Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,500

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Designed for the discerning musician, the Martin Performing Artist GPC Special Ovangkol offers an exceptional blend of elegance and functionality. This Grand Performance body acoustic guitar is crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top, providing a bright and resonant sound that suits a variety of musical styles. The ovangkol back and sides add a unique tonal quality, rich in warmth and depth, making it a standout choice for both professional stage performances and intimate acoustic sessions.

The guitar's sleek cutaway design ensures easy access to higher frets, enhancing playability without sacrificing the full-bodied sound that Martin guitars are renowned for. A select hardwood neck, paired with a Richlite fingerboard, ensures smooth playability and lasting durability. The GPC Special Ovangkol is equipped with Fishman F1 Analog electronics, offering seamless amplification and tone control, making it an excellent choice for live performances.

Whether you're strumming chords or fingerpicking intricate melodies, this guitar responds with clarity and precision. Its meticulous craftsmanship and robust construction ensure it will be a cherished instrument for years to come.

Key Features:

  • Grand Performance cutaway body with solid Sitka spruce top
  • Ovangkol back and sides for a rich, warm tone
  • Select hardwood neck with Richlite fingerboard
  • Fishman F1 Analog electronics for enhanced amplification
  • High-performance neck taper for improved playability

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model Performing Artist GPC Special Ovangkol
Year 2019
Made In United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Ovangkol
Body Shape Auditorium
Color Family Orange
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Composite
Model Family Martin GPC Special
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Hybrid System
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Performing Artist
Sides Material Ovangkol
String Type Steel
Top Material Ovangkol

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Martin Performing Artist GPC Special Ovangkol, and how does it affect the sound?

The Martin Performing Artist GPC Special Ovangkol uses Ovangkol wood for the top, back, and sides, which provides a warm tone with a rich midrange and sparkling highs, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.

Is the Martin Performing Artist GPC Special Ovangkol suitable for live performances?

Yes, this guitar is equipped with an active preamp and a hybrid pickup system, making it ideal for live performances by providing clear amplified sound and easy connectivity to PA systems.

What is the neck profile of the Martin Performing Artist GPC Special Ovangkol, and how does it affect playability?

The guitar features a modern C-shaped neck profile, offering comfortable playability and making it suitable for both fingerstyle and strumming techniques.

How many frets does the Martin Performing Artist GPC Special Ovangkol have?

The Martin Performing Artist GPC Special Ovangkol has 20 frets, providing a wide range for playing both rhythm and lead parts.

Does the Martin Performing Artist GPC Special Ovangkol come with a cutaway design?

Yes, this guitar features a Grand Performance Cutaway (GPC) body shape, allowing easier access to higher frets for more versatile playing options.

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Martin GPC & Taylor 414ce Acoustics + Fishman Loudbox Combo Amp | Demo With Jared Scharff

Video thumbnail for Martin GPC & Taylor 414ce Acoustics +  Fishman Loudbox Combo Amp | Demo With Jared Scharff by Guitar Center

Martin GPC & Taylor 414ce Acoustics + Fishman Loudbox Combo Amp | Demo With Jared Scharff

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Guitar Center

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Performing Artist GPC Special Ovangkol.

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer the Eastman E1D over the Martin GPC Special, citing comparable quality at significantly lower prices, under $600.

    Source
  • The Taylor 314ce, priced over $2,000, also uses sapele for the back and sides, making the GPC Special appear more competitive in material choice.

    Source
  • The Martin GPC Special is similar to the GPC-11E model, with differences mainly in electronics and the fingerboard material.

    Source
  • The spruce top on the GPC11E is noted for potentially offering a more precise tone and enhanced sound projection compared to the Ovangkol top of the SGP.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's suggested that $975 for the GPC Special might not be a steal, given the availability of similar quality guitars for less.

    Source
  • A user found a deal on a floor model for $719, including a gig bag, highlighting potential savings on this model.

    Source

Build quality

  • The GPC Special features solid Ovangkol top, back, and sides, but Ovangkol is often considered less desirable than rosewood or mahogany.

    Source
  • The ebony fingerboard and bridge on the GPC Special may be dyed to achieve a darker appearance, similar to other models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is made in the Nazareth factory, PA, USA, which is valued for its craftsmanship, though some suggest saving for a Standard Series for a true upgrade.

    Source
  • The guitar is described as a good entry-level model, suitable for those progressing beyond beginner level without a major price increase.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar includes forward-shifted bracing and a mahogany neck, contributing to its tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The GPC Special lacks a vintage dovetail neck joint and uses a mortise-style joint for ease of assembly.

    Source
  • The lack of a built-in tuner on the SGP can be offset by using a discreet soundhole tuner, which preserves the guitar's tonal quality without sacrificing convenience.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report satisfaction with the GPC Special, noting it as a suitable upgrade from beginner models due to solid wood construction.

    Source
  • A user noted the SGP having a metallic sound, possibly due to older strings, but still found the chords to ring true and beautifully once replaced.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's suggested that a high-quality setup might require multiple adjustments to eliminate buzzing, indicating the need for precise neck work over time.

    Source

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