The Martin 5-28 Terz is a fascinating return to one of the company's earliest and most distinctive designs. Revived by popular demand, this ultra-compact Size 5 acoustic offers a voice unlike anything else in Martin's lineup. Designed primarily for Terz tuning, a minor third above standard tuning, it produces a bright, bell-like character that layers beautifully with full-size acoustics, making it an inspiring choice for songwriters, recording artists, and players looking to expand their tonal palette. Despite its diminutive size, the 5-28 Terz delivers impressive projection and warmth, while also offering the flexibility to be tuned to standard pitch when desired.

Built with the same attention to detail that has defined Martin for nearly two centuries, the 5-28 Terz features a solid spruce top paired with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides for a remarkably rich and articulate voice. The gloss finish and vintage-inspired aging toner complement the premium tonewoods, while traditional Style 28 appointments, antique white binding, and elegant mother-of-pearl fingerboard inlays provide timeless visual appeal. Non-scalloped X-bracing helps produce focused note definition and exceptional clarity, making this guitar an ideal companion for fingerstyle arrangements, layered recordings, and melodic accompaniment.

The compact 12-fret body and short 21.38-inch scale create an exceptionally comfortable playing experience. Whether you're traveling, composing on the couch, or looking for an instrument that encourages a different musical approach, the Modified Low Oval neck profile and ebony fingerboard offer a familiar Martin feel with effortless playability. Open-gear nickel tuners provide smooth, dependable tuning stability, while the bone saddle ensures excellent resonance and accurate intonation.

Visually, the 5-28 Terz perfectly captures the understated elegance that has long defined Martin's Style 28 instruments. The beautifully aged spruce top contrasts naturally with the rich East Indian rosewood body, while the clean, pickguard-free design keeps the focus on the wood itself. Every detail reflects Martin's dedication to traditional craftsmanship while introducing players to a truly unique acoustic experience.

The Martin 5-28 Terz is much more than a compact acoustic. It is an inspiring creative tool that opens new musical possibilities while honoring one of Martin's historic designs. Whether you're adding shimmering textures to recordings, exploring alternate tunings, or simply enjoying one of the most comfortable acoustics Martin has ever built, this remarkable instrument delivers a playing experience unlike any other. Cream City Music is proud to offer the return of this legendary small-bodied Martin to a new generation of players.

Specifications:

- Body Material: Solid Spruce Top, Solid East Indian Rosewood Back and Sides
- Body Shape: Size 5 Terz 12-Fret
- Finish: Gloss
- Color: Natural with Aging Toner Top
- Neck Material: Select Hardwood
- Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
- Fingerboard Material: Ebony
- Scale Length: 21.38"
- Nut Width: 1.75"
- Nut Material: Bone
- Number of Frets: 18
- Bracing: Non-Scalloped X-Bracing
- Inlays: Style 28 Mother-of-Pearl
- Tuners: Nickel Open Gear
- Bridge: Ebony
- Saddle: Bone
- Pickguard: None
- Electronics: None
- Case Included: Hardshell Case

Sku: 528

ConditionBrand New (New)
Brand New items are sold by an authorized dealer or original builder and include all original packaging.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Standard Series 5-28 Terz
Finish
  • Natural
Categories
Pickup
  • None
Body Shape
  • Parlor
String Type
  • Steel
Model Family
  • Martin 5-28
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Offset Body
  • Non-Offset Body
Wood Top Style
  • Plain
Back Material
  • Rosewood
Sides Material
  • Rosewood
Finish Style
  • Gloss
Top Material
  • Spruce
Fretboard Radius
  • 16"
Nut Width
  • 1.75"
Series
Fretboard Material
  • Ebony
Color Family
  • Tan
  • Natural
Active Preamp
  • No
Number of Frets
  • 18

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Cream City Music

Brookfield, WI, United States
Joined Reverb:2013

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