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Pricing and availability
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Description
Introducing the Martin Custom Shop SC, a groundbreaking acoustic-electric guitar that redefines playability and sonic excellence. Handcrafted in Martin’s iconic Nazareth, PA workshop, this guitar is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design. Its SC body shape is the result of over half a decade of research, offering an acoustic experience with the comfort of an electric guitar. The deep cutaway design provides seamless access to upper frets, while the offset body contours naturally suppress feedback, allowing you to play with confidence on any stage.
The SC features East Indian rosewood back and sides paired with a solid spruce top, treated with Martin's proprietary VTS (Vintage Tone System) for a rich, aged sound right out of the box. The custom ebony fingerboard is complemented by a low-profile Velocity barrel neck, ensuring smooth transitions across all 20 frets. Premium details like flame maple binding and custom iridescent inlays elevate its visual elegance.
The Martin Custom Shop SC is equipped with Fishman Aura VT Blend electronics for studio-quality amplification. The innovative blend knob allows you to mix traditional acoustic sounds with a high-definition image of your tone, offering a versatile sonic palette for any performance or recording setting. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a statement of style and substance for the discerning musician.
Key Features:
- SC body shape for unparalleled playability and feedback reduction
- East Indian rosewood back and sides with a solid spruce VTS top
- Low-profile Velocity barrel neck with a comfortable satin finish
- Fishman Aura VT Blend electronics with blend and contour knobs
- Liquidmetal bridge pins for enhanced volume and sustain
- Ebony fingerboard with 20 frets and custom inlays
- Flame maple binding and gold open-gear tuners
Product specs
| Body type | S 13-Fret Cutaway |
| Top wood | Sitka spruce top with VTS and East Indian rosewood back and sides |
| Back & sides | East Indian rosewood |
| Bracing pattern | Tone Tension X-brace |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Neck shape | Low-profile velocity |
| Nut width | 1.75" |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Neck wood | Genuine mahogany |
| Scale length | 25.4" |
| Number of frets | 20 |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Bridge | Ebony |
| Saddle & nut | Bone nut; Compensated bone saddle |
| Pickup/preamp | Fishman Aura VT Blend |
| Tuning machines | Gold open-gear |
| Orientation | Right-handed |
| Number of strings | 6 string |
| Case | Hardshell case |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Martin Custom Shop SC, and how does it affect playability?
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The Martin Custom Shop SC features a low-profile velocity neck shape, designed for comfortable playability and easy access across the fretboard, making it ideal for both fingerstyle and strumming.
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What kind of wood is used for the Martin Custom Shop SC, and how does it influence the guitar's tone?
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The guitar has a Sitka spruce top with VTS and East Indian rosewood back and sides, providing a balanced tone with rich overtones, making it versatile for various musical styles.
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How does the Fishman Aura VT Blend system enhance the sound of the Martin Custom Shop SC?
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The Fishman Aura VT Blend system offers a natural and dynamic amplified tone by blending the guitar's acoustic sound with studio-quality imaging, ideal for live performances and recording.
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Is the Martin Custom Shop SC suitable for live performance settings?
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Yes, the Martin Custom Shop SC is equipped with Fishman Aura VT Blend electronics, ensuring excellent sound quality and versatility for live performances.
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What is the bracing pattern of the Martin Custom Shop SC, and why is it important?
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The guitar features a Tone Tension X-brace pattern, which enhances the structural integrity and tonal response, delivering a more resonant and balanced sound.
Videos
Alamo Music Center
Martin Guitars Cheap Vs Expensive SC Edition!
Martin Guitars Cheap Vs Expensive SC Edition!
Alamo Music Center
Martin Custom Shop SC - They Finally Did It!
Alamo Music Center
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Custom Shop SC.
Setup and maintenance
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Adjusting the neck angle requires a Martin SC service kit with shims, costing an additional $150-$200.
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High or low E strings may sit too close to bevelled fret edges, affecting pull-offs.
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Some owners report issues like low action causing fret buzz, particularly on upper frets, fixable with a $150 service kit and neck angle adjustments.
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Use cases and applications
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Some players consider the SC-18 or SC-28 models as versatile, all-purpose guitars suitable for a wide range of musical needs.
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The SC models are praised for their electric-like playability, with a neck shape allowing easy access to upper frets, ideal for both unplugged and plugged-in performances.
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Comparisons
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The SC-28E produces a more natural plugged-in sound compared to the SC-13E, attributed to its solid-wood back and sides.
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Some owners prefer the SC-13E Special over Taylor GS Mini for its playability and sound, but note it lacks bass for dreadnought enthusiasts.
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An SC-13E owner prefers it over a Taylor for its playability and tone, despite switching brands for other body styles.
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The SC-13E is said to sound similar to an HD-28 but lacks the depth, offering great tone and resonance for its smaller body size.
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User experience
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Owners note the SC-28E's velocity neck as the easiest playing acoustic neck, setting it apart in the SC series.
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Owners with smaller hands appreciate the SC-13E's comfortable and fast neck, yet it's not the most comfortable option for everyone.
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One owner found the SC-13E's unique neck joint and body shape vastly improved comfort, allowing long sessions without fatigue.
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Features and functionality
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The SC-28E's LR Baggs Anthem pickup system offers a blend of Tru-Mic and Element pickups for versatile sound, enhancing both acoustic and electric play.
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The SC-13E Special includes an LR Baggs pickup, preferred by some for live performances.
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The SC-10 with solid sapele top is noted for its warmer character and less brightness compared to spruce-topped models.
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Value and pricing
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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Martin Guitars posted this gifted custom Martin SC with John Mayer's name inlayed on the fingerboard. He was also seen playing it in his hotel room on a now gone Instagram story. Martin writes:
Fresh from the factory - Who can spot the Wild Blue label on @johnmayer's new Custom SC that was gifted to him? Check out his new single, Wild Blue, and his newest Martin on his upcoming Sob Rock tour.
Album Usage
The Martin Custom Shop SC has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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