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Martin Guitar Nazareth Factory Tour Part 1

Martin Guitar Nazareth Factory Tour Part 1

Martin Guitar Nazareth Factory Tour Part 2

Martin Guitar Nazareth Factory Tour Part 2

Martin

Description

The Martin Special GPC Classic Grand Performance acoustic-electric guitar delivers the exceptional sound and craftsmanship that Martin is known for. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid sapele back and sides, this Grand Performance model offers a powerful and balanced tone with expressive highs, a clear midrange and a punchy low end. Whether you're on stage, in the studio or playing at home, the Special GPC provides exceptional playability and a versatile voice that's perfect for any musical style.

Mortise and Tenon Neck Joint for Enhanced Resonance

The Special GPC features a traditional mortise and tenon neck joint, a time-tested construction method that enhances the guitar's resonance and sustain. This glued joint allows the neck and body to vibrate as one unit, maximizing the transfer of energy and producing a richer, more vibrant tone. Unlike bolted neck joints, the mortise and tenon joint doesn't inhibit the natural vibrations of the wood, resulting in a more "alive" and responsive instrument.

Fishman Sonitone Electronics for Versatile Performance

The Special GPC is equipped with the Fishman Sonitone pickup system, making it stage and studio ready. This system features an undersaddle piezo pickup that captures the guitar's natural acoustic tone. With simple controls for volume and tone, you can easily adjust your sound to suit any playing situation. Whether you need a crisp and clear acoustic tone or a warmer, more amplified sound, the Fishman Sonitone electronics deliver exceptional versatility and performance.

Premium Components for Exceptional Tone and Playability

The Martin Special GPC is crafted with premium components that enhance its tone, playability and aesthetic appeal. The solid mahogany neck provides stability and warmth, while the ebony fingerboard offers a smooth and responsive playing surface. The bone nut and saddle contribute to the guitar's overall sustain and clarity. The enclosed tuning machines ensure accurate and stable tuning. These high-quality components, combined with the hand-rubbed satin finish, give the Special GPC a classic and timeless look.

The Perfect Guitar for the Performing Singer-Songwriter

The Martin Special GPC is an ideal choice for singer-songwriters who demand exceptional tone and versatility. The Grand Performance body size provides a balanced sound that complements vocals beautifully, with clear articulation and a focused midrange. The built-in Fishman electronics allow you to seamlessly transition from intimate coffeehouse gigs to larger stage performances. Whether you're accompanying your vocals with intricate fingerpicking or driving rhythms, the Special GPC will be a faithful companion on your musical journey.

Embrace the Martin Legacy With the Special GPC

The Martin Special GPC is a versatile and inspiring instrument that captures the essence of Martin's renowned craftsmanship and sound. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your musical journey, the Special GPC offers an exceptional playing experience and a tone that will inspire you for years to come. Order yours today and discover the magic of a Martin guitar.

Open Box Martin Special GPC All-Solid Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Level 2 Natural 197881462079
Open Box Martin Special GPC All-Solid Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Level 2 Natural 197881462079
Open Box Martin Special GPC All-Solid Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Level 2 Natural 197881462079

Features

  • Grand Performance body style with a single cutaway for comfortable playing and a balanced tone
  • Solid Sitka spruce top for exceptional projection and clarity
  • Solid sapele back and sides for warmth and resonance
  • Fishman Sonitone pickup system for amplified performance
  • Mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard for smooth playability and a rich tone
  • 20 frets for a wide range of notes
  • Bone nut and saddle for enhanced sustain and clarity
  • Hand-rubbed satin finish for a classic look and feel

Specs

Body
  • Body type: Grand Performance, single cutaway
  • Top wood: Solid Sitka spruce
  • Back & sides: Solid sapele
  • Bracing pattern: X
  • Body finish: Satin
Neck
  • Neck shape: Custom profile
  • Nut width: 1.75"
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Neck wood: Select hardwood
  • Scale length: 25.4"
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Bridge: Ebony
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: Fishman undersaddle piezo
Other
  • Tuning machines: Enclosed
  • Orientation: Right handed
  • Number of strings: 6-string
  • Case: Gig bag
  • Country of origin: Mexico

Featured Articles

Reviews

4.48

31 Reviews

90%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Good for campfires, friends, and traveling
What and absolute joy to play
What and absolute joy to play
What and absolute joy to play
What and absolute joy to play
All wood guitar
Great Guitar
A great buy! Will be buying more!
A great buy! Will be buying more!
Might be the Best Value in the Road Series
Stunning
Stunning

Most Liked Positive Review

4

Took me 45 years to put Martin's reputation to the test...

