The GPC12PA4 is the first 12-string in the popular Performing Artist Series. This model features a 14-fret cutaway with fast and comfortable High Performance necks, and Fishman's F1 Analog electronics. Perfect for any performing artist. The back and sides are of solid sapele with a solid sitka spruce top for a bright, balanced sound. The 25.4 in. scale-length neck is made of stable hardwood and features a black Richlite fingerboard with white Boltaron position inlays. Includes case.
Grand performance with cutaway body size
Solid Sitka spruce top
Hybrid ''X'' scalloped
High performance neck
Fishman F1 Analog pickup system
Includes 375 Hardshell case
Put some sparkle in your music with this modern 12-string. Order today.
SPECIFICATIONS
Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 Grand Performance 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Model: GPC12PA4
Construction: Mortise/Tenon Neck Joint
Body Size: Grand Performance 14 Fret Cutaway
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Rosette: Two Ring
Top Bracing Pattern: Hybrid ''X'' Scalloped
Top Braces: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16''
Back Material: Solid Sapele
Back Purfling: none
Side Material: Solid Sapele
Endpiece: none
Endpiece Inlay: none
Binding: Black Boltaron
Top Inlay Style: none
Side Inlay: none
Back Inlay: none
Neck Material: Select Hardwood
Neck Shape: Performing Artist Profile
Nut Material: White Corian
Headstock: Solid/Square Taper
Headplate: Solid East Indian Rosewood
Heelcap: Solid East Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Material: Black Richlite
Scale Length: 25.4''
Number of Frets Clear: 14
Number of Frets Total: 20
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1-13/16''
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2-1/4''
Fingerboard Position Inlays: Off Set Dots - White Boltaron
Fingerboard Binding: none
Finish Back & Sides: Satin
Finish Top: Gloss Top
Finish Neck: Satin
Bridge Material: Black Richlite
Bridge Style: Performing Artist Belly
Bridge String Spacing: 2-5/16''
Saddle: 16'' Radius/Compensated/White Tusq
Tuning Machines: Chrome Enclosed w/ Large Buttons
Recommended Strings: Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze 12 Str X-Light Gauge (MSP7600)
Bridge & End Pins: White w/ Black Dots
Pickguard: Delmar Tortoise Color
Case: 375 Hardshell
Interior Label: none
Electronics: Fishman F1 Analog
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling
and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a
complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks
Normal wear and tear
Power surges
Dust, internal heat and humidity
Other plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks)
For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax.
Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement
Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold
Plans are renewable on new gear
*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.
Displaying reviews 1-10
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As promised, I am following up my initial review after getting this guitar back from the luthier.
I am still appalled by the attitude of the Martin Rep who insisted there could not possibly be anything wrong with this instrument. I also have a new appreciation for Luthiers!
Honestly, there is no way to tell how long this instrument was in the Custom Guitar's Friend warehouse. After speaking at length with the luthier, it is VERY possible that the playability of this instrument was affected by it being stored for an extended period of time. I don't know how Custom Guitar's Friend stores these instruments, but, as it arrived in the original sealed box from Martin, I would suspect there is not much attention paid to temperature or humidity control.
While it is convenient to purchase online, (and in this case, the only option to find this Martin model,) there are certain drawbacks with online purchases.
Your local guitar shop takes the time to set up their guitars so they are very playable. Custom Guitar's Friend simply ships the manufacturer's product to you. This results in a lower cost than at your local guitar store, which is a good thing, but it also opens the door to receiving an instrument that needs a fair amount of care and work to bring it into playable condition. I do not fault Custom Guitar's Friend as providing a temperature and humidity controlled environment for the quantity of instruments they handle would increase the initial cost.
Even though Martin insisted that this instrument could not have left their factory in the condition I received it, they paid for the setup which was appreciated.
While I have maintained and adjusted my own guitars for 45 years, I am now won over by the lutiher's at Woodsong's Lutherie in Boulder, CO. They held the guitar for three weeks re-humidifying it. They then did a wonderful setup! Not having ever dealt with a luthier, I was unaware of a few things...
I have always tuned my 12 strings down a full tone. When I advised the luthier, they immediately did a reset as the difference in tuning, (less stress on the neck,) also affects the action. They asked me to play it and after a few minutes, (remember, the 12 string is my primary instrument,) they made further adjustments for my playing style. They have also recorded all the measurements necessary to allow them to re-evaluate this guitar each time I bring it in. This will give them the ability to catch any abnormal changes in the instrument, (to thousandths of an inch,) so issues can be addressed before they become critical. While this means returning to the luthier periodically for minor adjustments, it is hardly any different than taking your car in for an oil change. Returning to the luthier every few months will keep this guitar in prime condition AND insure your lifetime Martin warranty will not become invalid!
