From the Factory, Players | January 21, 2026
From a 1943 D-18 to Two New Signature Models: Inside Molly Tuttle’s Martin Journey
Molly opens up about the guitars that shaped her, the specs she loves, and how her signature models bring her sound to life for today’s players.
Some artists play guitars. Others build entire worlds with them.
Molly Tuttle is firmly in the second category.
A generational flatpicker, fearless songwriter, and boundary-pushing bandleader, Molly has spent the past decade redefining what the acoustic guitar can do. With back-to-back GRAMMY® wins, a bold new solo record, and a playing style that somehow balances fire and finesse, she’s become one of modern roots music’s most electrifying voices.
And now, for the first time, she’s bringing her sound, story, and style to two all-new Martin signature models: the D-18 Molly Tuttle and D-X2E Molly Tuttle.
These aren’t just signature guitars. They’re the culmination of a lifelong dream—and a lifetime of playing.
"I’ve always dreamed of playing Martin guitars...”
Molly’s connection to Martin began long before the awards and the sold-out shows—back when she was a teenager scraping together gig money with her dad and brothers.
As she remembers it:
“I’ve always dreamed of playing Martin guitars ever since I started playing the guitar.”
Her dad made her a deal: if she could save up $2,000, she could buy her first Martin. She did. The guitar she wanted was still waiting at the shop, almost like it had been saved just for her.
And like all great first guitars, it changed everything.
Molly played it nonstop. She took it to Berklee. It led her into studio sessions, early tours, and eventually toward a desire for something even more vintage—a guitar that carried history in its wood. And she found it in a 1943 Martin D-18, a wartime mahogany model with the kind of voice you only get from decades of air and time.
She fell in love instantly.
“I wanted a ’40s Martin because I really think the necks on those are super comfortable for me. I like the 1 11/16'' neck size—it's just what I’m used to.”
That guitar became central to her sound. And eventually, it became the blueprint for something new.
Building a Signature Martin, Rooted in a Wartime Classic
Molly’s 1943 D-18 wasn’t just inspiration—it became a reference point the Martin team studied, measured, and played. She even sent them a note when the idea of a signature model first surfaced:
“I just got my dream Martin guitar. Do you think maybe we should start basing the signature guitar on some of the features on this guitar?”
That message set the direction for what would become two signature instruments—one built for traditionalists, and one built for accessibility and adventure.
The D-18 Molly Tuttle: A Fast, Focused, Vintage-Inspired Powerhouse
The all-solid D-18 Molly Tuttle takes everything Molly loves about her vintage guitar and reimagines it for today’s players. It features:
- A 1 11/16'' nut width
- An authentic 1940s neck profile
- Rear-shifted scalloped bracing
- A vintage sunburst top
- Custom moon phase inlays
- A silver Martin script logo
- Oval tuners inspired by Molly’s original
Tonally, it’s pure D-18: bold, warm, articulate.
“I think the sound of this guitar… it has that classic D-18 sound. I love mahogany guitars. I think they have a really focused kind of like a dry sound to them… It’s wonderful to use in the studio because the notes are so clear.”
Another thing she loves: this guitar shines in rhythm and lead work.
“I think it's great for lead playing as well as rhythm guitar, which is important to me.”
And in a final vintage-leaning detail, the guitar comes in a light blue molded hardshell case inspired by the classic Martin cases of the 1970s.
The D-X2E Molly Tuttle: Artist Features Meet Everyday Durability
For players who want Molly’s feel and style at a more accessible price point, the D-X2E Molly Tuttle brings those vintage specs to the X Series for the first time.
“It's the first of the X Series guitars to have this ’40s-style 1 11/16'' neck with the kind of ’40s Martin shape.”
And she was adamant: that neck needed to feel right.
And it does.
“It’s this beautiful kind of V-shaped neck that I find extremely comfortable to play. I know there’s a lot of fans of the ’40s Martin necks out there, and I am one of them.”
The D-X2E also features:
- A vintage sunburst solid spruce top
- Figured mahogany-pattern HPL back and sides
- Moon phase inlays
- Open-gear tuners with oval buttons
- Martin E1 electronics with a built-in tuner
It’s a gig-ready instrument right out of its softshell case.
“It already has a pickup in it. It already has a tuner in it. It's ready to go. You could pick this up and go down and play a gig with it that very day.”
And most importantly, it keeps Molly’s sound accessible.
“I just think it's wonderful to have a guitar that's more accessible for more players of all kinds of budgets to get a guitar that sounds great.”
Why Moon Phases? A Symbol of Creativity, Nature, and New Ideas
One of the most striking visual features across both guitars is Molly’s moon-phase inlay design.
It wasn’t chosen just for looks.
It’s a reflection of the themes that guide her songwriting.
“I have a lot of songs that the lyrics mention the moon. I feel like the moon represents creativity, inspiration, your subconscious.”
She sees each lunar cycle as part of the creative process:
“Sometimes when I realize it's a new moon, I think that's a good time to plant the seeds of new ideas. And then a full moon is when you’re reflecting back… like, did I reach my goals?”
The inlays—paired with a silver logo on the headplate—turn each guitar into a small celestial story.
And yes, the motif extends to one more piece of gear…
A Signature Strap with a Celestial Touch
To complete the collection, Martin also partnered with Molly on a beautifully designed signature strap—black vegan leather, silver foil, and the same moon-phase artwork that defines her guitars. It’s a striking finishing touch, whether you’re on stage or writing under your own full moon somewhere quiet.
Watch the Launch Video: Molly in Her Own Words
In an exclusive interview filmed in Nashville, Molly opens up about her lifelong love of Martin guitars, what it felt like to design her own signature models, and the vintage details she insisted on carrying over from her 1943 D-18.
She also reflects on creativity, inspiration, and what she hopes these instruments unlock for the players who pick them up next.
You’ll hear her play.
You’ll hear her story.
And by the end, you’ll understand why these guitars look, feel, and sound the way they do.
A Signature Collection Designed to Inspire
As Molly puts it: “I hope you pick one up. I hope you love playing it. I hope they kind of unlock some new ideas in your playing… There's nothing like picking up a new instrument and just feeling that burst of excitement.”
That’s what these guitars were built for.
Whether you’re chasing flatpicking fire, crafting your next song, or simply exploring new musical ground, the D-18 Molly Tuttle and D-X2E Molly Tuttle offer two pathways into the sound behind one of today’s most inspiring artists.
Following their debut at The 2026 NAMM Show, both guitars—and the signature strap—are now available online and through authorized Martin dealers.
Until next time, happy playing!
