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!

SPECS: 14-fret Dreadnought Jr. body. Solid sapele top, back, and sides. Scalloped X-bracing. Hardwood neck. Richlite fingerboard and bridge. 24-inch scale. 1¾-inch nut width. 2⁵/₃₂-inch string spacing at the saddle. Enclosed chrome tuning machines. Fishman Sonitone electronics. Made in Mexico. $699. Martinguitar.com

Martin 012-28 Modern Deluxe and 0012-28 Modern Deluxe A pair of 12-frets that brilliantly combine vintage and contemporary features. Read More

Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 A great vintage-accurate mahogany dreadnought. Read More

Martin 000Jr-10E Shawn Mendes The pop star’s signature model is an affordable small-body guitar built from FSC-certified woods. Read More

Martin Custom Shop Super D A supersized dreadnought that sounds as big as it looks. Read More

Martin D-42 Special A variation on a classic model built with premium woods features an inlay design by Dick Boak. Read More

Martin 000-16 StreetMaster An affordable rosewood-and-spruce 000 with stripped-down appointments and a distressed finish. Read More

Martin D-28 Authentic 1937 A fantastic vintage-style dreadnought built with Guatemalan rosewood. Read More

Martin 00-28 Modern Deluxe A rosewood 00 that fuses vintage design with modern features. Read More

Martin 000-42 Modern Deluxe An updated take on a classic high-end Martin. Read More

Martin 00L Earth A guitar built to raise awareness about climate change. Read More