Behind the Design: The Refreshed Road Series

Go behind the scenes of the refreshed Martin Road Series in this special episode of Behind the Design, featuring Product Management Director Joey Osisek and International Instrument Design Manager Rameen Shayegan. They walk through the ideas, player feedback, and craftsmanship that shaped the newly expanded 20-model lineup—including 18 refreshed or brand-new guitars. From the big-picture strategy to the smallest design detail, Joey and Rameen break down how the Road Series now gives players two clear paths to explore: Retro, inspired by classic Martin style and heritage, and Modern, built for today's performance-driven players. They discuss why now was the right time to streamline the series, how body shapes like the 000, OM, Dreadnought, SC, and Grand Performance offer different musical experiences, and how tonewood choices—sapele, walnut, granadillo, and koa fine veneers—help shape each model’s voice. You’ll also get insight into features like torrefied tops on Retro Plus models, scalloped X-bracing, modern neck profiles, bold finishes, and skeletonized tuners. Whether you’re new to Martin or looking to upgrade your sound, this deep dive reveals how the Road Series bridges affordability, versatility, and true Martin character—giving every player a clear road to what’s next. Have questions about the refreshed lineup? Drop them in the comments below! Don’t forget to like this video, subscribe to the Martin Guitar channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of Behind the Design. Learn more at https://www.martinguitar.com/series-r...