Martin 11SC13E-01 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Martin 11SC13E-01 SC-13E is a high-end acoustic-electric guitar from C.F. Martin and Co., one of the most renowned and historic American guitar manufacturers. Founded in 1833, Martin has crafted guitars played by legends from Hank Williams to Eric Clapton.

The SC-13E is part of Martin's Standard Series, which utilizes alternative woods and cutting-edge techniques to offer Martin's famous tone and playability at an attractive price point. This model pairs solid sapele back and sides with a solid Sitka spruce top, a configuration found on many of Martin's more expensive models.

With its classic shape and appointments, the SC-13E embodies Martin's signature style. The Fishman electronics and thumb-print rosette give it a modern edge, making this guitar versatile enough for stage and studio use. As an acoustic-electric, the SC-13E aims to deliver Martin's revered acoustic sound and responsiveness along with plugged-in amplification and control.

Body Style and Construction

The Martin 11SC13E-01 SC-13E acoustic-electric guitar has a classic dreadnought body shape that provides full, balanced resonance and projection. The body depth measures 4 inches, making it a comfortable size for most players while still producing good volume and sustain.

The back and sides of the body are made from solid mahogany, which adds warmth and sweetness to the overall tone. Mahogany is a tonewood that works well for all styles of playing. The top is solid spruce, which gives this Martin great clarity and responsiveness. The spruce top allows each note to ring out distinctly.

The combination of mahogany back and sides with a solid spruce top provides the 11SC13E-01 with a balanced and versatile sound. The body construction allows the guitar to be played for various music genres while always maintaining organic, rich tones. The dreadnought body style is known for its full and robust projection, making it a popular choice for many guitarists. It provides a balanced tone across the tonal spectrum.

Another popular acoustic-electric guitar with a dreadnought body is the Grote LPF-001. This guitar features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, similar to the Martin model. However, it has a slightly smaller body depth of 3.75 inches. The Grote LPF-001 produces a balanced and clear tone with good volume and sustain. Its slimmer depth provides comfort during longer playing sessions while still allowing the guitar to project well. The Grote dreadnought body shape is comfortable for most playing styles.

When comparing the Martin 11SC13E-01 and Grote LPF-001, the Martin has a slightly deeper body which can provide more low-end response. The Grote has a more mid-focused tone with clear treble notes. Both guitars utilize similar solid wood construction and have the versatile dreadnought shape. This makes them suitable for playing many music genres. While the Martin may have a little more bass punch, the Grote offers a more lightweight option. Choosing between the two comes down to tonal preferences and playing comfort needs.

Dreadnought acoustic-electric guitars like the Martin 11SC13E-01 and Grote LPF-001 offer players a traditional body shape with balanced resonance. Their construction using solid wood tops and mahogany back and sides provides warmth and articulation. The dreadnought form factor projects sound effectively while remaining comfortable to hold and play. When amplified, these acoustic-electrics maintain their core acoustic tone and character. Whether you prefer the robust lows of the Martin or the lighter feel of the Grote, both of these dreadnought guitars deliver versatile acoustic-electric performance.

Neck and Fretboard

The Martin SC-13E has a smooth satin finished neck made of select hardwood. The 25.4" scale length provides comfortable tension that many players prefer for strumming chords and intricate fingerpicking.

The fretboard is made of Richlite, an eco-friendly composite material that has a similar feel and playability to ebony. Richlite holds frets securely for excellent intonation and don't require conditioning like some wood fretboards. The 20 frets are medium sized making chord changes smooth.

Overall, the neck and fretboard are designed for all-day playing comfort across different styles of acoustic guitar music. The satin neck feel allows for fast movement up and down the neck while the Richlite fretboard provides clear note definition.

The neck and fretboard are some of the most important elements of an acoustic-electric guitar like the Martin SC-13E. They directly impact playability and comfort. Many guitarists prefer a smooth, fast satin neck and fretboard for versatility across musical styles. The Martin SC-13E aims to deliver on that with its hardwood neck and Richlite fretboard. Of course, there are other excellent options too. The Ibanez GA3 has a mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard which provides a slightly warmer, rounded tone. While the Martin focuses on all-day comfort and universal appeal, the Ibanez targets those looking for a more traditional acoustic guitar neck and fretboard feel. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference. The Martin SC-13E neck and fretboard offer a modern, eco-friendly take optimized for speed and comfort. The Ibanez GA3 provides a classic acoustic guitar neck and fretboard pairing focused on warm, rich tones. Both are great options that cater to different player priorities while delivering premium quality and playability.

Electronics and Controls

The Martin 11SC13E-01 comes equipped with Fishman Sonitone electronics, featuring an undersaddle piezo pickup and Sonitone preamp system. This provides natural amplification and lets you plug into an acoustic guitar amp or PA system for live performance.

The preamp has volume and tone controls, allowing you to shape and optimize your amplified tone. There is also a built-in tuner, making it easy to keep the guitar in tune. The preamp includes a phase switch, which can help eliminate feedback at higher volumes.

The pickup and preamp deliver a balanced, full-range tone comparable to the unplugged acoustic sound. It captures the warmth and resonance of the mahogany top and back. The undersaddle pickup allows each string to be amplified individually for articulation and clarity.

