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Average Price: $682

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$200

$1001+

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Description

Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, the Martin DCPA4 offers a harmonious blend of quality and versatility. This steel-string acoustic guitar is part of Martin's acclaimed Performing Artist series, revered by musicians for its exceptional build and Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2 electronics system. Its solid Sitka spruce top paired with solid Sapele back and sides ensure a rich, resonant tone that adapts beautifully to any musical style.

The DCPA4 is designed with a D-14 Fret Cutaway body, providing effortless access to higher frets, making it perfect for both stage performances and studio sessions. The satin-finished neck features a Performing Artist profile that ensures comfortable playability, while a unique neck carve adds a touch of elegance to its feel. The polished gloss finish on the top not only enhances the guitar's visual appeal but also contributes to its vibrant sound projection.

Whether you're strumming in a cozy coffee house or performing on a grand stage, the DCPA4's balanced sound and responsive dynamics make it an inspiring companion. This guitar doesn’t just look the part; it sounds it too, offering a playing experience that's as rewarding to the audience as it is to the artist.

Key Features:

  • Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
  • Back & Sides: Solid Sapele
  • Neck: Select Hardwood with Performing Artist Profile
  • Electronics: Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2
  • Body Size: D-14 Fret Cutaway
  • Finish: Polished Gloss Top, Satin Back & Sides
  • Scale Length: 25.4"
  • Frets: 20 Total, 14 Clear
  • Bridge & Fingerboard Material: Black Richlite
  • Tuning Machines: Chrome Enclosed with Large Buttons
  • Includes Brown Hardshell Case

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model DCPA4
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 2011 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Sapele
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Natural, Orange
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Martin DCPA4
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Performing Artist
Sides Material Sapele
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin DCPA4?

The Martin DCPA4 uses sapele wood for the back and sides, which contributes to its warm and balanced tone, similar to mahogany but with a bit more brightness.

Does the Martin DCPA4 have an active preamp system?

Yes, the Martin DCPA4 is equipped with an active preamp system, allowing for enhanced sound control and amplification during performances.

What is the body shape of the Martin DCPA4, and how does it affect playability?

The Martin DCPA4 features a dreadnought body shape, which provides a powerful, resonant sound and is well-suited for strumming and flatpicking.

Is the Martin DCPA4 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Martin DCPA4 is ideal for live performances due to its built-in undersaddle piezo pickup and active preamp, offering reliable amplification and sound control.

How many frets does the Martin DCPA4 have?

The Martin DCPA4 has 20 frets, providing ample range for both rhythm and lead playing.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Martin DCPA4 Acoustic Guitar

Video thumbnail for Martin DCPA4 Acoustic Guitar by Acoustic Letter

Martin DCPA4 Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Martin DCPA4 Performing Artist Acoustic Electric - Martin DCPA4 by American Musical Supply

Martin DCPA4 Performing Artist Acoustic Electric - Martin DCPA4

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for The Martin DCPA4 at MaurysMusic.com by Maury's Music

The Martin DCPA4 at MaurysMusic.com

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for 2011 Martin DCPA4 by WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

2011 Martin DCPA4

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

Video thumbnail for Martin DCPA4  All Solid by top acoustic

Martin DCPA4 All Solid

top acoustic

top acoustic

Reviews

PROS

  • Rich, deep tones leave listeners smiling

  • Superior fit and finish of guitar and case

  • Sounds as good as much higher-priced models

  • Built-in tuner is a convenient feature

  • Crystal clean sound with classic Martin tone

  • Solid spruce top and sapele sides for a balanced sound

  • Comfortable neck makes it easy to play

  • Excellent for live performances, holds its own against high-end guitars

  • Comes with a protective hard shell case

CONS

  • Difficulty staying in tune, especially B string

  • Frets groove and wear quickly

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin DCPA4.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend checking string gauge as lighter strings (e.g., 10s) can ease playability on the DCPA4 without significantly compromising volume.

    Source
  • A proper setup, including neck adjustments, is crucial to resolving playability issues, with some users suggesting repeated adjustments might be necessary.

    Source
  • The action on the DCPA4 can be quite high out of the box, necessitating a truss rod adjustment for improved playability.

    Source
  • Removing sticky knobs can be done by gently prying with a thin guitar pick, ensuring a protective layer like a piece of leather is used to prevent scratching the guitar's body.

    Source
  • Isopropyl alcohol can effectively clean the sticky residue off the knobs, but caution is needed to avoid contact with the guitar's finish to prevent damage.

    Source

Build quality

  • One user reported issues with the binding breaking loose, and noted Martin's lack of support for this problem.

    Source
  • The rubberized coating on the knobs can become sticky over time, potentially due to material degradation, and requires careful cleaning to avoid damage to the guitar's finish.

    Source

User experience

  • Transitioning from a 1 11/16" to a 1 3/4" nut width can cause cramping and difficulty, suggesting a significant adjustment period for players used to narrower necks.

    Source
  • Users with fingerpicking styles report difficulty due to the high action, indicating the need for a professional setup to alleviate discomfort.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The DCPA4's full dreadnought size can accommodate lighter strings, which some players prefer for reduced hand fatigue without major tonal loss.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners prefer the out-of-the-box setup of Taylors over Martins, suggesting Taylors are more player-ready without additional adjustments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Specific Martin tools exist for preamp knob removal, though they may require purchasing and waiting for delivery, offering a targeted solution for maintenance.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
kahlor

A dream.

A Martin that looks like a Martin and SOUNDS like a Martin should. It's the guitar I hoped it would be when I ordered it. Crystal clean sound, pure Martin tone.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Cornell uses Martin DCPA4

Chris Cornell

Guitarist, Singer

Soundgarden

...
Verified via Martinguitar

According to Martin's website, Cornell uses Martin DCPA4 guitar.

See how Marty Schwartz uses Martin DCPA4

Marty Schwartz

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by GuitarJamz, Marty Schwartz demonstrates the Martin DCPA4 acoustic guitar during a guitar lesson overview.

See how Amy Cimorelli uses Martin DCPA4

Amy Cimorelli

Singer, Guitarist

Cimorelli

...
Verified via YouTube

Amy plays this guitar in a few covers. It is a Martin DCPA4 Rosewood.

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