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Maury's Blog

Tuesday, November 01 2022
Martin Guitars & the use of Sitka Spruce in 2022.

Martin Guitars & the use of Sitka Spruce in 2022.  

Due to constraints surrounding the procurement of old-growth Sitka spruce, Martin Guitar will allow the use of Lutz spruce in combination with Sitka spruce as needed.

Martin will be changing all references on thier website and their product literature from "Sitka Spruce" to “Spruce”. They'll utilize both Sitka and Lutz spruce throughout the entire product line. This will allow them to continue to provide the best quality spruce tops while meeting the significant demand for guitars in today's market. Lutz spruce is a naturally occurring hybrid of Sitka spruce and white spruce and grows in the same geographical areas as Sitka spruce. Lutz also has similar tonal and visual characteristics compared to Sitka spruce.

Along with this change, premium Sitka and Lutz spruce will be purchased separately and made available as chargeable premium options for customers wishing to specify individual species for their Custom shop models. Note that individual serial numbers will not be associated with specific materials. Available inventory at the time of production will dictate which type of spruce will be used.

Which Martin Guitar models are affected? 

  • All models that currently utilize Sitka spruce.          

Note that individual serial numbers will not be associated with specific materials or models. Available inventory at the time of production will dictate the material being utilized.

If you have any questions about the top of your next Martin Guitar - please click the IMAGES tab on that product's page, refer to its Guitar Specs tab, or contact us today.
At the time of this article (November 1, 2022) ALL of our spruced-topped Martin inventory is currently Sitka spruce. As we bring in new inventory, we will monitor the situation and begin labeling new arrivals appropriately.

What do YOU think of Lutz spruce? Share your comment below.

 

 

Posted by: Maury- Maury's Music AT 04:30 pm   |  Permalink   |  6 Comments  |  Email
Comments:
That makes sense
Posted by Thomas E Shea on 11/03/2022 - 11:36 AM
Maury, I believe Taylor did this a few years ago as supplies are becoming tougher to find. Having played a few Taylors with Lutz spruce I find them to be a bit softer in sound as the wood itself is a little softer in texture. Typically, the "sound" characteristics of a guitar top comes more from the bracing than the top itself. So, it will be interesting to see if Martin changes the bracing attributes with a Lutz spruce top. For those in doubt, play a D-35 and compare it to an HD-35. Both have 1/4" bracing, but the HD is scalloped. Lutz spruce may not like scalloped bracing quite as much, time will tell. Craig
Posted by Craig Rantz on 11/10/2022 - 10:04 AM
Very interesting, thanks, Craig.
Posted by Maury on 11/10/2022 - 10:18 AM
Martin adjusting to supply. Since they build such great instruments, no worry. Lutz spruce could be your next favorite Dreadnaught.
Posted by Kirk Love on 11/10/2022 - 10:41 AM
Maury, I need to amend my comment above, I was completely wrong! Lutz spruce is closer to Adirondack spruce than Sitka. It is stiffer than Sitka, it has good attack with a flat pick AND has good overtones for finger style. It is a bit lighter in color, but will still take aging toner well. A Martin Modern Deluxe with a Lutz top will be a FANTASTIC guitar!!! In fact, when I order my next Martin from you I may ask for Lutz spruce specifically! Cheers, Craig
Posted by Craig Rantz on 12/19/2022 - 03:25 PM
Lutz over Sitka ..wow that's a great i upgrade .. how could anyone bring opposed to that
Posted by david mclean on 05/08/2023 - 10:38 AM

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