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Martin Performing Artist Series GPCPA1 Reviews  4 / 5 based on 1 reviewsThis guitar is from Martin's new line the 'Performing Artist Series.' It is a Grand Concert bodied guitar - a first for Martin. It has Indian Rosewood back and sides and a Sitka Spruce top. It has a deep cutaway and classic 45 style inlay with dark ebony headstock. It is equipped with a Fishman F1 Aural Imaging pickup.
This is a manufacturer review product. No purchase.
http://martinguitar.com/
The guitar is stunning. The piece of Rosewood on this particular instrument is beautiful. It has characteristic of a darker Rosewood like Madagascar or Honduran. The top is high quality tight grained Sitka. The guitar has medium projection. It does not necessarily have classic Martin tone, but to be fair, it is not a dreadnought. The neck has a slim taper, and paired with a deep cutaway, the PAS is a players dream. The pickup sets this guitar above others. The Aural imaging gives the guitar vast bank of different tonal characteristics to add to the piezo. It has a tuner, compression, anti feedback, responsive E.Q., blend and phase.
The setup from the factory was sub-par in my opinion. The action was incredibly low, which I know helps sell guitars to novice players but limits playability and sound. The good thing is it can be fixed. But first impressions mean a lot. It is a catch 22. The pickup is fantastic but Martin does not include enough information about the more advanced pickup function.
The construction and attention to detail is very sound on this guitar. It is obvious that this is not a factory stamped guitar. It is on the hand made end of the spectrum. Haven't had the guitar long enough to say anything about longevity but it looks as though if it is taken care of, it will last a long time.
This is a fine guitar and Martins maiden voyage into the world of Concert bodied guitars. It looks as though they have done a fine job. As they improve this line over time, the PAS will become a premier players guitar. MattG rated this unit on 2010-05-31.
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