Martin CS-SC-22 Acoustic-Electric Hybrid
by New from NAMM, the CS-SC-22 is deluxe indeed
Martin’s first S model made with solid tonewoods in Nazareth, PA
The in-depth review will be published soon, so stay tune.
Category: NAMM
Martin D-18 Authentic 1937, Revised D-28 Authentic 1937
New Dreadnoughts Join Martin’s Authentic Series – D-28A 1937 and D-18A 1937
My tongue hurts from countless times I had to ignore or deflect queries asking if we would ever see Martin adding new models to the Authentic Series. Martin removed many Authentics from the catalog without any to replace them, until now. At long last, we have two new Authentic Series models released to the public – the revised D-28 Authentic 1937 and the long-desired companion, the D-18 Authentic 1937.
These new Authentics are but two of many new models that Martin Guitars will be debuting later this week at Hall D, Booth 5602, at the NAMM show in Anaheim, California. They saw fit to put out a press release today mentioning a few of these instruments. But the real news is found in the latest editions to the fabulous Authentic Series.
Each of these new Authentics is made with a new dreadnought body shape. Or rather, I should say an old body shape. The silhouette of each model is quite close to the shape of an actual 1937 D-28 and D-18. This should satisfy critics of the Authentic Series that have claimed it was inaccurate to refer to Authentic Series models as vintage Martin recreations if they are made with the modern-day Martin body shapes.
D-28 Authentic 1937 (2022)
The instrument often cited as the best sounding acoustic guitar ever made is a particular Martin D-28 from 1937. It was taken to the Smithsonian Institute in 2013 for magnetic resonance imaging and X-rays to reveal as much as possible about the inner workings of that “Stradivarius of guitars” so that Martin could recreate the bracing and bridge plate down to the smallest detail. The resulting D-28 Authentic 1937 has gone through some changes since it debuted at Winter NAMM in 2014.
Until now, the most significant improvements were the addition of Martins exclusive Vintage Tone System and the Vintage Gloss version of the traditional nitrocellulose finish. Today, I am finally allowed to tell you about two new significant changes, the revised body shape and the tonewood used for the back and sides – Guatemalan rosewood.
Although the differences are subtle between last year’s D-28 Authentic 1937 and the one appearing at NAMM 2022, the silhouette of the soundboard and back, which determine the exact shaping of the sides, and therefore the specific shape of the sound chamber, are truly different. This is a tracing Tim Teel, Martin’s Head of Instrument Design, created to show the differences between a dreadnought made in the 1930s and one found in the Standard Series today.
(click to enlarge.)
How much this might affect tone production will be debated for at least as long as how much difference it makes to the tone of actual pre-war D-28s compared to modern guitars. But one thing that will certainly affect tone production of this new D-28A 1937 is the replacement of Madagascar rosewood for Guatemalan rosewood.
Both rosewoods have been equated with the Brazilian rosewood used on actual 1930 Martins. To my ear, Madagascar rosewood sounds more like the brightest, least-warm Brazilian rosewood Martins, chimey, expressive and colorful, with a quick reflection of soundwaves. Guatemalan rosewood sounds typically warmer and throatier, with a darker undertone more like Cocobolo and East Indian rosewood, but with quicker reflection than either of them. It also offers the endless depth to the bottom end that is very much like the bassier example of Brazilian rosewood Martins, complimented by high-end overtones with a colorful richness likewise similar to that holy grail of endangered species that once grew in the costal lowlands of Brazil.
Martin’s supply of Madagascar rosewood is dwindling, and they will not be getting more any time soon. Retired CEO Chris Martin is passionate about environmental stewardship He has spent decades educating and assisting nations of the world in the responsible management of-their precious natural resources. When the legal government of Madagascar was overthrown in a coup d’état in 2009, by a faction intent on exploiting the rare resources of that tropical island for short-term gain, Martin Guitars was the first American manufacturer to cease the acquisition of Madagascar rosewood. When I first got wind of Chris Martin investigating the inevitable replacement of Madagascar rosewood in the Authentic Series, Guatemalan rosewood was the first thing out of my mouth. It is the most logical choice. I believe future owners of this new D-28A 1937 will be most pleased with the rich and powerful tone these battleships throw out.
