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.
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