Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $1,852
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin SC-13E Special Acoustic-electric Guitar - Burst". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Martin SC-13E Special Acoustic-electric Guitar - a marriage of comfort and power, tailored to the nuanced needs of today's discerning musicians. This exquisite instrument is crafted with the patented Sure Align neck system, allowing unhindered access to all 20 frets for ambitious lead lines and fingerpicking passages. The low-profile velocity neck barrel mimics the familiar feel of an electric guitar, creating an ergonomic and comfortable playing experience.
Equipped with onboard Fishman MX-T electronics, this guitar delivers a robust yet balanced amplified tone, excellent for both gigging and recording. The undersaddle pickup accurately captures the guitar's acoustic properties, while the soundhole-mounted preamp provides tone shaping control. The sloped modern belly drop-in saddle bridge further enhances playing comfort, ensuring your hand remains in a relaxed, neutral position for extended sessions.
This special edition model boasts a Sitka spruce gloss top and a ziricote fine veneer gloss finished back and sides, completing the aesthetic appeal. With nickel open gear keyhole tuners and skeleton key knobs, this guitar is not only a musical instrument but a work of art.
Key Features:
- Patented Sure Align neck system for full fret access
- Low-profile velocity neck barrel for electric guitar-like playability
- Onboard Fishman MX-T electronics for powerful, balanced tone
- Sloped modern belly drop-in saddle bridge for enhanced comfort
- Sitka spruce gloss top and ziricote fine veneer gloss finished back and sides
- Nickel open gear keyhole tuners with skeleton key knobs
Product specs
| String Type | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | SC-13E |
| Back & Sides Wood | Ziricote veneer |
| Top Wood | Spruce |
| Finish | Gloss |
| Body Bracing | Scalloped X-bracing |
| Binding | White |
| Neck Wood | Select Hardwood |
| Neck Shape | Low Profile Velocity |
| Radius | 16" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Celestial Blue Dots |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Scale Length | 25.4" |
| Nut Width | 1.75" |
| Nut/Saddle Material | White Corian/White Tusq |
| Bridge Material | Ebony |
| Tuning Machines | Open Gear |
| Electronics | LR Baggs Element with Under-saddle Transducer |
| Strings | Martin, .011-.052 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Softshell Case |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Martin SC-13E Special Acoustic-electric Guitar?
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The Martin SC-13E Special features a Low Profile Velocity neck shape, designed for comfortable playability and smooth transitions across the fretboard, making it suitable for both chordal and lead playing.
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What type of wood is used in the construction of the Martin SC-13E Special?
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The Martin SC-13E Special is crafted with a solid spruce top and ziricote veneer back and sides, offering a rich, resonant tone with striking visual appeal.
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Is the Martin SC-13E Special suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Martin SC-13E Special is equipped with LR Baggs Element electronics, making it well-suited for amplified performances and offering a natural acoustic sound when plugged in.
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How does the Martin SC-13E Special handle different music genres?
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The Martin SC-13E Special's versatile tonal range, due to its spruce top and ziricote back and sides, makes it suitable for a variety of genres, from folk and blues to rock and pop.
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What is included with the purchase of the Martin SC-13E Special Acoustic-electric Guitar?
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The Martin SC-13E Special comes with a softshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.
Videos
Alamo Music Center
Martin SC-10e vs. SC-13e Special Burst | Fishman vs. LR Baggs Pickup Comparison
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin SC-13E Special Acoustic-electric Guitar - Burst.
Use cases and applications
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The guitar's innovative design and playability are seen as revolutionary in the acoustic market, with some comparing its impact to Taylor's NT Neck and V bracing.
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The SC-13E is favored for travel due to its durable laminate back and sides, making it less susceptible to environmental changes compared to solid wood guitars.
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Comparisons
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Some owners feel the SC-13E resembles Martin’s attempt at a Taylor Grand Auditorium, without fully capturing the essence.
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The SC-13E is compared to Taylor's 314 for playability, with some preferring Taylor's bass response and less harsh treble.
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The SC-13E is described as sounding as bright as a Taylor but maintaining the mid-range tones Martin is known for.
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Though it doesn't match the volume of full-sized Martins like the D-28, the SC-13E is considered more comfortable and suitable for frequent travel.
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User experience
Features and functionality
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The SC-13E is praised for its adjustability and ease of play, making it a standout choice for those seeking a modern sound.
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The SC-13E includes a built-in tuner discreetly located inside the soundhole, providing easy access without being obtrusive.
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The SC-13E's design allows easier access to the upper frets, particularly the 18th fret, which is appreciated by players transitioning from electric guitars.
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Value and pricing
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Used SC-13E guitars can be found for as low as $1,000, offering a more budget-friendly option compared to new.
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Some users feel the SC-13E is priced about $200 higher due to its newness, suggesting a potential price drop could increase value.
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It's been noted that purchasing at MSRP is common, and the SC-13E's price has fluctuated, with some buyers finding it for $1.6k new.
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Build quality
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The SC-13E is noted for its beautiful aesthetics, particularly the unique black binding on special run versions.
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Mods and upgrades
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Martin's shim kit for neck adjustments is criticized for being overpriced at $150, seen as a cash grab requiring additional purchases after initial investment.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners emphasize the importance of finding a technician familiar with the SC-13E's unique neck setup and shimming process to avoid common setup errors.
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The Sure-Align Neck System allows for easy neck adjustments with exterior access and a single shim design, simplifying setup compared to Taylor’s NT Neck system.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Genre Usage
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