Martin

collapse expand iconDescription

With over 150 years of guitar making, when Martin calls something special, like this DC Special Performing Artist Ovangkol Dreadnought acoustic/electric guitar, it's worth checking out. But what makes it so special?

Martin DC Special Performing Artist Ovankgol back and sides

Atypical tonewood

One of the reasons Martin added the word "Special" to the name of this DC Performing Artist guitar is the fact they chose ovangkol for the back and sides. Rarely used by Martin, this African tonewood offers a sound that is a mix of koa and mahogany. Its full midrange, tempered lows and crisp highs add just the right amount of flavor, making this guitar great for any musical style. The 5/16" forward-shifted scalloped X bracing also ensures you'll enjoy the full breadth of the guitar's ovangkol and Sitka spruce (top) combination.

Martin DC Special Performing Artist Ovankgol slim neck, cutaway

Feature comforts

Another reason this DC Special Performing Artist guitar is not just a run-of-the-mill dreadnought, is that it features Martin's Enhanced Dreadnought body. With a shallower depth of 4-1/8", you can securely hold it closer to your body. Combine that with Martin's slimmer Performance Artist neck profile, High Performance Taper and single-cutaway design, and you've got an extremely comfortable guitar-playing experience.

Martin DC Special Performing Artist Ovankgol Fishman Matrix VT Enhanced pickup

Unobtrusive electronics

For natural-sounding plugged-in performance, Martin gives the DC Special Performing Artist Ovangkol Dreadnought the discrete Fishman Matrix VT Enhanced pickup system, which pairs an under-the-saddle pickup with a Fishman Enhance bridge plate transducer. You'll hear all the nuances of the guitar's tonewoods, as well as the dynamics of your playing, without handling noise and feedback bleeding in. Its simple volume and tone controls are conveniently positioned inside the soundhole's top with an Enhance Blend control mounted on the bottom.

Martin DC Special Performing Artist Ovankgol Sunburst finish, case, appointments

Finishing strong

The final touches that make this guitar a worthwhile investment include antique white binding, tortoiseshell pickguard, multi-ring rosette, and a unique Sunburst finish exclusive to a limited number of these Martin Special guitars.

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Sunburst finish
  • Antique white binding
  • "Golden Era"-style scalloped bracing
  • Fishman Matrix VT Enhanced electronics

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body type: Dreadnought
  • Cutaway: Single
  • Top wood: Sitka spruce
  • Back and sides: Ovangkol
  • Bracing pattern: Forward shifted 5/16" scalloped X
  • Body finish: Gloss
  • Orientation: Right handed
Neck
  • Neck shape: Performing Artist with High Performance taper
  • Nut width: 1.75" (44.45 mm)
  • Fingerboard: FSC Certified Richlite
  • Neck wood: Solid mahogany
  • Scale length: 25.4"
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Neck finish: Satin
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: Yes
  • Brand: Fishman
  • Configuration: Undersaddle transducer
  • Preamp EQ: 2-band
  • Feedback filter: No
  • Tuner: No
Other
  • Headstock overlay: Grenadillo
  • Tuning machines: Chrome enclosed gear
  • Bridge: FSC Certified Richlite
  • Saddle and nut: White Tusq/bone nut
  • Number of strings: 6
  • Special features:
  • Case: Deluxe gig bag
  • Accessories: None
  • Country of origin: United States