Combining high-performance design with eye-catching style, the Martin SC-13E Modern Road Series redefines what a contemporary acoustic can deliver. Built around Martin’s asymmetrical SC body and patented Sure Align neck system, it provides unfettered, heel-less access to every fret while preserving the power and projection of a full-scale instrument. A solid spruce top paired with koa fine veneer back and sides produces balanced tone with rich mids, smooth highs and long sustain. Specialized Tone Tension X-bracing ensures clarity and articulation, while the Low Profile Velocity neck—refined by a Plek’d factory setup—offers fast, electric-inspired feel. Finished in a glossy burst top with subtle, modern appointments and LR Baggs Element electronics, the SC-13E Modern acoustic-electric guitar is built for players who demand premium tone, speed and expressive freedom in equal measure.
Performance-Driven SC Body and Tone Tension Bracing
The SC-13E Modern centers on Martin’s asymmetrical SC body—a design engineered to feel compact and balanced while delivering a full, authoritative voice. Its solid spruce top provides clarity, articulation and dynamic range, while the koa fine veneer back and sides add warm mids, smooth highs and long, even sustain. Martin’s specialized Tone Tension X-bracing—scalloped on the treble side and reinforced with non-scalloped tone bars—enhances projection and responsiveness, allowing the guitar to stay clear and defined under aggressive strumming or intricate fingerstyle. The result is a modern acoustic voice that’s articulate, balanced and versatile for a wide range of playing styles.
Low Profile Velocity Neck and Sure Align System for Fast, Confident Playability
Martin’s patented Sure Align neck system defines the playing experience of the SC-13E Modern Road Series, shifting the neck joint to the 13th fret and reshaping the heel to remove the physical barriers that traditionally limit upper-fret access on an acoustic guitar. This design allows effortless movement up the fingerboard, making extended chord voicings, melodic runs and lead work feel natural and unrestricted. The Low Profile Velocity neck delivers a fast, sleek response that will feel instantly familiar to electric players, while the high-performance taper and comfortable 1.75" nut width keep the feel precise and controlled across the entire scale. The smooth ebony fingerboard further enhances playability, offering tactile clarity and a responsive surface for expressive, high-speed playing.
LR Baggs Element Electronics for Professional Amplified Tone
The SC-13E Modern is equipped with LR Baggs Element electronics, designed to faithfully reproduce the guitar’s natural acoustic tone in live and studio settings. The system delivers clean, balanced amplification with intuitive onboard controls for volume and tone, allowing quick adjustments mid-performance. Whether plugged into a PA, interface or acoustic amp, the Element system ensures dependable, musical sound with minimal setup. A built-in tuner provides immediate reference on stage or in rehearsal, keeping your workflow smooth and efficient. The SC-13E Modern is ready to perform in any amplified environment.
Striking Burst Top with Modern, Performance-Ready Appointments
The SC-13E Modern's bold sunburst top immediately catches the eye while reflecting its forward-thinking design. Paired with glossy koa fine veneer back and sides, the visual impact matches the guitar’s dynamic tone. White binding frames the body, and ziricote dot inlays with faux ivory borders add a refined touch across the ebony fingerboard. Skeletonized Ratio tuners combine modern aesthetics with precise, reliable performance, while the faux tortoiseshell pickguard and single-ring faux abalone rosette provide subtle, durable accents. Every element balances style and function, ensuring the SC-13E Modern looks as confident on stage as it sounds in any setting.
A Modern Acoustic for Players Who Demand Premium Tone, Speed and Expression
The Martin SC-13E Modern brings together innovative construction, expressive playability and a visually striking presence. Designed for players who want to push their sound and performance further, it pairs modern SC body ergonomics with koa and spruce tonewoods, specialized bracing and LR Baggs electronics to deliver a responsive, balanced voice. Complete with a softshell case, the SC-13E Modern Road Series acoustic-electric guitar is ready to move with you, providing a bold, modern playing experience built for precision, style and artistic freedom—on stage, in the studio and anywhere your music takes you.