D-28 Authentic 1937 (2022) Spec Sheet Here
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D-18 Authentic 1937
Hooray for C. F. Martin & Co. for making dreams come true! Countless people have been wishing they would release an Authentic Series D-18 with 1937 specs, as good as if not better the original D-18 Authentic 1937 created in small batches from 2006 until the advent of the Modern Authentic Series. At long last, the wish is granted with the debut of the 2022 D-18 Authentic 1937.
Like the revised D-28 Authentic 1937, this latest Authentic model has the new body shape, notably closer to Martin dreadnoughts made before the Second World War. Unlike the current D-18 Authentic 1939 and D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged, this new 18 has forward-shifted bracing rather than rearward-shifted bracing. This physical shifting brings about a tonal shift with a fuller, rounder bass and increased natural reverb.
It also has a 1-3/4” V neck with shaping like the D-28 Authentic 1937. But it is unique, having been copied from a 1937 D-18 once owned by James Taylor. Originally, it was reported this guitar was based on the old D-18As made in 2005, which were not based on a specific prewar Martin, but rather the original four-person team took their inspiration from multiple vintage Martins. But it is indeed the faithful reproduction of a specific 1937 D-18, with a little extra star power thanks to JT.
New Martins for NAMM 2022 – Sneak Preview
Tempting Taste of New NAMM Martins
NAMM is finally upon us (in three days’ time.) C. F. Martin & Co. has seen fit to release the identities of some of the many new models that will be debuting later this week at Hall D, Booth 5602, at the NAMM show in Anaheim, California.
The new guitars I can mention today are the D-18 Authentic 1937, D-28 Authentic 1937, 000-16 StreetMaster®, and the GPC-13E Burst. There are also three new ukuleles, the 0 Tenor Uke, C1 Uke, T1 Uke FSC. You can read more about the two Authentic Series models HERE.
The more-affordable options offer plenty of excitement in their own right. They are as follows.
(click to enlarge photos)
000-16 StreetMaster
Not only does this new 000-16 get the StreetMaster finish hereto before seen on the all-mahogany 15 Series instruments, it is the first 16 Series instrument made with an Adirondack spruce soundboard. Not only that, it is first instrument made in the 16 Series to feature Martin’s Vintage Tone System, their propriety torrefaction treatment. The back and sides are solid East Indian rosewood! Rosewood/VTS Adi, short-scale 000 with the StreetMaster finish for a very reasonable price that’s very nice. List price: $1,999, including a softshell case.
GPC-13E Burst
The latest instrument made with Style 13 appointments at the top of the affordable Road Series is a Grand Performance size acoustic-electric guitar with a cutaway that features a back and sides of gorgeous ziricote fine veneer and a solid Sitka spruce top with a classic Martin burst finish. The onboard MX-T electronics include an onboard tuner that mutes the output single when engaged. List price: $1,549 with a soft shell case.
Spec Sheet Coming Soon
Professional Level Ukuleles
0 Tenor Uke – Sinker Mahogany!
Since 1929, Martin tenor ukes have been prized since they first appeared in 1929. With a 17″ string scale, the tenor uke puts out very nice, resonant volume. The back and sides of this one are made from the old growth Big Leaf mahogany salvaged from a logging river in Belize. This incredibly dense Genuine Mahogany provides rich tone and improved volume to any instrument made from it. A satin finish and old-style Martin logo give it vintage Martin cred. List price: $1,599 with a high-quality soft gig bag.
C1 Uke
Martin crafted this concert-size uke with koa fine veneer that has a hand-rubbed satin finish. Just like the concert ukes made at Martin 1925, it is smaller than a tenor, but larger than a soprano uke. Concert size ukes are known for there balanced tone. List price: $449 with a high-quality soft gig bag.
