Martins Brand New Body Shape!

Rabs · January 2020

Go to 17mins in if you want to see the new shape.. Interesting stuff with that neck joint.

Phil_C · January 2020

I actually really like it.

Thought the treble notes sounded really weak though but since they were portable wireless mics, I can give them the benefit of the doubt.

CeeJay · January 2020

I love that, and I want one.

ICBM · January 2020

Wow. My initial thought was that the body shape is a Breedlove copy, but there’s so much more to it than that.

I have to say I don’t like the pickguard, it’s a slightly lumpy shape - but I love everything else about the design. The sound isn’t very inspiring there, but it’s impossible to tell in that sort of environment and so crudely mic’ed.

The biggest shock is the price - I was expecting double that. I’m very keen to try one when they get over here.

bandmaster188 · January 2020

No overly keen on the cutaway shape but that neck join looks pretty amazing. Great price too.

rustneversleeps · January 2020

This is bad news as I’am trying to de-gas.

Phil_C · January 2020

rustneversleeps said:

This is bad news as I’am trying to de-gas.

There will be more gas for this guitar than in Russia

TimmyO · January 2020

Seems like a great set of ideas - if it sounds even halfway good they will sell gazillions

earwighoney · January 2020

Sounds good in this video.

http://onemanz.com/guitar/reviews/acoustic-guitars/martin/sc-13e/

Spoon Phillips likes it, and that guy is near enough an encyclopedia for all things Martin. It got best in show at NAMM 2020. Seems Martin have a winner on their hands.

Aside from the funky shape, it's the first bolt on/shim neck joint they've done. I'd love to see it for other guitars, eg an 00.

crunchman · January 2020

Would prefer it with a 1 11/16" nut width.

Milk · January 2020

Maybe its just me but i dont like the new shape. it looks awkward.

ICBM · January 2020

crunchman said:

Would prefer it with a 1 11/16" nut width.

Damn... 1-3/4" is a deal breaker for me.

rustneversleeps · January 2020

ICBM said:

crunchman said:

Would prefer it with a 1 11/16" nut width.

Damn... 1-3/4" is a deal breaker for me.

“Suits me sir “,funny enough I can switch between nut widths without to much problems.I think maybe it’s all in head.

ICBM · January 2020

rustneversleeps said:

“Suits me sir “,funny enough I can switch between nut widths without to much problems.I think maybe it’s all in head.

[/condescension]

No it isn't. It may be all in the hands though...

I had an OM-21 for several years, which was the best-sounding non-dreadnought guitar I've ever owned - but I couldn't get on with the neck width or the string spacing. So I won't be buying one of these unless they do it with a 1-11/16" neck.

If anything I prefer 1-5/8" for electrics.

DiscoStu · January 2020

WIN.

earwighoney · January 2020

ICBM said:

rustneversleeps said:

“Suits me sir “,funny enough I can switch between nut widths without to much problems.I think maybe it’s all in head.

[/condescension]

No it isn't. It may be all in the hands though...

I had an OM-21 for several years, which was the best-sounding non-dreadnought guitar I've ever owned - but I couldn't get on with the neck width or the string spacing. So I won't be buying one of these unless they do it with a 1-11/16" neck.

If anything I prefer 1-5/8" for electrics.

Martin seem to be pushing a 1 3/4 nut width, 2 5/32" string spacing at the saddle, slim taper neck on as many models as possible.

IMO, it's a weird spec as it's not the 1 11/16", 2 1/8" for flat picking or 1 3/4" 2 5/16" for fingerpicking. IMO, 1 3/4 nut width, 2 5/32" it's the worst of both worlds.

elkay · January 2020

Milk said:

Maybe its just me but i dont like the new shape. it looks awkward.

I thought that too. Looks so wrong on an acoustic. On balance. I think I still prefer the GPC-13e, which I suppose is the closest equivalent.

gibsongretschfan · January 2020

Wish Danish Pete would shut up

Acoustics with bolt on necks? F^ck off 2020

and it sounds like a Taylor

crunchman · January 2020

I think Alister Atkin uses a bolt on neck these days. They sound stunning so I'm not against them in principle.

The big issue on these for me is the 1 3/4" nut width. Not sure I'm over keen on the offset body either. I'd need to see if it would sit on a guitar stand nicely.

It's potentially a nice idea, but I think I'll give it a miss.

Kalimna · January 2020

What's wrong with bolt on acoustic necks? Easier to build, easier to repair (should it be necessary), just as 'strong' and sound as good as a dovetail.

Adam

Andy79 · January 2020

It sounds Taylor it looks very Taylor In design. Hats off to them for doing something different. I see Gibson’s effort is yet more vintage inspired J45s. This time from the 50s. Yawn.

earwighoney · January 2020

Andy79 said:

It sounds Taylor it looks very Taylor In design. Hats off to them for doing something different. I see Gibson’s effort is yet more vintage inspired J45s. This time from the 50s. Yawn.

They've not really done that before to the extent they have, it's Gibson's take on the Martin Authentic Series which is one of their successful lines. It might not be that interesting but it's a sign Gibson's acoustics are going in the right direction.

Kalimna said:

What's wrong with bolt on acoustic necks? Easier to build, easier to repair (should it be necessary), just as 'strong' and sound as good as a dovetail.
Adam

There's nothing wrong with bolt on necks. Some of the finest makers use them, eg Collings and Bourgeious, the latter have one of the best neck set joints of any guitars. I really hope their partnership with Eastman produces a guitar with the same neck joint for under a £1k. I'd buy in a heartbeat if they did.

