In 2019, the invention of the first 13-fret Martin took the world by storm with the introduction of the Martin SC-13E Koa, with its revolutionary Sure Align neck system and the ergonomic design of its Velocity neck and asymmetrical S body shape. Today, that which had expanded the possibilities of what an acoustic-electric guitar could achieve was taken to new levels, with the introduction of the upgraded SC-13E Special model, the SC-13E Special Burst model, and also the SC-10E, the most affordable S-size Martin yet.
Martin SC-10E
S for Extra Special
Tim Teel chose “S” for the name of the uniquely asymmetrical body, because he kept sketching serpentine contours during the research and development process. The waist of this fluid, curvy shape is skewed, so that the dip in the bass side is closer to the neck than the dip in the treble side. This feature moves most of the treble side into the lower bout, so a smaller amount of cubic space is removed from the sound chamber to make room for the cutaway.
The new SC-13E Special models feature the same inventive engineering as Martin’s first SC model, with several awesome upgrades. The back and sides are absolutely stunning to look upon. Under the sparkling gloss finish is dramatically figured ziricote fine veneers, as seen on the recently-released D-13E Ziricote model. Figured ziricote is also used for the fret position markers and for the latest version of the Aperture rosette, created expressly for this very special Special.
Martin SC-13E Special Sunburst
S for Special Sunburst
This new Style 13 Martin is also available in a version that has a spectacular sunburst finish over the solid Sitka spruce top. The SC-13E Special Sunburst was inspired by one of the Tim Teel's favorite sunbursts, previously used on Road Series guitars, but has been reimagined to work with the overall aesthetic of this upscale SC. It melds effortlessly with the rich ziricote hues on the back and sides, the solid ebony used for the sloped modern belly bridge and the high performance fingerboard.
S for Special Sound Enhancement
The Martin SC-13E Special models come with an upgraded pickup system, the LR Baggs Element undersaddle pickup with EAS tone and volume controls. You can use this acoustic-electric Martin with the exact same rig and settings as your electric guitar, just transfer the cable and lett 'er rip! This is because of the special body design, which matches a 000 side depth to the SC body shape, supported by Tone Tension bracing, with the asymmetrical X brace, scalloped only on the treble side, and tapered on the bass side. You get the most balanced acoustic tone possible, while allowing much greater gain when plugged in before you have to worry about the feedback issues of conventional acoustic guitars with onboard electronics.
Martin SC-13E Special
S for Special Silvery Luster
The SC-13E Special models also have a special silver script logo on the headstock, set off by slivery nickel keyhole tuning machines with skeleton key knobs, previously reserved for only the most exclusive limited edition Martins. These modern wonders have an intricate and airy appearance, and called “ratio tuners” because each tuner gets its own ratio that works with the specific string. This means that every string will go up or down in pitch at the exact same rate of turning as all the other strings. Both the sunburst and non-sunburst versions look gloriously beautiful!
S for Special Savings
In addition to the two Specials, Martin has announced the debut of the SC-10E. This most-economical SC Martin features the same Fishman MX-T electronics as the fancier SC-13E Koa, and the same revolutionary neck and body engineering, and fine koa veneers! But it brings the price down a great deal, by using the more modest appointments than either the 13E Koa or the new 13E Special models. It offers the best bang for the buck, while providing all of the benefits offered by amazing Martin S design.
Contact us today if you'd like more information on these fantastic new offerings from Martin Guitar!
Which new model are you most looking forward to? SC-10E, SC-13E Special or SC-13E Special Burst?
Posted by Maury on 01/21/2022 - 06:51 AM
Looking for a Martin SC 13E Special.
Do you have any in stock?
Posted by Jeff Blaker on 03/11/2022 - 11:52 AM
I find the sound of the SC-13 standard marginally better than the SC-10 unplugged and like the look better too. I also prefer the plugged-in and unplugged sound of the SC-13 standard over the SC-13 special. I just can't justify spending the extra for an SC-13 special over the standard model although I would spend the extra to go from an SC-10 to an SC-13 standard.
