Joint Effort
Guitar World|November 2020
MARTIN SC-13E ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC
Paul Riario
Joint Effort

2020 HAS THUS far proven to be a historically challenging time, and most people will likely forget any good that came from this year. But one notable highlight I’d like to remember is Martin Guitar unveiling their most forward-thinking instrument in the company’s almost 200-year history. At the 2020 Winter NAMM Show, Martin surprised a lot of journalists and devotees with the introduction of the SC13E, a pioneering acoustic-electric that was completely built from scratch. Even more eye-opening are its three chief design hallmarks, all of which are departures from Martin’s time-honored style and traditional acoustic-build approach: an asymmetrical S-shaped body style, a dramatically sloped cutaway and, most importantly, a radically novel and innovative neck joint that combines elements of dovetail construction. If you’re thinking this guitar looks like it’s made for an electric player, you’re spot-on, but it is indeed an acoustic, and Martin’s most easily playable one at that. Nevertheless, the SC-13E will have widespread appeal for novices and virtuosos alike, and dare I say, even Martin’s most dyed-in-the-wool purists can’t deny its ergonomic ease and satisfyingly woody top-end tone.

This story is from the November 2020 edition of Guitar World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 2020 edition of Guitar World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GUITAR WORLDView All
KIM THAYIL
Guitar World

KIM THAYIL

The mighty Soundgarden guitarist looks back on his most iconic riffs and solos, as well as the gear and tunings that guided him deep into the creative superunknown

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2023
ANDY BELL
Guitar World

ANDY BELL

The U.K. shoegaze pioneer discusses the recording of Ride's classic Nineties albums and his 10 years as a member of Oasis

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2023
MARC FORD
Guitar World

MARC FORD

The respected SoCal guitarist explains why he chose the Black Crowes over Guns N' Roses - and how the Crowes' internal friction helped make them a compelling alternative to grunge

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2023
BRIAN VANDER ARK
Guitar World

BRIAN VANDER ARK

Determined as he moves out of the shadow of his past, the guitarist recounts the origins of the Verve Pipe and the recording of a definitive Nineties anthem, \"The Freshmen\"

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2023
VERNON REID
Guitar World

VERNON REID

From Vivid to Time's Up to Stain: How Vernon Reid's expressionist shredding juiced Living Colour through the grunge era

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2023
ART ALEXAKIS
Guitar World

ART ALEXAKIS

The tenacious Everclear frontman/guitarist discusses the music, moments and \"dangerous\" amps that changed his life and maybe ours - in the Nineties and beyond

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2023
DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
Guitar World

DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

The retro designs, digital innovations and misfit toys that defined guitar gear and technology in the Nineties

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2023
IT'S ALL A BLUR...
Guitar World

IT'S ALL A BLUR...

The rise and fall of Britpop, the Nineties' other massive, guitar-based movement

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2023
NEVERMIND NEVERMIND!
Guitar World

NEVERMIND NEVERMIND!

10 overlooked rock albums from the Nineties that are worth a second listen

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2023
A GRUNGY GUITAR GUIDE TO THE '90S
Guitar World

A GRUNGY GUITAR GUIDE TO THE '90S

Guitar World

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2023