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Martin

collapse expand iconDescription

Martin's SC-13E Special Road acoustic-electric guitar provides an unparalleled combination of comfort and power. The Sure Align neck system gives players unfettered access to all 20 frets, allowing ambitious lead lines and extended fingerpicking passages with ease. A low-profile velocity neck barrel ergonomically supports the hand for a familiar electric feel. Onboard Fishman MX-T electronics deliver a robust yet balanced amplified tone, perfect for gigging and recording. The sloped bridge keeps out of the way of the picking hand whether strumming full chords or delicately plucking single notes.

Sure Align Neck System Provides Full Fret Access

The SC-13E Special Road's patented Sure Align neck system provides players full access to all 20 frets. Ambitious lead lines, extended fingerpicking passages and difficult chords are easily within reach. The heel-less construction and asymmetrical neck joint remove physical barriers, allowing the hand to glide smoothly up and down the fingerboard.

Low-Profile Velocity Neck Barrel Mimics Electric Playability

The SC-13E Special Road features a low-profile velocity neck barrel that ergonomically supports the hand, providing the familiar feel of an electric guitar. The rounded shape allows the wrist and hand to naturally rotate and pivot as notes are fretted higher up the neck. Chord shapes and scale runs feel familiar and comfortable rather than cramped.

Onboard Fishman MX-T Electronics Deliver Powerful Yet Balanced Tone

The SC-13E Special Road comes equipped with Fishman MX-T electronics, delivering a robust yet balanced amplified tone perfect for gigging and recording. The undersaddle pickup accurately captures the guitar's acoustic properties while the soundhole-mounted preamp provides tone shaping control. Feedback is effectively eliminated, allowing for higher stage volumes. The preamp's phase switch removes the "quacky" sound that can occur when blending multiple pickup sources.

Sloped Bridge Maximizes Comfort

The SC-13E Special Road features a sloped modern belly drop-in saddle bridge that keeps out of the way of the picking hand. Whether strumming full chords or plucking single notes, the bridge never obstructs or creates an unnatural feel. The design allows the wrist and hand to remain in a relaxed, neutral position that minimizes fatigue over long playing sessions.

Martin SC-13E Special Road Series Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
Martin SC-13E Special Road Series Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
Martin SC-13E Special Road Series Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Spruce top with ziricote fine veneer gloss-finished back and sides
  • Select hardwood neck in a 25.4" scale length
  • Ebony, katalox, Richlite or granadillo bridge and fingerboard
  • L.R. Baggs Element electronics

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body type: S 13-fret cutaway
  • Top wood: Spruce
  • Back & sides: Ziricote fine veneer
  • Bracing pattern: Tone tension X brace, treble-side scalloped X with non-scalloped tone bars
  • Body finish: Gloss
Neck
  • Neck shape: Low-profile velocity
  • Nut width: 1.75"
  • Fingerboard: Ebony, katalox, Richlite or granadillo
  • Neck wood: Select hardwood
  • Scale length: 25.4"
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Neck finish: Satin
  • Bridge: Ebony, Katalox, Richlite or granadillo
  • Saddle & nut: Compensated white TUSQ saddle and white corian nut
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: L.R. Baggs Element
Other
  • Tuning machines: Ratio nickel open-gear
  • Orientation: Right-handed
  • Number of strings: 6 string
  • Case: Gig bag
  • Country of origin: Mexico

collapse expand iconWarranty

One year warranty on Martin Backpackers, Little Martins and Ukuleles. Limited lifetime on other Martin guitars.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

5

4 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming4
  2. Practicing3
  3. Recording3
  4. Small Venues3
Cons
  1. Fret Ends need rounding1
  2. LR Baggs Element is Marginal1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced4
Pros
  1. Fun To Play4
  2. Good Audio4
  3. Good Feel4
  4. Stays In Tune4
  5. Consistent2
  • Yes would buy again

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byBo

    fromNew York

    This is a great acoustic. Played a few Martins and Taylors at the GC store and this one had the sound, feel and beauty I was looking for in an acoustic. Feels and plays sweet in hand. Additionally sounds great plugged in. This is a quality built gorgeous guitar.

  • Fantastic tone! Love the quality!

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byDavid

    fromGouverneur,NY

    Can't believe the tone and sound coming from this instrument! Beautiful look and quality in finish! I have played older and newer D-28s and loved the sound from the Martin's. The ease of playing this instrument is very easy on the fingers. I have NO!!!! regrets or changes I would make on this instrument! HIGHLY RECCOMEND!

  • Impressed & Happy

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byRobert

    fromHappy Valley, OR

    I needed an electric acoustic and I am a Martin owner so I looked at their option. Decided on the SC-13E Special without playing as I know being an owner they will deliver a good product. Got it yesterday and played all night into the early morning. I love everything about this guitar - just two things I noticed right away: I think the LR Baggs Element is marginal. I have to dial in my amp as it seems the volume on the LR Bagg Element has a short sweep and the tone doesn't seem to do much, if anything. It is usable but you have to spend time with your Amp or PA to get a good sound. I will take it to my Tech to file fret ends, they are pretty sharp. Not a big deal; however, for a player that uses thumb-over technique and moves around neck a lot, it is uncomfortable. Once I get these two things right. this will be one of my favorite guitars in my arsenal! 1943 000-18 Martin 2019 Original '50s Telecaster 1992 American Deluxe Stratocaster 2006 Eastman Jazz Deluxe (T165) 2008 Canin Flamenco Negra

  • The sounds are great.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byClayton

    fromColbert, GA

    Easy to play with great sound. Quality is good and set up was good from the start.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

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

  • asked byPSMcQueeney

    fromRoswell GA

    What Martin brand hard shell case will fit this guitar?

    What Martin brand hard shell case will fit this guitar?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Please see ---------- Martin Jumbo Hardshell Guitar Case
  • asked byDAN

    fromLynn, Ma.

    Why was the tuner removed.

    Why was the tuner removed.

    Open Reply - Gear-Adviser
    I’m very sorry. Your question is not clear. Please call us at 855-770-3373
  • asked byAsley

    fromLondon

    Hi,
I'm interesting in buying the Martin SC13e Burst finish. Are you able to arrange shipping to the UK? 
Kind regards,
Ashley

    Hi, I'm interesting in buying the Martin SC13e Burst finish. Are you able to arrange shipping to the UK? Kind regards, Ashley

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Unfortunately we are unable to ship to the UK
    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Unfortunately we are unable to ship to the UK
  • asked byMike

    fromMenomonee Falls Wi.

    Does this guitar have a built in tuner or tuning display ?

    Does this guitar have a built in tuner or tuning display ?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Unfortunately, no
  • asked bymark

    fromWarrenton Va

    What s good choice of strings to use and gauge when I replace worn-out one's

    What s good choice of strings to use and gauge when I replace worn-out one's

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Martin MA540T Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze Light Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings
  • asked byYo adrienne

    fromWaupaca wi

    I need a narrow neckdoes this guitar have a narrow neck alsoit has to have action like a knife through butter

    I need a narrow neckdoes this guitar have a narrow neck alsoit has to have action like a knife through butter

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes. This is a good choice