Pricing and availability

Average Price: $575

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Martin GPCPA5 is an acoustic-electric guitar that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern performance. Crafted by the legendary Martin brand, this guitar is part of the Performing Artist Series, designed for musicians who crave both comfort and rich tonal quality on stage or in the studio. The Grand Performance body shape, featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides, offers a resonant, balanced sound that captures the essence of every strum.

One of the standout features of the GPCPA5 is its Fishman F1 Analog electronics, ensuring your sound is as vibrant and natural when amplified as it is acoustically. This system includes an onboard tuner, tone and volume controls, and a unique phase control that enhances bass response at low volumes while suppressing feedback. Whether you're fingerpicking or strumming, this guitar delivers a clear and articulate sound across all registers.

The guitar's neck, crafted in the Performing Artist profile, is paired with a buttery Black Richlite fingerboard, providing a smooth, comfortable playing experience. The cutaway design allows unrestricted access to the upper frets, making it perfect for solos and complex chord progressions. From its elegant dot markers to its artistically shaped pickguard, the GPCPA5 is as visually appealing as it is sonically impressive.

Key Features:

  • Grand Performance body with solid Sitka spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides
  • Fishman F1 Analog electronics with onboard tuner and phase control
  • Performing Artist neck profile with Black Richlite fingerboard
  • Cutaway design for easy access to upper frets
  • Designed for balanced tone and projection, ideal for live performances and studio recordings

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model GPCPA5
Finish Black, Natural
Year 2013 - 2016
Made In Mexico, United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp No, Yes
Back Material High Pressure Laminate, Mahogany
Body Shape Auditorium
Color Family Black, Natural
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Composite, Ebony
Model Family Martin GPCPA5
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None, Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Performing Artist
Sides Material High Pressure Laminate, Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of body shape does the Martin GPCPA5 have?

The Martin GPCPA5 features an auditorium body shape, which offers a balanced tone and comfortable playability, suitable for various playing styles.

Does the Martin GPCPA5 have a built-in pickup system?

Yes, the Martin GPCPA5 includes an undersaddle piezo pickup, allowing it to be amplified for live performances or recording.

What materials are used in the construction of the Martin GPCPA5?

The Martin GPCPA5 has a spruce top with high-pressure laminate mahogany back and sides, providing durability and a warm, resonant sound.

Is the Martin GPCPA5 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Martin GPCPA5 is designed for live performances with its built-in undersaddle piezo pickup, making it easy to plug into an amplifier or PA system.

What kind of neck does the Martin GPCPA5 have?

The Martin GPCPA5 features a mahogany neck, offering stability and a smooth playing experience, ideal for both strumming and fingerstyle playing.

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Martin GPCPA5 Performing Artist Series Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know

Video thumbnail for Martin GPCPA5 Performing Artist Series Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know by Sam Ash Music

Martin GPCPA5 Performing Artist Series Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Video thumbnail for The Martin GPCPA5 at MaurysMusic.com by Maury's Music

The Martin GPCPA5 at MaurysMusic.com

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for Martin GPCPA5 by Todd Stuart Phillips by Maury's Music

Martin GPCPA5 by Todd Stuart Phillips

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for Musikmesse '13 - Martin Guitars GPCPA5 Black Performing Artist by Premier Guitar

Musikmesse '13 - Martin Guitars GPCPA5 Black Performing Artist

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Martin GPCPA5 sound sample by 통기타이야기 by 켄지TV

Martin GPCPA5 sound sample by 통기타이야기

켄지TV

켄지TV

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Guitars GPCPA5.

Comparisons

  • It's suggested that a Blueridge BR-140, a Chinese-made all-solid wood guitar, offers a closer experience to a high-end Martin D18 than the GPCPA5.

    Source
  • Seagull S6 Cedar is recommended as a better alternative at the same price point, due to its solid wood construction.

    Source
  • The SC-13e is noted for its unique design, described as neither a "ooo" nor "OM," with a neck designed for electric guitar players, offering a distinct feel and sound.

    Source
  • The GPC-X2E, with similar materials, is priced around $750 new with a gig bag, suggesting the GPCPA5K should be less when used.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Concerns are raised about paying for the Martin name rather than true quality, with suggestions to consider guitars with solid back and sides from other brands.

    Source
  • Used GPCPA5K models typically range from $500-$700, with $500-$600 being reasonable if a hard case is included.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users express dissatisfaction with the sound of lower-end Martins, indicating a preference for detail in visual aesthetics over tonal quality.

    Source
  • Owners report satisfaction with the PA series, specifically highlighting the unique black finish as an appealing feature for some models.

    Source

Other

  • Skepticism exists about whether low-end Martins are truly built by Martin or just licensed, impacting perceived value.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Martin Retro Monel strings (11s or 12s) are recommended for the GPCPA5, with users noting their suitability for various playing styles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Light gauge strings, such as Martin Marquis, are suggested for the GPCPA5 to enhance bending ability and overall playability.

    Source

Build quality

  • The GPCPA5K features HPL sides and back, similar to the X series, which may affect durability and sound quality compared to solid wood alternatives.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ed Sheeran uses Martin Guitars GPCPA5

Ed Sheeran

Singer, Guitarist

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via YouTube

Here you can see Ed Sheeran using the Martin GPCPA5 acoustic guitar on a London stage performance with Nina Nesbitt. At the beginning of the video she can be seen giving the guitar to Ed to play.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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