The Martin Road Series DSS-14E introduces the classic slope-shoulder dreadnought body shape to an accessible, gig-ready platform. With its solid spruce and sapele construction, short 24.9 inch scale and Martin E1 electronics, this electro-acoustic delivers a warm, balanced voice and an effortlessly playable feel, wrapped up in a striking Navojoa Burst finish.
Drawing inspiration from the Nazareth-made DSS-16E, the DSS-14E offers that familiar, rounded slope-shoulder silhouette with a slightly more relaxed string tension than a traditional long-scale dreadnought. The result is a guitar that feels immediately comfortable under the fingers, yet still projects with the power and presence you would expect from a full-sized Martin.
A gloss solid spruce top provides clarity and dynamic range, while solid sapele back and sides add warmth, focus and a pleasing midrange punch that works equally well for strumming, flatpicking or fingerstyle. Inside, scalloped X-bracing in spruce helps the top move more freely, enhancing resonance and responsiveness so every nuance of your playing comes through.
Modern playability is at the heart of the DSS-14E. The Performing Artist neck profile with High-Performance Taper offers a slim, fast feel all the way up the satin-finished neck, complemented by an East Indian rosewood fingerboard with traditional Old Style 18 inlays. Plugged in, the Martin E1 system with integrated tuner makes it easy to get a great sound on stage or in the studio, while the vintage burst top, antique white binding, faux tortoise pickguard and nickel open-gear tuners complete the classic Martin aesthetic..
Classic Slope-Shoulder Power
The 14-fret slope-shoulder dreadnought body shape combines the bold projection of a full-sized dreadnought with a slightly rounder, more vintage-inspired outline. This gives the DSS-14E a big, open sound with plenty of low-end presence, while maintaining a comfortable feel whether you play seated or standing.
Responsive Solid Spruce and Sapele Construction
A solid spruce top paired with solid sapele back and sides delivers a versatile, balanced tone that suits a wide range of styles. Spruce brings articulation and headroom, while sapele adds warmth, focused mids and smooth, rounded bass, making this guitar ideal for singer-songwriters and acoustic performers who need clarity without harshness.
Comfortable Short Scale and Performing Artist Neck
The 24.9 inch scale length reduces string tension slightly compared with longer-scale dreadnoughts, making bends easier and chords more forgiving on the fretting hand. Combined with the Performing Artist neck profile and High-Performance Taper, you get a modern, fast-playing neck that feels comfortable for extended sessions.
Stage-Ready Martin E1 Electronics
Martin E1 electronics with an integrated tuner allow you to plug straight into a PA or audio interface with confidence. The onboard controls make it easy to dial in a natural, usable sound quickly, while the built-in tuner helps you stay perfectly in tune without needing extra pedals or clip-on tuners.
