Martin Guitars Drops 2026 Lineup: Historic 5-28 Terz and Sustainable OM-35 Inception Revealed
Martin expands its 2026 acoustic catalog with four stellar new models, including the historic 5-28 Terz and sustainable OM-35 Inception. Read our full breakdown, specs, and verdicts.
For purists who believe that the best tone comes entirely from the wood, C. F. Martin & Co. has just delivered a major reason to celebrate.
The legendary guitar manufacturer has officially expanded its acoustic lineup with four premium models for 2026: the historically revived 5-28 Terz, the eco-forward OM-35 Inception, and two masterfully built boutique entries, the Custom Shop 0-18 and Custom Shop 0-28.
From ultra-compact traditional framing to advanced, sustainable inner architecture, this release showcases a dual focus on heritage and high-tech evolution.
1. The Return of a Legend: Martin 5-28 Terz Standard Series
Leading the charge is a glorious nod to the 19th century. The 5-28 Terz resurrects Martin’s smallest body shape—the Size 5.
Terz tuning
Engineered explicitly for Terz tuning (pitched a minor third higher than standard tuning: G-C-F-Bb-D-G), this pint-sized powerhouse yields a bell-like clarity. While its footprint is compact, the voice is anything but quiet, offering shimmering trebles and a punchy, focused response that fingerstyle players and studio recording engineers will love.
MSRP - $3599.99/£3799.00
2. Eco-Forward Tone: Martin OM-35 Inception
Continuing their push toward sustainable guitar design, the OM-35 Inception mixes non-traditional tonewoods with an incredibly responsive, skeletonized version of Martin's classic Golden Era scalloped X-bracing.
By pairing a sustainable, FSC-certified European spruce top with back and sides made from domestic black walnut and flamed American white oak, Martin has created a visually distinct Orchestra Model. Sound-wise, it hits a spectacular sweet spot: complex, woody midranges, exceptionally warm lows, and pristine high-end response.
MSRP - $3999.99/£4149.00
3. Boutique Excellence: Custom Shop 0-18 & 0-28
For players chasing elite, bench-made luthier quality without paying total custom-order premiums, Martin's new production-line Custom Shop Concert models are a dream come true.
Custom Shop 0-18: Features a premium Adirondack spruce top paired with genuine mahogany back and sides. It is highly articulate, laser-focused, and beautifully dry.
MSRP - $4599.99
Custom Shop 0-28
Custom Shop 0-28: Swaps out the mahogany for East Indian rosewood, resulting in a deeper low-end rumble, sweeping sustain, and dense, rich harmonic overtones.
MSRP - $4999.99
The Verdict
Martin’s 2026 expansion proves that acoustic progression doesn’t require a pickup jack. The OM-35 Inception steals the show from a technical standpoint, proving that sustainable domestic hardwoods can easily go toe-to-toe with traditional exotic woods when braced correctly.
Meanwhile, the 5-28 Terz fills a wonderful niche for acoustic layerists and smaller-handed players looking for unparalleled high-end chime.
While the price tags sit firmly in the serious musician and collector territory, the immaculate combination of historic revivals and forward-thinking sustainability makes this one of Martin's most compelling rollouts in years.
- +Historic 5-28 Terz revival fills niche for high-pitched, bell-like tone
- +OM-35 Inception proves sustainable domestic woods match traditional exotics
- +Custom Shop models deliver luthier-quality without full custom-order premiums
- +Diverse lineup serves fingerstyle players, studio engineers, and collectors
- −All models priced in serious musician/collector territory
- −Limited appeal for budget-conscious players seeking Martin quality
What is Terz tuning and how is the 5-28 tuned?
Terz tuning sets the guitar a minor third higher than standard tuning, starting from the low string to high: G - C - F - B♭ - D - G. It gives the guitar a brilliant, mandolin- or capoed-like sheen while keeping standard chord shapes identical.
What makes the OM-35 Inception "sustainable"?
Instead of relying on imported, heavily regulated tropical woods like ebony or endangered rosewoods for the body, the OM-35 Inception utilizes responsibly sourced domestic tonewoods—specifically American black walnut and flamed American white oak—alongside an FSC-certified European spruce top.
What is the difference between the Custom Shop 0-18 and 0-28?
Though they share the exact same comfortable, compact 14-fret Concert (0) body shape and premium Adirondack spruce tops, they feature different back and side woods. The 0-18 uses genuine mahogany for a punchy, clear, mid-forward voice, whereas the 0-28 uses East Indian rosewood to emphasize deep bass, long sustain, and sparkling harmonic overtones. Martin Guitars More Martin Guitars #Martin Guitars