T1 Uke FSC
Constructed of materials approved by the Forest Stewardship Council, this Tenor ukulele is made with African sapele back and sides and an African sipo neck that has an ebony fingerboard and bridge. All of these beautiful tonewoods are FSC certified as coming from forests managed in a respectful and environmentally sustainable manner. It has Ratio tuners for fast accuracy and comes with a blue gig bag made from recycled plastic water bottles. List price: $459.
2021 Issue of The Journal of Acoustic Guitar is out and I’m in it
Martin: The Journal of Acoustic Guitar 2021 is Out and Available
Focusing on Environmental Sustainability
And featuring an in-depth article on the SC-13E by T. S. Phillips
There was some minor editing going on after my official proofreading and approval. But they paid me well enough that I can live with an awkward sentence here or there.
https://www.martinguitar.com/martin-journal.html
My article starts on page 36.
D’Angelico New Guitars and Aged Mahogany Finish for 2021
New High End and Entry Level D’Angelico Acoustics
Retro Looks Awesome on Modern D’Angelico
Two new solid-wood models have been released by D’Angelico, each has mahogany back and sides, a Sitka spruce top with scalloped bracing and an abalone rosette, and a bound pau ferro fingerboard. They also feature the Scroll-style Excel headstock, seen for the first time on D’Angelico acoustics, and a Fishman INK-4 pickup system with controls in the treble side of the guitar, as well as an onboard tuner. Finish options include Vintage Sunburst, Walnut Stain, and Vintage Natural.
Click on Photo to Enlarge
Excel Tammany XT
The OM sized Excel Tammany XT is here seen in Vintage Sunburst.
Excel Gramercy XT
An upgraded, all-solid version of D’Angelico’s top-selling single-cutaway grand auditorium instrument, the Excel Gramercy XT is seen here in Walnut Stain.
Aged Mahogany Finish
D’Angelico’s Premiere Series offers affordable acoustic-electric models in various sizes and shapes made with laminated mahogany back, sides, and top, and an artistically distressed finish, equipped with an onboard preamp and tuner.
Visit D’Angelico Guitars to learn more
Eastman Music for 2021 Includes Acoustic Upgrades and a New Electric Guitar
The Men of the East at Eastman Continue to Improve
In my previous post, I mentioned how Eastman is partnering with Dana Bourgeois to create a more-affordable line that will be partially made by each company, before being sold under the Bourgeois brand, with an emphasis on world-wide distribution. Delayed for obvious reasons, I am looking very forward to the results!
As for the Eastman brand, they are another acoustic guitar company that got into the electric guitar business, and their only new model for Winter NAMM is one them.
Romeo LA
This thinline semi-hallow body electric guitar features a laminate spruce top, with mahogany laminate back and sides, maple neck with a “swept curve neck joint,” ebony fretboard and a 24.75-inch string scale. The neck joint features a swept curve for player comfort.
AE Series Upgrades
But they have updated their upper-tier acoustics for 2021 to include sound ports on all their AE models, and upgraded appointments that include figured maple trim and maple leaf fretboard markers, as well as new a top shading option.
Click on Photo to Enlarge
Visit Eastman Guitars
Bourgeois Guitars Winter NAMM Collection
Dana Bourgeois and His Stunning Guitars
A Sampling of What 2021 Has to Offer
Keeping busy the best way he knows how, Dana Bourgeois and his small company of dedicated craftspeople are putting out some stunning one of a kind instruments. Here is a small sampling.
Click on Photos to Enlarge
Bourgeois Nova
Made with “Panama Red” rosewood and aged Adirondack spruce
Bourgeois OMS Style 42
Slothead 12-fretter in master grade koa
Visit Bourgeois Guitars to See Many More
*** Update on Bourgeois – Eastman Joint Venture***
It has been over a year ago that Eastman announced a joint venture partnership with luthier Dana Bourgeois, (link to jan 2020 post) to create a line of guitars more affordable than the high-end boutique guitars made by Bourgeois in Lewiston, Maine. The global pandemic has disrupted the timing of that new business arrangement, just like everything else. But I do look forward to seeing one of those instruments eventually.
