Martin’s latest version of their contemporary D-18 is an impressive blend of Old World and New Tech, with a healthy dose of common sense. The VTS spruce top with a carbon fiber composite bridge plate results in a tonal clarity that really is different, and our guess is that the natural protein glue construction (hide glue) is a part of that. The open gear tuners keep the neck weight down, and the Indian rosewood trim is, in our opinion, the common sense solution to celluloid bindings that we all know aren’t going to last as long as a well-made guitar. There are other nice touches, like the old-style script headstock logo but done in real pearl, and a slightly asymmetrical neck shape (your left hand is hardly symmetrical, after all!) Come try out the Modern Deluxe, we’d love to hear what you think of these new Martin models.