Martin Guitars - 5 28 TERZ

Martin has brought back a model that has disappeared from the current catalogue: the 5-28 Terz, a companion guitar tuned a minor third above standard tuning, to G-C-F-A♯-D-G rather than E-A-D-G-B-E. This offset octave gives the instrument a distinct, higher tone that complements a classical guitar played in standard tuning, whilst still allowing for standard tuning.

The 5 Terz 12-Fret body is the smallest in Martin’s current range, with a scale length of 21.38 inches, which shortens the distance between the frets under the hand. Beneath the top, a non-scalloped X-bracing made from 1/4-inch spruce absorbs the tension inherent in this higher-pitched tuning.

The ebony fingerboard has a 16-inch radius and features 18 frets, with Style 28 mother-of-pearl inlays on the neck. The 1.75-inch bone nut sets the string spacing, and the Modern Straightline Size 5 ebony bridge transmits the vibration to the top.

The nickel Butterbean-knob tuners maintain the Terz tuning without any unnecessary play, in keeping with period fittings. The Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 phosphor bronze strings, in Custom Light gauge, come factory-fitted and allow the bass to breathe without overpowering the treble.

The guitar comes in a hard case supplied with the instrument, and is also available in a left-handed version. Martin covers the model with a limited lifetime warranty and introduced it to the catalogue in 2026, as a nod to an early twentieth-century silhouette.