Description

The Martin SC-13E Special Burst is a bold reimagining of what an acoustic guitar can be—an instrument that honors tradition while fearlessly pushing the boundaries of playability and innovation. Martin Guitar, a company with nearly two centuries of legacy, has shaped the sound of American music, from the folk revival to rock, country, and beyond. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship, iconic tone, and pioneering spirit, Martin has set the gold standard for acoustic guitars. With the SC-13E Special Burst, they’ve taken that deep-rooted expertise and fused it with cutting-edge design to create a guitar that shatters the limitations of the past.

At the heart of the SC-13E is its revolutionary Sure Align Linear Dovetail Neck Joint, allowing effortless access to every fret without sacrificing the rich resonance that Martin guitars are famous for. The S-13 Fret Cutaway body is designed for supreme comfort, delivering the projection of a full-bodied acoustic while playing more like an electric guitar—perfect for modern players who demand versatility. The Low Profile Velocity neck shape with High-Performance Taper ensures a natural feel, making complex chords and high-speed runs easier than ever.

Tonally, the SC-13E Special Burst is a powerhouse. The spruce top—accented by a striking Sunburst 2 finish—combines with ziricote fine veneer back and sides to produce a voice that’s articulate, resonant, and full of depth. The Tone Tension X Brace system balances sustain with responsiveness, while the Treble Side Scalloped X with Non-Scalloped Tone Bars enhances dynamic range. Plugged in, the LR Baggs Element electronics deliver a pristine, natural tone, making this guitar a stage-ready workhorse.

From its ebony fingerboard and bridge to the Ratio Nickel Open Gear tuners with butterbean knobs, every detail is refined, functional, and stylish. The Aperture Design rosette with multi-stripe inlay, white binding, and tortoise-patterned pickguard provide elegant finishing touches that blend vintage aesthetics with modern sophistication. Weighing in at just 4 lbs 10 oz, the SC-13E is incredibly lightweight, further reinforcing its role as a performance-first instrument.

Martin’s SC-13E Special Burst isn’t just another acoustic guitar—it’s a statement. A guitar that invites you to break free from convention, explore new sonic territory, and redefine what’s possible with an acoustic-electric. Whether on stage, in the studio, or on the couch, this is a guitar that adapts to your playing, not the other way around.

Other specifications include:

Body Size: S-13 Fret Cutaway
Finish Top: Gloss
Construction: Sure Align Linear Dovetail Neck Joint
Back and Side Finish: Gloss
Bracing Pattern: Tone Tension X Brace
Scale Length: 25.4"
Brace Shape: Treble Side Scalloped X with Non-Scalloped Tone Bars
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4''
Top Material: Spruce
Neck Shape: Low Profile Velocity
Back Material: Ziricote Fine Veneer
Neck Taper: High-Performance Taper
Side Material: Ziricote Fine Veneer
Electronics: LR Baggs Element
Top Color: Sunburst 2
Bridge Style: Sloped Modern Belly - Drop in Saddle
Binding: White
Bridge String Spacing: 2 5/32"
Top Inlay Material: Black with Multi-Stripe
Bridge Material: Ebony
Top Detail: None
Bridge Pin Material: White Plastic
Pickguard: Tortoise Pattern
Bridge Pin Dots: Black Plastic
Pickguard Inlay: None
Saddle: Compensated White Tusq
Rosette: Aperture Design with Multi-Stripe
Saddle Radius: 16"
Brace Material: Spruce
Back and Sides Color: None
Brace Size: 5/16" with 1/4" Tone Bars
Back Detail: None
Back Purfling/Strip: None
Back Inlay Material: None
Heelcap: None
Side Detail: None
Endpiece: None
Side Inlay Material: None
Endpiece Inlay: None
Neck Material: Select Hardwood
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Finish Neck: Satin
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8''
Neck Color: None
Fingerboard Inlay Style: SC-13 Special Style
Fingerboard Inlay Material: Ziricote Dot with Plastic Ivory Pattern Border
Neck Joins Body At: 13th Fret
Fingerboard Binding Material: None
Side Dots: White
Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper
Tuning Machines: Ratio Nickel Open Gear
Headplate Material: Ebony
Knob: Butterbean
Headplate Logo Style: Silver Script Overlay
Nut Material: White Corian
Headplate Binding Material: None
Headplate Detail: Do Not Use
Case: Soft-shell
Label: Paper Label
4 lbs 10 oz