NAMM 2024: “Pairing technology with timeless style and tone”: Martin expands its revolutionary SC acoustic-electric line with new, top-of-the-line models
Fully defying those who might have seen the near-200-year-old company as being typically too traditional in its builds, the SC-13E featured a bold cutaway – granting players unprecedented upper-fret access – and Fishman MX-T electronics.
Seemingly keeping with a pattern of twos, Martin has now further expanded the SC line with two new models – the SC-18E and SC-28E.
Most notable about these new builds is that they come in at significantly higher price points than their siblings. Though there might be a bit of sticker shock at first, the devil's typically in the details with premium builds, and the SC-18E and SC-28E are no exception.
SC-18E ($3,599)
There are certainly plenty of similarities between the SC-13E and SC-18E: the same unmistakable S-13 fret cutaway, spruce top, and ebony bridge, a 25.4", 20-fret ebony fretboard, Tone Tension X bracing, nickel open gear tuners...
Where the SC-18E sets itself apart, though, is the tonewood department. Rather than koa fine veneer, as they are on the SC-13E, the 18's back and sides are made of mahogany.
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The electronics, as you might expect, have also been beefed up – with a choice of Fishman's higher-end Aura VT Blend or LR Baggs' Anthem systems taking the place of the lower-end Fishman MX-T system found on the 13.
Additionally, the SC-18E comes with a molded hardshell case, in lieu of the soft-shell case (or soft gig bag) that accompanies the SC-13E.
SC-28E ($3,999)
Otherwise the same as the SC-18E, the SC-28E takes the tonewood game a step further still, with a back and sides made of East Indian rosewood.
We loved both the SC-13E and SC-10E, and can't wait to see what the new models bring to the table, sonically. Either way, this'll undoubtedly be one of the biggest acoustic launches at this year's NAMM show.
For more on these and all of the company's new products, visit Martin.
Jackson is an Associate Editor at GuitarWorld.com. He’s been writing and editing stories about new gear, technique and guitar-driven music both old and new since 2014, and has also written extensively on the same topics for Guitar Player. Elsewhere, his album reviews and essays have appeared in Louder and Unrecorded. Though open to music of all kinds, his greatest love has always been indie, and everything that falls under its massive umbrella. To that end, you can find him on Twitter crowing about whatever great new guitar band you need to drop everything to hear right now.