Designed for players who demand premium tone, effortless playability and forward-thinking design, the Martin SC-13E Modern Road Series acoustic-electric guitar represents the most refined expression of the companys groundbreaking SC platform. Built around an innovative asymmetrical SC body and patented Sure Align neck system, it delivers truly unrestricted access to the entire fretboard while retaining the power and projection of a full-scale acoustic. A solid spruce top paired with koa fine veneer back and sides produces a clear, balanced voice with rich midrange detail, smooth highs and long, singing sustain. Martin’s Tone Tension X-bracing ensures a focused, responsive sound, while the Low Profile Velocity neck—dialed in with a Plek’d factory setup—offers a fast, electric-inspired feel. Finished in high-gloss with elevated appointments and equipped with LR Baggs Element electronics, the SC-13E Modern is a premium performance instrument built for players pushing beyond traditional boundaries.
Asymmetrical SC Body and Tone Tension Bracing for Full-Range Performance
The SC-13E Modern is built on Martin’s asymmetrical SC body shape, engineered to feel compact and perfectly balanced while delivering the authority and depth of a full-sized acoustic. The solid spruce top provides clarity, articulation and dynamic headroom, while koa fine veneer back and sides contribute warmth, complex overtones and a smooth, even response across the frequency range. Martin’s specialized Tone Tension X-bracing—scalloped on the treble side and reinforced with non-scalloped tone bars—enhances projection and responsiveness without sacrificing control. Together, this construction creates a modern acoustic voice that remains clear under aggressive strumming, articulate for fingerstyle work and responsive to nuanced dynamics.
Low Profile Velocity Neck and Sure Align System for Effortless Playability
At the center of the SC-13E Modern’s playing experience is Martin’s patented Sure Align neck system, which shifts the neck joint to the 13th fret and eliminates the traditional heel obstruction that limits upper-register access. This design allows seamless movement across the entire fingerboard, making extended chord voicings, melodic runs and lead passages feel natural and fluid. The Low Profile Velocity neck offers a fast, sleek feel that will be instantly familiar to electric players, while the high-performance taper and comfortable 1.75″ nut width maintain precision and control across the full scale length. A smooth ebony fingerboard further enhances playability, providing tactile clarity and a responsive surface for expressive, high-speed playing. The result is a modern neck feel built for speed, accuracy and expressive freedom.
LR Baggs Element Electronics for Natural, Stage-Ready Amplification
The SC-13E Modern Road Series is equipped with LR Baggs Element electronics, a trusted system known for its transparent, natural-sounding amplification. Designed to capture the guitar’s true acoustic character, the Element delivers balanced tone with excellent dynamic response in live and studio environments. Discreet onboard controls allow quick adjustments to volume and tone without interrupting your performance, making it easy to adapt to different rooms and setups. Whether plugged into a PA, acoustic amp or recording interface, the Element system ensures the SC-13E Modern’s refined voice translates clearly and reliably in amplified settings.
Premium Modern Appointments with Elevated Visual Details
The SC-13E Modern’s aesthetics reflect its premium construction and forward-looking design. A full-gloss finish enhances the visual depth of the tonewoods, while crisp white binding adds contrast and definition to the body’s sculpted lines. Ziricote dot fingerboard inlays with faux ivory borders provide a distinctive, modern visual signature, complemented by a faux abalone rosette and refined multi-stripe top inlay. Skeletonized Ratio open-gear tuners combine contemporary styling with precise tuning performance, reinforcing the instrument’s blend of innovation, craftsmanship and modern elegance.
A Premium SC Built for Players Pushing the Limits of Acoustic Performance
The Martin SC-13E Modern stands at the intersection of timeless tone, modern innovation and high-performance playability, offering a no-compromise acoustic-electric for today’s most demanding players. Its advanced construction, refined materials and effortless feel make it equally suited for intricate compositions, expressive lead work and confident stage performance. Complete with a softshell case, the SC-13E Modern Road Series acoustic-electric guitar delivers a premium playing experience built around freedom, precision and modern musical expression—ready to support your sound wherever it takes you next.
Features
- Spruce top enhances clarity and projection for dynamic, articulate playing
- Koa fine veneer back and sides add balanced tone with smooth highs
- Asymmetrical SC body shape reduces bulk for effortless playability
- Sure Align neck system gives full fingerboard access for upper-fret explorations
- Low Profile Velocity neck shape ensures fast, comfortable transitions across positions
- Tone Tension X-bracing boosts stability and supports powerful tonal response
- LR Baggs Element electronics deliver natural, detailed sound for live performances
- Ebony fingerboard provides smooth playability and long-lasting durability
- 25.4″ scale length offers versatility and precise note separation
- Sloped modern belly bridge improves sustain and tonal consistency
- Soft case protects the guitar during travel and gigging setups
Body
- Body style: S-13 fret cutaway
- Top wood: Spruce
- Back and sides wood: Koa fine veneer
- Bracing pattern: Tone Tension X-brace
- Brace wood: Spruce
- Brace shape: Treble-side scalloped X with non-scalloped tone bars
- Binding: White
- Finish: Gloss
Neck
- Neck profile: Low Profile Velocity
- Neck taper: High-performance taper
- Neck wood: Select hardwood
- Neck finish: Satin
- Scale length: 25.4″
- Fingerboard wood: Ebony
- Number of frets: 20
- Fingerboard inlays: Ziricote dot with faux ivory border
- Neck joint: Sure Align linear dovetail
Hardware
- Bridge style: Sloped modern belly
- Bridge wood: Ebony
- Saddle material: White TUSQ
- Nut material: White Corian
- Nut width: 1.75″
- Tuning machines: Ratio nickel open-gear
Electronics
- Pickup system: LR Baggs Element
- Controls: Volume, tone
Other
- Case: Soft
All instruments are setup to factory spec and inspected before shipping. Player preference may vary and instruments may need additional adjustments to accommodate those preferences. Setups are not applicable for free returns.
We offer the option to upgrade to a Plek setup at a discounted rate when purchasing an instrument. To learn more about Plek, please message us, or call at: 740-522-0277.Plek add-ons are non-refundable once completed. In the event of a return, a refund will be issued minus the cost of the Plek and any other add-on services.
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