Martin 0-10E Retro Jason Isbell Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Satin Dark Mahogany

Entering the revered Martin Road Series, the Martin 0-10E Retro Jason Isbell is an authentic model meant to inspire. Itself inspired by a 1940 Martin 0-17 Isbell used on his solo album, Foxes in the Snow, this Martin Road Series entry punches in with much of that same vintage-style gusto meant to translate into honest, authentic, and expressive songwriting.

This experience is based around a 0-14 Fret body shaped from solid mahogany. Satin-finished and decked in a Martin Dark Mahogany top color, this compact, 0-style body is easily handled and produces sweet, dark, tones with plenty of clear trebles and punchy mids. This signature's top is lined with scalloped spruce braces in a Martin X-Brace pattern for that added element of balance and projection.

From here, this Martin's neck assembles with a Martin Performing Artist profile and satin finish. Slipping easily in the palm from higher to lower registers, this Jason Isbell signature is a dream to perform with. An East Indian rosewood fingerboard lands with twenty frets and Old Style 17 inlays for a comfortable fretting feel and additional vintage stylings.

Concerning performance, this Road Series entry delivers in droves. An East Indian rosewood bridge lands with a White Tusq saddle for a stable connection of string-to-body and an excellent transfer of motion. Nickel open gear tuning machines meet at the headstock for seamless stringing. Onboard, Martin's E1 electronics system quickly translates the acoustic tones of this guitar to the stage for performances night after night. When getting to the stage, Martin's included softshell case keeps transportation an afterthought.

For fans of Isbell's soulful Americana stylings, or just the Road Series in general, the 0-10E Retro Jason Isbell is a quick model to reach for when inspiration strikes.