Martin 11SC13E-01 - Electro-Acoustic Guitar -
The Martin SC-13E is not a traditional Martin: it's a brilliant anomaly.
Designed to break down the barriers between acoustic and electric guitars, it features an asymmetrical "S"-shaped body and the patented Sure Align neck system that completely eliminates the heel. Whether you're a lead guitarist accustomed to high frets or a rhythm guitarist seeking ultimate comfort on stage, the SC-13E delivers unparalleled playability with the legendary signature sound of Nazareth, PA.
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The Authority of Modern Comfort: Why the Martin SC-13E was a game changer?
The Martin SC-13E from the Road Series was designed to solve the oldest problem of the acoustic guitar: accessibility. For the Quebec musician who spends his evenings on stage, this guitar is an ergonomic revelation.
L'Adieu au Talon : Grâce au système Sure Align Linear Dovetail, le talon encombrant a disparu. Vous pouvez jouer à la 13e frette aussi facilement qu'à la 1re.
Anti-Larsen par Design : Son corps asymétrique n'est pas qu'esthétique ; il est conçu pour réduire les fréquences de résonance qui causent du feedback (larsen) lorsque vous jouez branché à haut volume.
Le Manche "Velocity" : Le profil du manche change progressivement pour s'adapter à la position de votre main, offrant la sensation d'une guitare électrique haut de gamme sur un instrument acoustique.
Full Technical Specifications
Neck and Fretboard
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Sleeve type | Low Profile Velocity |
| Handle joint | Sure Align® Linear Dovetail (Heelless) |
| Handle material | Selected Hardwood |
| Touch | Certified Ebony |
| Number of frets | 20 |
| Joint to the body : | 13th fret |
| Radius | 16" |
| Diapason (Scale) | 25.4" |
| Nut width | 1 3/4" (44.45mm) |
| Handle finish | Satin (Hand-Rubbed) |
Body and Materials
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Body shape | S-13 Freight Cutaway (Asymmetrical) |
| Table | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Back and Ribs | Figured Koa Veneer (Koa Fine Veneer) |
| Dams | Tone Tension X-Brace (Scalloped) |
| Body finish | Glossy |
| Rosette : | "Aperture" design with blue mother-of-pearl |
Electronics and Hardware
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Electronic System | Fishman® MX-T with built-in tuner |
| Easel | Ebony (Sloped Modern Belly) |
| Ankles | White plastic with black dots |
| Nut | White Corian |
| Bridge nut | Tusq White Wedge |
| Mechanics | Nickel Open Gear with Butterbean type buttons |
| Pickguard | Tortoiseshell |
Comparative Analysis: The Industry Verdict
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Music Garage Availability |
| Taylor 214ce Plus | Grand Auditorium | Strengths: Brighter sound. Weakness: Significantly inferior access to the treble compared to the SC-13E. | Available here |
| Fender Highway Series | Hybrid Acoustics | Strengths: Slim body. Weakness: Pure acoustic sound less rich than the Martin. | Available here |
| Ibanez AE315 | Modern Acoustic | Strengths: Attractive price. Weakness: Electronics less natural than the Fishman MX-T. | Available here |
| Gibson G-00 | Modern Parlor | Strengths: Side resonance port. Weakness: Traditional look, no full cutaway access. | Available here |
| Yamaha AC3R ARE | Concert Pro | Strengths: Solid wood. Weakness: Weight and classic ergonomics (imposing heel). | Available here |
| Martin D-10E | Road Series Dreadnought | Strengths: Powerful bass. Weakness: Bulky size for smaller individuals. | Available here |
| PRS SE Angelus A50 | Guitar Stage | Strengths: Aesthetics. Weakness: Thicker handle, less "electric". | Available here |
| Maton EBG808 | Fingerstyle Pro | Strengths: AP5 Pro microphones. Weakness: Significantly higher price in Canada. | Product not listed |
| Cole Clark Angel 2 | Acoustic Modern | Strengths: 3-way pickup system. Weakness: Very distinctive look, Australian woods. | Product not listed |
| Taylor T5z | Ultimate Hybrid | Strengths: Total electrical versatility. Weakness: Doesn't sound "acoustic" without an amp. | Available here |
History & Evolution: The Genesis of the "S-Shape"
Launched in 2020, the SC-13E was Martin & Co.'s most secretive project for years. The goal was to reinvent the acoustic guitar for a generation of musicians who grew up on Fender Stratocasters and Gibson Les Pauls. It's the first model in Martin's history not to use the traditional fixed dovetail joint, opting instead for an adjustable system that allows the neck angle to be changed without major surgery. Its rapid retirement in favor of the SC-10, SC-13E Special, and SC-18/28 models made it an instant collector's item.
