatile voice that works just as well for singer songwriters as it does in a full band, with enough power to cut through yet enough nuance to reward a lighter touch.

Scalloped X Bracing for Power and Responsiveness

Inside the body, scalloped X bracing helps the top move more freely, enhancing volume, sustain and sensitivity. Chords feel bigger and more three dimensional, single notes ring out with authority, and the guitar responds instantly to changes in your attack. Whether you are playing gently at home or digging in on stage, the DC-10E Retro Special stays open, lively and expressive.

Comfortable Performing Artist Neck

The PA Profile neck is designed for modern playability, offering a comfortable feel that suits both traditional acoustic players and those coming from electric guitars. Combined with the smooth ebony fingerboard and hand-applied neck finish, it makes complex chords, long sets and fast runs feel more effortless. The 1 3/4 inch nut width also gives your fretting hand a little extra room, ideal for fingerstyle and more detailed chord voicings.

Stage Ready E1 Electronics

With E1 electronics on board, the DC-10E Retro Special is ready to plug straight into an amp, PA or audio interface. The system is designed to capture the natural character of the guitar, so your amplified sound remains clear, musical and true to what you hear acoustically. A built in tuner means you can stay in tune wherever you are, making this an ideal companion for rehearsals, gigs and recording sessions alike.

• Solid Spruce Top with Solid Sapele Back and Sides - A classic Martin tonewood pairing that delivers strong projection, warm bass and clear mids, giving you a balanced, versatile sound that works for strumming, flatpicking and fingerstyle.
• Scalloped X Bracing - The scalloped X bracing pattern allows the top to resonate more freely, increasing volume, sustain and responsiveness so every nuance of your playing comes through.
• Performing Artist Neck Profile - The PA Profile neck offers a slim, comfortable feel that suits a wide range of playing styles, making it easy to move up and down the ebony fingerboard and play longer without fatigue.
• E1 Electronics with Built In Tuner - Integrated E1 electronics provide a dependable, great sounding plug in tone, while the built in tuner helps you stay perfectly in tune on stage, in the studio or at home.

Body

• Body Size: D 14 Fret Cutaway
• Top Material: Spruce
• Back Material: Sapele
• Side Material: Sapele
• Bracing Pattern: X Brace
• Brace Shape: Scalloped
• Top Colour: Ageing Toner
• Finish Top: Satin
• Back and Side Finish: Satin
• Pickguard: Faux Tortoise

Neck

• Neck Material: Select Hardwood
• Neck Shape: PA Profile
• Fingerboard Material: Ebony
• Fingerboard Inlay: Style 28 Dots
• Scale Length: 25.4"
• Number of Frets: 20 Total
• Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4"
• Finish Neck: Hand Applied

Hardware

• Bridge Material: Ebony
• Saddle: White Tusq
• Tuning Machines: Nickel Open Gear

Electronics

• Electronics: E1

Accessories

• Case: Softshell
• Recommended Strings: Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Light MA540T