Gear Compare
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Martin D-10E VS D-12E (Road Series): How are they different?
Very little differences, aside from finish, open/closed tuning machines, and pickguard color.
We don't really understand the difference in price here, unless you're getting a higher-grade of tonewood in the D-12E that isn't mentioned in the specs sheet. Even then, we'd consider the D-12E a modest upgrade, making the D-10E the better value since the price of the 12E is so much more.
Martin D-10E Road Series
Martin D-12E Road Series
| Feature | Martin D-10e | Martin D-12e |
|---|---|---|
| Top Wood | Solid Spruce | Solid Spruce |
| Back & Sides Wood | Sapele | Sapele |
| Finish | Satin | Gloss |
| Body Bracing | X-bracing, non-scalloped | X-bracing, non-scalloped |
| Rosette | Mother-of-pearl pattern with multi-stripe | Style 28 Multi-Stripe |
| Binding | Black | Black |
| Pickguard | Faux tortoise | Black |
| Neck Wood | Select Hardwood | Select Hardwood |
| Neck Shape | Performing Artist with High Performance Taper | Performing Artist with High Performance Taper |
| Fingerboard Material | Richlite | Richlite |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Mother-of-pearl Dots, 28 Style | Mother-of-pearl Dots, 28 Style |
| Number of Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Scale Length | 25.4" | 25.4" |
| Nut Width | 1.75" | 1.75" |
| Nut/Saddle Material | White Corian/White Tusq | White Corian/White Tusq |
| Bridge Material | Richlite | Richlite |
| String Spacing at Bridge | 2.15625" | 2.15625" |
| Electronics | Fishman MX-T | Fishman MX-T |
| Tuning Machines | Chrome Enclosed Gear | Nickel Open Gear |
| Strings | Lifespan 2.0 92/8 Phosphor Bronze, .013-.056 | Lifespan 2.0 92/8 Phosphor Bronze, .013-.056 |
| Case Included | Softshell Case | Softshell Case |
| Additional Features | Hand-rubbed neck finish, plastic bridge pins | Hand-rubbed neck finish, plastic bridge pins |
Differences Between the D-10E and D-12E
- Satin finish on the D-10e with a gloss finish on the D-12E. It doesn't really impact tone, but we'll admit the gloss finish tends to look nice.
- Tuning machines differ: The D-10e uses chrome enclosed gear tuners, whereas the D-12e has nickel open gear tuners. While some players prefer the look of open tuning machines, we'd rather have the closed gear tuners.
Similarities Between Both Acoustics
- Both guitars feature solid spruce tops, known for their broad dynamic range and suitability for various playing styles.
- Sapele back and sides in both guitars, offering a slightly brighter sound than mahogany with a balanced tonal spectrum.
- Utilization of the dreadnought body shape, contributing to a powerful voice and full sound across genres.
- Both models have a select hardwood neck with a Performing Artist profile and High Performance Taper, hand-rubbed finish for comfortable playing.
- The fingerboard and bridge of both guitars are made from Richlite, contributing to consistent playability and tone.
- Equipped with Fishman MX-T electronics, providing quality amplified sound with convenient features.
- Both have a scale length of 25.4 inches and a nut width of 1.75 inches, standard for comfortable playability across styles.
- Each guitar comes with a softshell case for protection and portability.
Martin D-10E and D-12E Price Comparison
Prices updated Fri, August 21st, 2026.
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Written by GC Editorial on Acoustics & Comparisons
Written by GC Editorial on Acoustics & Price Guides
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Researched and written by Bobby Kittleberger
Proofread and tweaked by Erin Cosner
Product info reviewed by Danielle Kittleberger
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