Aged finishes - also called relic’d or distressed, depending on your preferred term - are nothing new in the electric guitar world. But in recent years, their appearance on acoustic guitars has gained serious traction, thanks to boutique builders who’ve shown just how impactful a pre-worn finish can be on tone and response.
While some traditionalists still hesitate at the idea of a checked top on a brand-new acoustic, many are discovering that an aged finish does more than look cool - it can fundamentally change how a guitar sounds. The finish is typically much thinner than standard, allowing the soundboard to move more freely. The result? More responsiveness, greater dynamic range, and a more open, vintage-like voice.
To explore this for ourselves, we put Martin’s Stage 1 Aged finish to the test with the help of our friend Alex Rubin. In this video, he plays two Custom Authentic D-18 1937 guitars - identical in every way except for the finish: one in Martin’s standard Vintage Low Gloss, the other in Stage 1 Aged.
Can you hear the difference? Watch and let us know in the comments.