Cultural References & Artists
Artists who have adopted or influenced the modern turn of the SC series:
Ed Sheeran : Bien qu'utilisant des modèles plus petits, il a ouvert la voie aux Martin modernes et technologiques.
Cory Wong : A testé la SC-13E pour son incroyable réponse rythmique "funky".
John Mayer : Connu pour sa collaboration avec Martin, il a salué l'innovation derrière le système Sure Align.
James Valentine (Maroon 5) : Pour l'agilité nécessaire aux morceaux pop-rock.
Gabrielle Aplin : Utilisatrice de Martin Road Series pour ses tournées mondiales.
Sturgill Simpson : Pour le côté "outil de travail" indestructible.
Billie Eilish : Son style intimiste bénéficie de la réponse précise de la SC.
Shawn Mendes : Représente la nouvelle garde cherchant un look distinctif.
Gérard Manset : Pour la clarté des textes sur un accompagnement précis.
Vincent Vallières : La polyvalence idéale pour le folk-rock québécois.
Fred Pellerin : Apprécierait le confort pour les longues histoires en chansons.
Tyler Childers : Pour la robustesse en tournée.
Jason Isbell : Un puriste qui reconnaît l'utilité du design asymétrique.
Brandi Carlile : Pour la projection vocale accompagnée par une guitare équilibrée.
Chris Stapleton : La SC-13E supporte bien les attaques de médiator lourdes.
FAQ - Garage's Expertise in Music
Q: Does the asymmetrical body change the sound of the guitar?
Yes, but in a positive way for the stage. It balances the frequencies. Unlike a Dreadnought which "booms" in the bass, the SC-13E is very balanced, which greatly facilitates the work of the sound engineer in Quebec, whether you are at Club Soda or in a small country church.
Q: The back and sides are made of "Koa Fine Veneer". Is this real wood?
It's an authentic Koa veneer on a core of select wood. This allows for the spectacular look of Hawaiian Koa and high resistance to cracking caused by the dryness of our winters, all while maintaining an affordable price.
Q: What is the purpose of the tuner inside the rosette?
This is the Fishman MX-T system. It's very discreet and automatically mutes the guitar when you activate it. It's perfect for tuning silently between songs without having an unsightly gadget on the headstock.
Q: Can I adjust the action myself with the Sure Align system?
Although the system is designed to be adjustable, we at Garage à Musique recommend having our technicians handle it. It's a precision system that allows for adjustments impossible on other acoustics, but it requires specific expertise.
Q: Why is this model "retired"?
Martin simply segmented the SC line. The original SC-13E was the "all-in-one" model. Today, they offer the SC-10 (more affordable) and the SC-13E Special (more luxurious). The original remains a solid choice and an excellent investment.
Q: Does the guitar come with a case?
Yes, it usually comes with a premium Martin "Soft Shell Case," which offers the protection of a hard case with the lightness of a carrying bag. Perfect for taking the subway in Montreal!
Q: Is this guitar suitable for fingerstyle?
Absolutely. Its 25.4" scale length and 1 3/4" nut width provide ample space for fingerstyle playing, while the body shape makes it very comfortable to hold on your lap.
Q: How do I maintain the glossy finish?
Use a microfiber cloth and a quality Martin polish. Avoid leaving the guitar near an electrical baseboard in winter; even though it is robust, the solid spruce top needs a humidity level between 45% and 55%.
Q: What is the advantage of having 13 frets outside the body?