Overall, the electronics package is thoughtfully designed for amplified acoustic performance. The controls are intuitive and provide versatility while retaining the guitar's natural acoustic voice. This makes the 11SC13E-01 a great choice for gigging musicians.

Sound and Tone

The Martin 11SC13E-01 produces a balanced, rich acoustic tone with excellent projection and volume thanks to its combination of solid sapele back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top. The sapele provides depth and warmth to the sound while the spruce gives it clarity and sparkle in the high end. Together they create a very responsive and dynamic sound across the tonal spectrum.

When plugged in, the Fishman Sonitone electronics accurately convey the guitar's natural acoustic tone. The sound remains balanced and full-bodied through the onboard preamp and pickup system. The guitar blends well with other instruments in an amplified setting while still retaining that signature Martin voice.

Overall, this guitar sounds fantastic both acoustically and plugged in. The solid wood construction gives it a mature, seasoned tone that will only improve with age. It's an extremely versatile acoustic-electric that can provide rich, nuanced tones for any musical genre or live performance setting.

Playability

The Martin 11SC13E-01 is designed for comfort and easy playability. It has a modified low oval neck profile that feels smooth and comfortable in the hand. The width of the nut is 1 3/4 inches, which provides ample room for fingerpicking while still being manageable for smaller hands.

The body shape and weight distribution of this guitar make it nicely balanced whether played seated or with a strap. It sits comfortably against the body. The smooth satin finish on the back of the neck allows for fast, fluid shifting up and down the fretboard.

Overall, the 11SC13E-01 offers a very comfortable and playable experience. The modified low oval neck, smooth satin finish, and well-balanced body design allow for hours of fatigue-free playing. Both fingerstyle and strumming players will find this an easy guitar to handle.

Hardware

The Martin 11SC13E-01 is equipped with quality hardware that matches the high-end construction of this acoustic-electric guitar.

Tuning Machines

It features chrome sealed gear tuners that hold the strings in tune very reliably. The tuners are smooth and precise, allowing for accurate tuning adjustments. Players report the guitar staying in tune extremely well, even during extended jam sessions or live performances.

Bridge

This Martin comes installed with a compensated Tusq bridge made from durable and toneful Tusq material. The compensated saddle provides proper intonation across the strings. Combined with the quality tuners, the compensated bridge allows this acoustic-electric to play in tune all over the neck.

Pros

• Durable all solid wood construction delivers exceptional resonance and sustain
• Features Martin's patented High Performance Neck for comfortable playability
• Fishman Sonitone electronics provide natural acoustic tones when plugged in
• The Sitka spruce top produces a balanced tone with crisp highs
• Mahogany back and sides offer a warm, rich sound with excellent bass response
• Sapele neck and ebony fingerboard enhance feel and allow easy fretting
• Onboard tuner makes tuning quick and convenient on the go
• Comes with a high-quality hard shell case for protection
• Made in the USA by the world renowned Martin company with decades of guitar making expertise
• Lifetime warranty provides peace of mind on the investment

The all solid wood body construction and Fishman electronics let this Martin deliver exceptional plugged-in and unplugged tones. Mahogany and Sitka spruce offer a warm, balanced sound with crisp highs and excellent bass. Comfortable playability from the Performing Artist profile neck makes this a great acoustic-electric for gigs or practice. With Martin's excellent build quality and lifetime warranty, this guitar provides incredible value.

Cons

• The fretboard edges can feel a bit sharp or unfinished in some spots which can make fast playing less comfortable. This may improve over time but can be an issue for some players initially.

• The pickup and preamp EQ can sound overly bright or harsh with some amps and settings. It may require more adjustment to dial in your optimal tone.

• The slim neck profile may not suit all playing styles or hand sizes. Players with larger hands may find the neck too thin for comfortable chording.

• While Martin is known for premium build quality, there are some reports of minor cosmetic blemishes right out of the box. This is not common but has been noted by a few buyers.

• It's a more expensive model, so players on a tight budget may find better value in competitor models with similar specs for less cost.

• The battery compartment for the pickup lacks a locking door. The battery can rattle around and fall out if not properly seated.

• Like many acoustic-electrics in this price range, it doesn't come with a case or gig bag. You'll need to budget for a hardshell case purchase if you plan to travel with it.

Verdict

The Martin SC-13E Acoustic-Electric guitar delivers the exceptional tone and playability that Martin guitars are renowned for, combined with stage-ready amplified performance.

This concert-shaped guitar produces clear, balanced tone across the tonal spectrum - from bright, ringing trebles to full low-end punch. The solid Sapele back and sides provide great resonance and sustainability, while the solid Sitka spruce top offers excellent projection and volume.

The Performing Artist neck profile provides a comfortable and fast feel that makes playing riffs and solos effortless. The 25.4" scale length and low action facilitate fretting and allow for smooth, even vibrato. The Fishman Sonitone electronics reproduce the guitar's natural tone accurately through an amplifier or PA.

With its stylish, durable build quality and Fishman Sonitone electronics, the Martin SC-13E delivers versatility for both unplugged practice and live amplified performance. It's an excellent choice for gigging musicians who want the iconic Martin sound and playability in a stage-ready package.