Martin - SC-13E Modern Road Series Acoustic Electric
The SC-13E Modern blends gloss style with koa fine veneer, spruce, and LR Baggs electronics for premium tone and projection. With full fret access, it’s your road to modern Martin performance at its best.
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The Nantel Verdict
The Nantel Verdict
Smaller 13-inch body footprint reduces fatigue on longer sessions; koa veneer paired with spruce top yields focused midrange with bright articulation; LR Baggs Anthem SL pickup system preserves acoustic character through amplification; full fretboard access via cutaway design.
Requires quality 9V battery for electronics and occasional replacement. The compact body suits fingerstyle and electric-adjacent playing more than aggressive strumming. Pair with a lightweight gig bag for road durability. Professional setup recommended to optimize electronics integration.
A serious travel companion for established players who refuse to compromise tone or playability. Martin's construction and the transparent LR Baggs system justify the investment for those gigging regularly or recording in varied environments.
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SC-13E Modern
The Martin SC-13E Modern is your road to premium tone, playability, and style. Its gloss SC body and Sure Align® neck system give you full fretboard access with electric-guitar comfort, while koa fine veneer back and sides add balanced tone with rich mids, smooth highs, and long sustain. A solid spruce top and scalloped X-bracing boost clarity and projection, and the Low Profile Velocity neck keeps every position feeling fast and effortless. Eye-catching details include white binding, ziricote dot inlays, and skeletonized Ratio® tuners. Equipped with LR Baggs Element electronics for exceptional plugged-in tone and an included softshell case, the SC-13E Modern is built for players ready to push their sound—and their performance—further than ever.
Highlights
- S-13 Fret Cutaway body size
- Koa Fine Veneer back and sides
- Spruce top with Natural top color
- Low Profile Velocity neck with High-Performance Taper
- 1 3/4'' fingerboard width at nut
- Softshell case
- Recommended Strings: Authentic Acoustic Lifespan® 2.0 Guitar Strings Phosphor Bronze - Custom Light
Top |
|
| Top Material | Spruce |
| Finish Top | Gloss |
| Top Color | Natural |
| Top Inlay Material | Multi-Stripe |
| Top Detail | None |
| Binding | White |
| Bridge Material | Ebony |
| Bridge Style | Sloped Modern Belly |
| Bridge String Spacing | 2 5/32" |
| Bridge Pin Material | White Plastic |
| Bridge Pin Dots | Faux Abalone |
| Pickguard | Faux Tortoise |
| Pickguard Inlay | None |
| Rosette | Single Ring Faux Abalone |
| Saddle | White TUSQ® |
| Saddle Radius | 16" |
Body |
|
| Body Size | S-13 Fret Cutaway |
| Construction | Sure Align® Linear Dovetail Neck Joint |
| Back Material | Koa Fine Veneer |
| Side Material | Koa Fine Veneer |
| Back and Sides Finish | Gloss |
| Back and Sides Color | Natural Stain |
| Back Detail | None |
| Side Detail | None |
| Back Purfling/Strip | None |
| Back Inlay Material | None |
| Side Inlay Material | None |
| Bracing Pattern | Tone Tension X-Brace |
| Brace Shape | Treble Side Scalloped X with Non-Scalloped Tone Bars |
| Brace Material | Spruce |
| Brace Size | 5/16" with 1/4" Tone Bars |
| Endpiece | None |
| Endpiece Inlay | None |
Neck |
|
| Neck Shape | Low Profile Velocity |
| Neck Taper | High-Performance Taper |
| Neck Material | Select Hardwood |
| Neck Color | Natural |
| Finish Neck | Satin |
| Scale Length | 25.4" |
| Number of Frets Total | 20 |
| Neck Joins Body At | 13th Fret |
| Heelcap | None |
| Fingerboard Material | Ebony |
| Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret | 2 1/8'' |
| Fingerboard Width at Nut | 1 3/4'' |
| Fingerboard Inlay Style | SC-13 Special Style |
| Fingerboard Inlay Material | Ziricote Dot with Faux Ivory Border |
| Fingerboard Binding Material | None |
| Side Dots | White |
Headstock |
|
| Headstock Shape | Solid |
| Headplate Material | Ebony |
| Headplate Logo Style | Silver Script Overlay |
| Headplate Binding Material | None |
| Tuning Machines | Ratio Nickel Open Gear |
| Knob | Skeletonized Butterbean |
| Nut Material | White Corian® |
Misc |
|
| Case | Softshell |
| Label | Paper Label |
| Electronics | Yes |
| Electronics Options | LR Baggs Element |
| Pleked | true |
Martin has been crafting acoustic guitars since 1833, establishing itself as one of the most respected names in the instrument industry. The company's legacy is built on meticulous attention to tonewoods, construction methods, and playability, earning Martin guitars a reputation for exceptional sound quality and durability that spans generations of musicians.
Known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations, Martin continues to develop guitars that meet the demands of contemporary players while honoring the brand's heritage. From stage to studio, Martin instruments are recognized for their projection, resonance, and reliable performance in professional settings.