It's the perfect compromise. 12 frets often sound "deeper", 14 frets are the standard, but the 13th fret on this asymmetrical design allows for optimized bridge placement for better soundboard vibration.
Q: Why buy my Martin music from Garage à Musique?
The Authority of Modern Comfort: Why the Martin SC-13E was a game changer?
The Martin SC-13E from the Road Series was designed to solve the oldest problem of the acoustic guitar: accessibility. For the Quebec musician who spends his evenings on stage, this guitar is an ergonomic revelation.
L'Adieu au Talon : Grâce au système Sure Align Linear Dovetail, le talon encombrant a disparu. Vous pouvez jouer à la 13e frette aussi facilement qu'à la 1re.
Anti-Larsen par Design : Son corps asymétrique n'est pas qu'esthétique ; il est conçu pour réduire les fréquences de résonance qui causent du feedback (larsen) lorsque vous jouez branché à haut volume.
Le Manche "Velocity" : Le profil du manche change progressivement pour s'adapter à la position de votre main, offrant la sensation d'une guitare électrique haut de gamme sur un instrument acoustique.
Full Technical Specifications
Neck and Fretboard
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Sleeve type | Low Profile Velocity |
| Handle joint | Sure Align® Linear Dovetail (Heelless) |
| Handle material | Selected Hardwood |
| Touch | Certified Ebony |
| Number of frets | 20 |
| Joint to the body : | 13th fret |
| Radius | 16" |
| Diapason (Scale) | 25.4" |
| Nut width | 1 3/4" (44.45mm) |
| Handle finish | Satin (Hand-Rubbed) |
Body and Materials
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Body shape | S-13 Freight Cutaway (Asymmetrical) |
| Table | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Back and Ribs | Figured Koa Veneer (Koa Fine Veneer) |
| Dams | Tone Tension X-Brace (Scalloped) |
| Body finish | Glossy |
| Rosette : | "Aperture" design with blue mother-of-pearl |
Electronics and Hardware
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Electronic System | Fishman® MX-T with built-in tuner |
| Easel | Ebony (Sloped Modern Belly) |
| Ankles | White plastic with black dots |
| Nut | White Corian |
| Bridge nut | Tusq White Wedge |
| Mechanics | Nickel Open Gear with Butterbean type buttons |
| Pickguard | Tortoiseshell |
Comparative Analysis: The Industry Verdict
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Music Garage Availability |
| Taylor 214ce Plus | Grand Auditorium | Strengths: Brighter sound. Weakness: Significantly inferior access to the treble compared to the SC-13E. | Available here |
| Fender Highway Series | Hybrid Acoustics | Strengths: Slim body. Weakness: Pure acoustic sound less rich than the Martin. | Available here |
| Ibanez AE315 | Modern Acoustic | Strengths: Attractive price. Weakness: Electronics less natural than the Fishman MX-T. | Available here |
| Gibson G-00 | Modern Parlor | Strengths: Side resonance port. Weakness: Traditional look, no full cutaway access. | Available here |
| Yamaha AC3R ARE | Concert Pro | Strengths: Solid wood. Weakness: Weight and classic ergonomics (imposing heel). | Available here |
| Martin D-10E | Road Series Dreadnought | Strengths: Powerful bass. Weakness: Bulky size for smaller individuals. | Available here |
| PRS SE Angelus A50 | Guitar Stage | Strengths: Aesthetics. Weakness: Thicker handle, less "electric". | Available here |
| Maton EBG808 | Fingerstyle Pro | Strengths: AP5 Pro microphones. Weakness: Significantly higher price in Canada. | Product not listed |
| Cole Clark Angel 2 | Acoustic Modern | Strengths: 3-way pickup system. Weakness: Very distinctive look, Australian woods. | Product not listed |
| Taylor T5z | Ultimate Hybrid | Strengths: Total electrical versatility. Weakness: Doesn't sound "acoustic" without an amp. | Available here |
History & Evolution: The Genesis of the "S-Shape"
Launched in 2020, the SC-13E was Martin & Co.'s most secretive project for years. The goal was to reinvent the acoustic guitar for a generation of musicians who grew up on Fender Stratocasters and Gibson Les Pauls. It's the first model in Martin's history not to use the traditional fixed dovetail joint, opting instead for an adjustable system that allows the neck angle to be changed without major surgery. Its rapid retirement in favor of the SC-10, SC-13E Special, and SC-18/28 models made it an instant collector's item.