I first looked at Martin guitars 45 years ago when a store owner refused to let me try one unless I was going to buy it. I know I looked like a punk kid, but I took my money down the street and bought a Gibson instead... Flash forward to 2 weeks ago when I'm looking for a second quality acoustic to keep at home (my Breedlove stays at my girlfriends house several hours away), and the description of this Martin GPC hit all the check-offs – starting with all solid-wood construction (including the ebony fretboard), on-board electronics, cutaway design. I also really like the look of the Grand Performance body – not a collectors edition, but quality materials and build. Who knows if I'd like it until I played it (as I told the music store owner in '76!)? First I have to say it plays a little stiffer than I'm used to, maybe because I usually play XL strings and these are Lights (12-54 I think), maybe because nut-to-saddle is a bit longer... I was immediately pleased with strong bass response and balance from bass to treble strings, unplugged. I plugged it in straight into my PA, and found rich harmonics and natural sustain that was an improvement over the Breedlove. Then I ran it through my vocal harmonizer, which adds a few effects if I want it to; it processed beautifully. I like it best straight into the PA with a bit of reverb and tone tweaking between the tone control inside the sound hole and the PA tones... The more I play it, the better I like it! I may put those XL's on, but I have a feeling I'll stick with the Light strings. I thought I needed another acoustic guitar that played like an electric, but I'm so pleased with the rich tone and reproduction through PA that I see now I need this guitar on its own merits, and not a sub for my missing Breedlove. I won't be using Musician Friends' 30-day trial to send it back... I wonder if Mr. Store Owner ever thought twice about protecting his valuable stock from my grimy little amateur paws?

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Great sounding guitar with lower quality fretboard

I was watching & watching this guitar on-line & it came on sale. I got it at the door buster price which is what it should be priced normally. It sounds amazing. The pictures you find on GC's website show it with a uniform color on the Ebony fretboard and it says there is a Phase switch on the on-board controls. There is NO phase switch so that was another lie. The fretboard was not a uniform color and had some blemishes. I wanted one with a uniform color as was shown on the website. I got zero help from GC's main office. It turns out that Martin uses striped ebony for fretboards which means it usually has many imperfections on the wood and it isn't uniform which detracts from its otherwise lovely look. I had asked GC to substitute the next higher model & I would split the price difference with them since it wasn't as advertised which I believe was very fair but they wouldn't do it-shameful! They made me do legwork calling all over the states to try & find a store with a more uniform fretboard. It's listed as costing over $1k regularly and for that price, second quality wood should not be used-saying it's sustainability conscious without advertising it as blemished wood is just wrong. There are so many other high end guitars using ebony and it isn't striped ebony. The guitar does have great sound and sustain. Sounds like a true Martin.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming23
  2. Practicing23
  3. Recording20
  4. Small Venues16
  5. Rock Concerts4
Cons
  1. Flat Sound2
  2. Not Consistent1
  3. Poor Quality1
  4. none1
  5. Appearance of fretboard1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced22
  2. Novice6
  3. Professional Musician3
Pros
  1. Fun To Play27
  2. Stays In Tune27
  3. Good Audio26
  4. Good Feel26
  5. Consistent19

Reviewed by 31 customers

  • Good for campfires, friends, and traveling

    5

    submitted24 days ago

    byRyan

    fromSouthern Indiana

    I wanted a travel/campfire guitar that could absorb some dents and scratches. This one fits the bill. I played many different budget guitars in the store before settling on this Martin. I'm more of a Taylor fan, but I liked the setup and sound of this one. The wider string width was a selling point, and I like that it is all solid wood. It sounds good on my Fishman amp, and the soft case is convenient for light traveling. It needed new strings immediately. Mine has irregular striations in the fretboard like some of the Taylors. I thought it was cool, though, even though many others here hate the look. My experience with Martins is that you MUST play them in person before deciding. I've had higher end Martins disappoint, but then again, I've had some that were phenomenal. This one gets a five-star rating for what it is- a budget guitar that can develop some character over time.

