Atkin D37 12 Pre-War Shade Top - Baked Adirondack Spruce & Madagascar Rosewood

The Atkin D37 12 Pre-War Shade Top is a bold, majestic tribute to the legendary dreadnoughts of the 1930s—an instrument that blends historical reverence with modern craftsmanship in a way few builders can match. At its heart is a beautifully baked Adirondack spruce top, prized for its explosive dynamics, stiffness, and tonal richness. Paired with the deep, complex voice of Madagascar rosewood back and sides, the D37 12 offers a commanding low end, sparkling highs, and a perfectly balanced midrange—making it a true workhorse for flatpickers and fingerstylists alike. The pre-war scalloped bracing ensures a wide dynamic range and incredible responsiveness, while the age-toned relic gloss nitrocellulose finish and vintage-style sunburst top lend it a well-loved, road-worn character that feels like an old friend from the very first strum.

Alister Atkin and his team in Canterbury, England have spent over 25 years building a legacy rooted in passion, precision, and a deep respect for the golden era of acoustic guitars. With an obsessive dedication to detail and tone, Atkin Guitars have quietly risen to become some of the most revered instruments in the boutique world—sought after by discerning players who want vintage feel without vintage compromise. The D37 12 is a perfect example of this ethos, delivering pre-war mojo in a guitar that’s reliable, road-ready, and absolutely stunning in both form and function.

The D37 12’s mahogany neck with a 16" radius ebony fretboard feels silky under the fingers, and the 25.4" scale length adds extra snap and definition to each note. An ebony bridge, bone nut and saddle, and mother-of-pearl fret markers complete the premium playing experience. Elegant herringbone purfling, grained ivoroid binding, and a classic zipper backstrip tie together the vintage aesthetic, while nickel Gotoh tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability. Weighing in at 4 lb 15 oz and housed in a custom Atkin black case, the D37 12 is not just a guitar—it’s a celebration of tradition, tone, and timeless craftsmanship.

Other specifications of the D37 12 Pre-War Shade Top include:

Top: Baked Adirondack Spruce
Back & Sides: Madagascar Rosewood
Backstrip: Zipper Style
Neck: Mahogany
Truss Rod: Two-Way (Soundhole Adjust)
Headstock Overlay: Madagascar Rosewood
Logo: Atkin Decal
Fretboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Rosette: Black/White/Black
Purfling: Herringbone
Binding: Grained Ivoroid
Bracing: Pre-war scalloped
Lacquer Finish: Age Toned Relic Gloss Nitrocellulose
Nut & Saddle: Bone
Tuners: Nickel Gotoh
Side Dot Fretboard Markers: White Celluloid
Fret Markers: Mother of Pearl
Case: Atkin Black
Scale Length: 25.4"
Fingerboard Radius: 16"
Nut Width: 1 3/4"
Weight: 4 lb 15 oz
Serial Number: 3581

For more information about the Atkin D37 12s Pre-War, please contact us.