Cultural References & Artists
Artists who have adopted or influenced the modern turn of the SC series:
Ed Sheeran : Bien qu'utilisant des modèles plus petits, il a ouvert la voie aux Martin modernes et technologiques.
Cory Wong : A testé la SC-13E pour son incroyable réponse rythmique "funky".
John Mayer : Connu pour sa collaboration avec Martin, il a salué l'innovation derrière le système Sure Align.
James Valentine (Maroon 5) : Pour l'agilité nécessaire aux morceaux pop-rock.
Gabrielle Aplin : Utilisatrice de Martin Road Series pour ses tournées mondiales.
Sturgill Simpson : Pour le côté "outil de travail" indestructible.
Billie Eilish : Son style intimiste bénéficie de la réponse précise de la SC.
Shawn Mendes : Représente la nouvelle garde cherchant un look distinctif.
Gérard Manset : Pour la clarté des textes sur un accompagnement précis.
Vincent Vallières : La polyvalence idéale pour le folk-rock québécois.
Fred Pellerin : Apprécierait le confort pour les longues histoires en chansons.
Tyler Childers : Pour la robustesse en tournée.
Jason Isbell : Un puriste qui reconnaît l'utilité du design asymétrique.
Brandi Carlile : Pour la projection vocale accompagnée par une guitare équilibrée.
Chris Stapleton : La SC-13E supporte bien les attaques de médiator lourdes.
FAQ - Garage's Expertise in Music
Q: Does the asymmetrical body change the sound of the guitar?
Yes, but in a positive way for the stage. It balances the frequencies. Unlike a Dreadnought which "booms" in the bass, the SC-13E is very balanced, which greatly facilitates the work of the sound engineer in Quebec, whether you are at Club Soda or in a small country church.
Q: The back and sides are made of "Koa Fine Veneer". Is this real wood?
It's an authentic Koa veneer on a core of select wood. This allows for the spectacular look of Hawaiian Koa and high resistance to cracking caused by the dryness of our winters, all while maintaining an affordable price.
Q: What is the purpose of the tuner inside the rosette?
This is the Fishman MX-T system. It's very discreet and automatically mutes the guitar when you activate it. It's perfect for tuning silently between songs without having an unsightly gadget on the headstock.
Q: Can I adjust the action myself with the Sure Align system?
Although the system is designed to be adjustable, we at Garage à Musique recommend having our technicians handle it. It's a precision system that allows for adjustments impossible on other acoustics, but it requires specific expertise.
Q: Why is this model "retired"?
Martin simply segmented the SC line. The original SC-13E was the "all-in-one" model. Today, they offer the SC-10 (more affordable) and the SC-13E Special (more luxurious). The original remains a solid choice and an excellent investment.
Q: Does the guitar come with a case?
Yes, it usually comes with a premium Martin "Soft Shell Case," which offers the protection of a hard case with the lightness of a carrying bag. Perfect for taking the subway in Montreal!
Q: Is this guitar suitable for fingerstyle?
Absolutely. Its 25.4" scale length and 1 3/4" nut width provide ample space for fingerstyle playing, while the body shape makes it very comfortable to hold on your lap.
Q: How do I maintain the glossy finish?
Use a microfiber cloth and a quality Martin polish. Avoid leaving the guitar near an electrical baseboard in winter; even though it is robust, the solid spruce top needs a humidity level between 45% and 55%.
Q: What is the advantage of having 13 frets outside the body?
It's the perfect compromise. 12 frets often sound "deeper", 14 frets are the standard, but the 13th fret on this asymmetrical design allows for optimized bridge placement for better soundboard vibration.
Q: Why buy my Martin music from Garage à Musique?