Kalimna · January 2020

earwighoney said:

Andy79 said:

It sounds Taylor it looks very Taylor In design. Hats off to them for doing something different. I see Gibson’s effort is yet more vintage inspired J45s. This time from the 50s. Yawn.

They've not really done that before to the extent they have, it's Gibson's take on the Martin Authentic Series which is one of their successful lines. It might not be that interesting but it's a sign Gibson's acoustics are going in the right direction.

Kalimna said:

What's wrong with bolt on acoustic necks? Easier to build, easier to repair (should it be necessary), just as 'strong' and sound as good as a dovetail.
Adam

There's nothing wrong with bolt on necks. Some of the finest makers use them, eg Collings and Bourgeious, the latter have one of the best neck set joints of any guitars. I really hope their partnership with Eastman produces a guitar with the same neck joint for under a £1k. I'd buy in a heartbeat if they did.

That's what I thought - and I'll add Cumpiano to the list too

Rabs · January 2020

Its not a bolt on neck.. Its a sliding dove tail joint...

earwighoney · January 2020

Rabs said:

Its not a bolt on neck.. Its a sliding dove tail joint...

From the article above

"The neck block is exclusive to the SC design. It is made from a large block of solid African sipo, meticulously carved to accommodate the 4mm two-way adjustable neck rod and the components of the Linear Dovetail mechanism, which is made from a lightweight metal, probably some sort of aluminum alloy. The neck has a metal shaft that fits onto a movable metal tongue, which is tightened via two bolts, one of which is accessed through a small but rather decorative-looking port on the back (requiring a long slender tool designed to reach all the way up to the neck joint.)"

Tbh, I don't really understand the technicalities of what the neck joint actually involve, but it seems different to their traditional M&T, Dovetail joints they usually use.

crunchman · January 2020

earwighoney said:

Rabs said:

Its not a bolt on neck.. Its a sliding dove tail joint...

From the article above

"The neck block is exclusive to the SC design. It is made from a large block of solid African sipo, meticulously carved to accommodate the 4mm two-way adjustable neck rod and the components of the Linear Dovetail mechanism, which is made from a lightweight metal, probably some sort of aluminum alloy. The neck has a metal shaft that fits onto a movable metal tongue, which is tightened via two bolts, one of which is accessed through a small but rather decorative-looking port on the back (requiring a long slender tool designed to reach all the way up to the neck joint.)"

Tbh, I don't really understand the technicalities of what the neck joint actually involve, but it seems different to their traditional M&T, Dovetail joints they usually use.

Go play one once they are in the UK shops, and see how it sounds.

If it sounds good, and you like the 1 3/4" nut and body shape, then fine. If it sounds horrible, then avoid it.

idiotwindow · January 2020

ICBM said:

The biggest shock is the price - I was expecting double that. I’m very keen to try one when they get over here.

£1600. More than I would expect for a laminated wood Mexican made Martin. They are usually sub-£1200, especially ones which sound as shite as this particular one.

Andy79 · January 2020

idiotwindow said:

ICBM said:

The biggest shock is the price - I was expecting double that. I’m very keen to try one when they get over here.

£1600. More than I would expect for a Mexican made Martin. They are usually sub-£1200, especially ones with laminated back and sides.

You mean an exquisite veneer of quality Hawaiian Koa.....

crunchman · January 2020

idiotwindow said:

ICBM said:

The biggest shock is the price - I was expecting double that. I’m very keen to try one when they get over here.

£1600. More than I would expect for a laminated wood Mexican made Martin. They are usually sub-£1200, especially ones which sound as shite as this particular one.

That will come down a bit. When they are pre-order and no-one has any in stock, they will be more expensive.

Once they have been out a while, and everyone has them in stock, they will be £1549 if not £1499.

bbill335 · January 2020

stray thoughts:
-the phrase "sweat equity" made me gag
-guy with the hoody seems to be actively disrupting tweed guys pitch? and really distracted?
-seems like some worthwhile innovation at long last, but who's playing acoustic up at the 17th fret?

Rabs · January 2020

earwighoney said:

Rabs said:

Its not a bolt on neck.. Its a sliding dove tail joint...

From the article above

"The neck block is exclusive to the SC design. It is made from a large block of solid African sipo, meticulously carved to accommodate the 4mm two-way adjustable neck rod and the components of the Linear Dovetail mechanism, which is made from a lightweight metal, probably some sort of aluminum alloy. The neck has a metal shaft that fits onto a movable metal tongue, which is tightened via two bolts, one of which is accessed through a small but rather decorative-looking port on the back (requiring a long slender tool designed to reach all the way up to the neck joint.)"

Tbh, I don't really understand the technicalities of what the neck joint actually involve, but it seems different to their traditional M&T, Dovetail joints they usually use.

Well I don't work for them or anything so I don't know for sure but I would imagine its something like this.
https://i.imgur.com/xGSpSjb.png

The bolts on the back will then tighten the joint with a metal plate I think they said.. The idea being you can actually change the scale length of the neck easy peasy.

On an electric guitar this is an example. So it slots in to the body.
https://i.imgur.com/XhLvLQo.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PJI4bdr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KOEzSRL.jpg

Something like that I assume.. I think as long as its a reliable mechanism its a great idea.

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Martins Brand New Body Shape!

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