The Martin SC-13e wasn't a guitar I expected to find myself with. Despite nearly two decades of playing, my acoustic guitar experience has been...let's just say, less extensive than my electric guitar journey. While I've explored the gamut of electrics—Fenders, Gibsons, Parkers, custom Jacksons, Mayones, Caparisons, and Paul Reed Smiths—my acoustic history is a different story.
It began with a Carvin Cobalt (anyone remember those?), followed by a forgettable, likely rusting, Fender. Around 2020, I acquired a PRS parlor-sized acoustic, and then, my true first "lemon": a vintage 1970 Yamaha Red Label FG180. Let my cautionary tale be a lesson: never buy a 50-year-old guitar sight unseen off eBay. Mine needs a neck reset and a refret, repairs I haven't yet undertaken, much to my regret.
So, how did I end up with a Martin SC-13e? My renewed interest in acoustics wasn't due to some mid-life crisis or career milestone. It stemmed from a passion for Bossa Nova and Gypsy Jazz, which had me considering a nylon-string guitar or even a Selmer-style replica. My love of jazz, particularly the acoustic-driven work of Pat Metheny, was another significant influence. And finally, a nod to my younger self: I'm a huge Opeth fan. While their early acoustic work, like on Damnation, featured a Seagull, they later embraced US-made Martins.
This brings us back to the Yamaha FG180. When I purchased it in August 2024, I was thrilled to own a vintage guitar recommended by Alan Hinds. However, that excitement evaporated the moment it arrived. The action was sky-high, and the saddle was practically nonexistent. A neck reset and refret are needed, but financially out of reach (or justifiable). So, the Yamaha sits, awaiting its eventual restoration.
And finally, we arrive at the Martin…
Driven by a desire to support local music stores, I recently visited a high-end shop about 30 minutes from home. My initial mission was to check out a Pennsylvania-made Martin D-15M. While they had one, and I enjoyed playing it, my eye was caught by an intriguing, asymmetrical guitar—the SC-13e. Knowing it was a production model, and having had some less-than-stellar experiences with vintage acoustics, I approached it with cautious curiosity, particularly regarding its bolt-on neck joint.
I'm a firm believer in progress, having owned Parkers and Strandbergs and advocated for Aristides. I embrace innovation in guitar design, even when it raises a few eyebrows. It's worth noting that since the SC-13e's initial release, Martin has expanded the line with two USA-made models, clearly demonstrating their commitment to this neck design. I suspect we'll see more of this type of construction in the future, as it offers a potential solution to the invasive and costly neck reset procedure.
Beyond the innovative neck joint, I was immediately struck by the neck's feel. It's not the chunky "baseball bat" profile often found on acoustics. Instead, it's surprisingly reminiscent of a PRS or even some Ibanez necks—a comfortable and modern feel.
The soundhole-mounted tuner is a welcome addition, though not a deal-breaker. Most importantly, the guitar sounds like a Martin. It possesses that classic, versatile, and crisp tone. My particular model came strung with Martin's brand of 11-52 gauge coated strings, which I believe are their "Light" gauge. As an electric guitar player, I find this lighter gauge to be a very pleasant and inviting experience.
I'm genuinely impressed with this guitar. I suspect it was designed with players like me in mind—electric guitarists looking to bridge the gap between the two worlds. While the unconventional neck design might initially raise concerns among traditionalists, I think those concerns would quickly dissipate once they play it. This guitar is a serious contender for singer-songwriters and gigging musicians looking for a reliable and versatile workhorse.
The SC-13e has a remarkably broad appeal. It could easily find a home with everyone from fans of modern headless guitars to seasoned country players. I wouldn't be surprised if even Hank Williams, a known D-15 user, would have appreciated this instrument.