The arrangement will create guitars similar to Martin’s old Shenandoah Series, which had the guitar parts made in Asia, before being assembled and finished in Nazareth, PA. In this case, much of the woodworking is done in Maine, before the guitars are assembled and finished in China, and then given their final setup in the USA.
This isn’t the first time Bourgeois partnered with outsiders to make a play for wider market presence. But it resulted in him being unable to market guitars under his own name for some years.
This time, he retains greater control over the quality of the final product, while gaining a serious overseas presence, and offering a line of guitars considerably more affordable than the $4K – $10K guitars currently available from Bourgeois Guitars.
Dana Bourgeois “voicing” a new guitar
Santa Cruz Guitar Company Recent Glories
Santa Cruz offered no new acoustics for this year’s Winter NAMM show
But they did put out awesome photos of recent customs
These include luscious tonewoods like quilted mahogany and 3,000 year old Sitka spruce!
Visit Santa Cruz Guitar Company
Lovers of Santa Cruz guitars can be as passionate about them as any make or style of musical instrument in the world, with good reason. Founder and woodworking wizard Richard Hoover has a lot to do with that. Here he is in a recent photo, doing what he loves best, working with wood. In this case, he using a metal detector to search for bullets and other possible metal hidden in some reclaimed redwood.
John Mayer NAMM Set 2021
John Mayer plays Martin guitars with Engelmann spruce tops
Winter NAMM Mini Set for Martin’s Jam in Place Series
Here’s a decent opportunity to hear what Engelmann spruce sounds like after it has some time to mature and get played in. It is paired with East Indian rosewood on the OM-28JM, the original John Mayer signature model from 2002 (released January 2003,) and it can be heard matched with Guatemalan rosewood on his 2016 D-45JM later in the set. In between the two can be heard Sitka spruce, backed by cocobolo rosewood on the 12-fret 00-42SC Stagecoach model released on 2013.
Breedlove New and Different for 2021
Breedlove 2021Guitars Debut
A breed apart, Breelove continues to impress
Saddened they could not do this in person, I am sure, Breedlove releases their 30th Anniversary model, the
30th Anniversary Northwest Classic Concert CE.
Handcrafted and hand voiced from clear-cut free, sustainable master grade Sitka spruce and highly figured Oregon myrtle, this versatile new Breedlove has figured walnut binding and myrtle appointments, this “Sound Optimized® Masterclass limited edition” is an acoustic-electric guitar has a maple neck, and a fingerboard and winged bridge made of ebony. LR Baggs Anthem electronics and a custom Ameritage case come standard with this anything but standard guitar.
New Breelove Premiere Series Instruments for Winter NAMM 2021
Made from East Indian rosewood and Sitka spruce, these high-end Breelove acoustic guitars are available in their three standardized sizes, the Concertina, Concert, and Concerto.
Jeff Bridges Charity Signature
Breedlove is now offering the new Jeff Bridges Oregon Concerto Bourbon CE signature model, made with Oregon myrtle and an LR Baggs Anthem TRU-Mic pickup system.
“Powerful and responsive like a dreadnought, tonally the acoustic electric Breedlove Jeff Bridges’ Signature Model emphasizes the unique qualities of myrtle, with a deep rosewood-like bass, the fundamental clarity of mahogany and the enchanting shimmer of koa… co-designed by Breedlove, Bridges and Jeff Bridges & The Abiders’ lead guitarist Chris Pelonis, is fitted with a signature gigbag and furnished with an inside label and certificate of authenticity signed by Jeff Bridges, who reminds us we are “All in this Together.”
The Breedlove Jeff Bridges signature “All in this Together” project benefits Amazon Conservation Team, which works in partnership with indigenous colleagues to protect rain forests and traditional culture.
