A Martin dreadnought guitar with an unforgettable tone and story
I started reviewing guitars almost a decade ago, and I am always surprised by the guitars I play. The Martin D41 Special is no exception.
From its balanced, but booming, tone to the beautiful craftsmanship, this 2006 Martin D41 Special is a joy to play. Whether you are looking to accompany a singer or just lay down some awesome flatpicking blues, this is a must-have guitar.
If you like the demo and want to know how I played the songs in the review, be sure to read the rest of the review. I’ll let you know at the end!
Martin D41 SP (2006) Details
Wow.
If you have a chance to play this guitar at your local guitar shop…don’t pass it up.
To the best of my knowledge, this guitar is no longer being manufactured — which makes it all the more special.
Now, if this was just a normal guitar, if it went out of production I probably wouldn’t miss it all that much.
But this isn’t a normal guitar; rather, it’s an extraordinary guitar. And, it’s extraordinary beyond just the tone and beauty of it. There’s a story behind it…and don’t worry, you’ll hear about it later.
Just looking at the guitar, I am immediately stunned by the beautiful abalone inlay. In addition, the Sitka spruce top shines in almost any light. It also features an aged toner, which gives it a darker color.
This Martin D41 Special also has forward-shifted, 5/16 inch scalloped bracing. This is what gives the guitar its responsiveness and punch in the bass notes.
Another feature I love about the Martin D41 Special is the neck profile. It has a modified V shape. It’s comfortable to play barre chords on, while still able to take on flatpicking.
The guitar is great for strumming and flatpicking, but fingerpicking can be a challenge. Because of the bass notes, fingerpicking can be a little muddied.
The Story Behind My Martin D41 Special
Alright, I promised you a story. But first, I have a confession…
It’s not my guitar.
It’s my dad’s. And, my dad is the reason why I first got into guitar.
I had a long-standing competition between me and my old man. It involved arguments over whose guitar sounded better: my Martin HD35 or his Martin D41 Special.
After years of playful arguing, I visited my folks back in the Chicago area (go Blackhawks!). Right as I was about to leave, my dad told me to take his Martin D41 Special.
I’ve taken great care of that guitar ever since. Even better, I’ve been playing the heck out of it ever since.
Closing Thoughts
In all honesty, this is an incredible guitar that holds a special place in my guitarsenal. If you’re looking to buy a Martin D41 Special, be sure to check out my buyer’s guide for acoustic guitars.
Now, if you’re wondering if I’m ever going to teach you how to play the licks and songs in my reviews, let me tell you about something.
I created an awesome way to learn how to play guitar online.
It’s called Tony’s Acoustic Challenge, and it’s helped thousands of folks learn to play guitar while having fun.
If you’re ready to start learning awesome bluegrass songs and licks like the ones I play, be sure to request an invite to Tony’s Acoustic Challenge here.
Good Morning Tony, I tried down loading Click to down load Tab, from your demo on the Martin D-41, no luck? I always like the sound of Martin Guitars. You brought back great memories for me. I lived in Lakeview 25years near Cubs Park. Old town school was dear to my heart. Took several classes at the school & attended many of the events. I bought my first Ukulele at the store. I might have even seen you working there! I been going back & fourth learning to playing the Guitar. Life sometimes gets in the way. I currently have a previous owned OMC – 16 Martin. The sounds, in my opinion, sounds just as good as many of the glitzy high end guitars! Thanks for the demo. Any help down loading tabs.
Thanks Mike
This is an expensive guitar, but not excessively so. What makes a step up to a Martin D45 so much more costly? Does it really sound and play that much better?
One aspect of the D-45 higher cost is the over-the-top inlay. The top, back, sides, neck, and fingerboard are all hand-inlaid and/or bound. This process adds hours (maybe weeks) to the production costs. Inlaying is a time-consuming, individual process that can’t be hurried. It’s true that it turns the guitar into an object of pure art, but it doesn’t add anything to the sonic capabilities or playability of the instrument. The D-45 is essentially a D-28 with all the bling added.
Gorgeous full-bodied sound!
Sweetwater has 4 in stock today – July 7, 2019.
Always one of my favorites in your lessons and demos,I love the D-41 Special.I have a beautiful ’91 Standard model.The care and craftsmanship exhibited on this instrument and overall tone is above and beyond,love that guitar!!!
Tony, nice guitar, will your Dad ever get it back?
You mentioned your HD-35 a few times. I just took delivery of a 2015 HD-35 Custom Shop 1935 Sunburst, beautiful guitar. It came to me with fairly light string, not sure what gauge. I but on some mediums [13], just wondering what you would recommend for the HD-35?
Thanks.
What gauge strings are you using on it?
Tony,
I was very interested to hear and read your review here, particularly as I’ve just acquired myself a beautiful 2010 left handed model in the UK. At the tender age of 66, it’s exactly the guitar that I’ve been hankering after for the last 45 years of my life. I’ve only owned it for 2 weeks now, but I can tell you that it ain’t ever leaving my side. Unlike your dad, I don’t have a son to one day caretake it for me, however, I do have two daughters, which almost certainly means that it’ll find it’s way onto Ebay the day after I check out! Thanks again.
David