  • Mexicali Martin

    2

    submitted4 months ago

    byJack

    fromPort St Lucie FL

    Went to play one today as it's on sale. Wasn't impressed. Sounded tinny - maybe the strings but it's also one the "Road Series" models made in Mexico. If I'm buying a Martin, I want a Martin made in Nazareth - and one that sounds worth the name.

  • Yes

    5

    submitted4 months ago

    byRich

    fromWilmington, NC

    I bought this Martin today on sale for $300 less than list price. I've been playing it for about six hours straight and I don't want to put it down. The setup is excellent right off the floor. I'll probably tweak the truss rod a touch, but honestly it's great as is. Amazing sound and feel at this price point. Plays and sounds as well as higher end guitars.

  • What and absolute joy to play

    5

    submitted6 months ago

    byMark

    fromGoodyear Arizona

    I've been eyeing this Guitar for quite some time. in fact, it was in my cart for quite some time. I was patiently waiting for it to put it on sale and sure enough it did. For the price you can't beat the sound, the quality and just the overall performance of this absolutely wonderful guitar.

  • Too many corners cut

    2

    submitted7 months ago

    byJohn

    fromWaco

    I played everything Martin at the store and this one stood. I took it home and set it up with elixers and was in love. Upon close inspection I found several issues. The high E tuner was GRINDING, a couple of frets were missing glue and there was a creaking in the whole guitar.

  • I love this guitar- and striped ebony is the bomb

    4

    submitteda year ago

    byCedric

    fromLincoln, NE

    I am a porch picker, maybe go to a jam session every now and then. This guitar's size is perfect, and alleviates some of the issues I have with shoulder and neck pain. Its almost as loud as a full dread but with a slightly more manageable size. Im not a fan of the gig bag, though. Its cushy but I wish it was more structured. Some complaints are made in other comments about this not being 'choice' ebony. Well, newsflash, Taylor doesn't use 'choice' ebony on anything under about a 300 level, either, or Larrivee, or anyone else in the 1000 dollar range. I like the the striped look, anyway. The back and sides are kind of basic, boring sapele but then you get some figuring on the fretboard in the ebony to jazz it up. My insurance guy appreciates it also since it is easier to identify.

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted10 months ago

    asked byJake

    fromFl

    Are there any of these in the Tampa store in Florida?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    I'm sorry, it is not available locally

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byLightguy

    fromWrightwood, CA.

    Where's the battery compartment located? Easy access or through the sound hole?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    It's in the sound hole.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byThe Claw

    fromLeesburg, Florida

    Does it have an internal pick up?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, it does.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byBb

    fromArizona

    Where is phase switch?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The controls are in the sound hole.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byJohn

    fromSan Diego

    Does it have a truss rod?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, it does.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byNino

    fromSC

    What wood is used in the construction?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Solid Sitka spruce top and solid sapele back and sides.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byJOHN

    fromAnaheim

    I don't see the plug-in for the electronic in the pictures. Where is it?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    The strap button

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byThomas

    fromOrlando, Florida

    Is the finish Lacquer or Polyurethane? And, what is the neck wood?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    String Type: Steel Number of Strings: 6 Body Shape: Grand Performance Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed Color: Natural Finish: Gloss Top Wood: Sitka Spruce Back & Sides Wood: Sapele Body Bracing: X-bracing Binding: Black Neck Wood: Select Hardwood Neck Shape: Performing Artist Radius: 16" Fingerboard Material: Richlite Fingerboard Inlay: Mother-of-pearl Dots, 28 Style Number of Frets: 20 Scale Length: 25.4" Tuning Machines: Chrome Enclosed Gear Bridge Material: Richlite Nut/Saddle Material: White Corian/White Tusq Nut Width: 1.75" Electronics: Fishman MX-T Strings: Lifespan 2.0 92/8 Phosphor Bronze, .012-.054