Martin DJr-10E StreetMaster

A compact guitar with a distressed finish.

March 22, 2021

Introduced in 2015, Martin’s Dreadnought Jr. has become a popular guitar for players looking for an instrument sized between a travel guitar and a full-size model. By scaling a traditional dreadnought body down to about ¹⁵/₁₆ size and using a short 24-inch scale, Martin retains fundamental dreadnought character but combines it with a feel more akin to that of a parlor guitar. We checked out the standard DJr-10E back in 2019, and I was happy to get a chance to demo the new DJr-10E StreetMaster released earlier this year.

The DJr-10E StreetMaster’s most distinctive feature is its distressed “StreetMaster” finish. Originally introduced on various 15-series models a few years ago, this finish not only looks like the worn lacquer of an old favorite guitar, it’s also ultra-thin, allowing the sapele wood used for the entire body to vibrate with little restriction. Sapele is often compared to mahogany for both its appearance and tonal qualities, so the DJr-10E StreetMaster ties into the history of Martin’s 15- and 17-series instruments. The guitar has a black Richlite bridge and fingerboard, and other than fingerboard dots reminiscent of Martin’s style-28 and a mother-of-pearl pattern rosette, the guitar is unadorned. A Fishman Sonitone pickup system adds an uncomplicated amplification option.

The DJr-10E StreetMaster is a fun guitar to play. The short scale and compact dimensions contribute to its playability, but the standard 1¾-inch wide neck and string-spacing of 2⁵/₃₂ inches at the saddle mean that it has more of a full-size guitar feel than many travel guitars. The guitar has a full, rich tonality, and while it won’t win an acoustic volume contest, its overall sonic character never invokes the “boxiness” that sometimes plagues reduced-size flattops. Plugging into a Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge amp yielded a great amplified sound, and the system’s soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls allow for fine-tuning of the pickup’s signal.

Like other Dreadnought Juniors, this latest version is a great option for players looking for a small guitar with a full sound. Whether you’re looking for an instrument that’s more capable than a travel guitar or more suited to a physically smaller person, the DJr-10E StreetMaster is definitely worth checking out!