I have spent the last week playing this guitar and I must say it surpasses any Taylor 12 string I've played. I had it restrung with Martin Silk & Steel strings, (the only strings I've used on my acoustic 12 strings for 45 years,) as these strings provide a wonderful bass response and are mellower than the typical "jangly" sound of a 12 string derived from other strings.
This guitar has beautiful sustain. The harmonics are a bit tight, (and I use a lot of harmonics,) so a bit more precision is required to make them sing. The action is wonderful. Multiple hammers and pulls are easily obtained from a single string pick. I use a .38mm pick, (always have,) on my 12's as it forces more precision when playing, though it also allows for small mistakes where a thicker pick would make them stand out.
The built in tuner is nice. The electronics are what they are. I have yet to play any acoustic with electronics that, when plugged in, rivals their sound acoustically. Attempting to record this instrument plugged in is a waste of time, as with ANY acoustic instrument. Using a nice ribbon mic provides superior results.
All in all, if you're looking for a cutaway 12 string you will find no better instrument in this price range, even the Taylors I played, some up to 4 times the cost of this guitar, did not impress as much as this Martin. Just be sure to have it properly set up and subsequently maintained.
Martin Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 Grand Performance 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I have a GPCPA1 rosewood that is perfect in every way. I already loved the performing artist series when I brought the GPC12PA4 condition two. There was no other considerations other than new or used when I wanted a 12 string.
Out of box setup for my GPC12PA4 was terrible providing only open cording playibility. After these issues are corrected this is a very nice guitar. The Fishman preamp is good. I like the tuner, acoustically the guitar sounds wonderful. I have played this through a few PA systems, a Fender Twin, Supersonic Twin, Bassman, Egnator Renegade, it performed well in all environments. Plugged in I noticed the missing high end features of the Fishman Aura + preamp like feedback squelch. The GPC12PA4 is a nice complement to my PA1 6 string.
With a new guitar correcting a few things like neck relief is to be expected. This was so far out of whack it was easy to understand why someone sent this one back. Truss rod just plain loose.
Tuned with the truss rod tightened and neck relief adjusted the action was still exceedingly high. Measuring the distance from the bottom of the string to the top of the 12th fret was more than 4 mm. You could easily slide two .25 cent coins stacked one on the other in the gap between 11/12th frets and string bottom. Come on, this is supposed to be a Martin.
Anyone at Martin ever hear of the action quarter rule of thumb? Action is good when a quarter(.25 coin) bridges the 11/12 fret and the strings just touches top of coin. It seems that for 1400 retail Martin could check and adjust the neck relief and action a little bit better.
To lower the action I capo at the second fret to hold the strings in place while lose. Then mark the saddle with a line where it meets the body on one side with a pencil. Loosen the strings enough to remove the saddle(may require pulling bridge pins). Take out the saddle and do not mess with anything else found in the saddle slot. Measure saddle from line across down 2 mm on each end, drew a line across. Using 220 grit paper sanded from the bottom to my line being careful to keep the saddle flat and in full contact across the sandpaper as I sanded. When the saddle is re-installed the first line should sink 2 mm into the saddle slot beyond view.
After tuning to pitch, checking neck relief adjusting if necessary, the action is now 2 mm at the 12th fret. No buzz, playable across the entire neck. I want a tad .4 mm lower and I'll catch that the next restring.
I am very happy with my purchase. I have a 12 string Martin that plays most excellent, sounds good acoustically and through amplifiers and PA systems.
Martin Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 Grand Performance 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I love the sound of a 12 string acoustic guitar.
I've had the 355 Taylor, Guild 12 string acoustic, 1968 12 string Gibson and still have a 1966 Fender Villager 12.
This Martin 12 is simply delicious....easy to play, tune and holds tune even with hard chord playing.
Had it 3 months now and its just starting to break in.
Light strumming and it sounds like a symphony...perfect balance of the audio spectrum
Be sure you get a humidifier...lots a wood that needs TLC & moisture
Martin Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 Grand Performance 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.Guitar and case were received in perfect condition. I received it in three business days after placing the order. I bought this as a gift to myself for my retirement and birthday, and it did not disappoint. String height setup was perfect as received. I have never spent this much for a guitar, but I am delighted. I own six twelve strings, so I know the drill. Custom Guitar's Friend continues to get my business as they don't miss much, and if they do they promptly correct any problems.
Martin Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 Grand Performance 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.For a 12 string guitar, the GPC12PA4 is very playable. The action is really low, and you can even play barre chords with minimal difficulty. I was amazed. The onboard electronics are very basic, and the built-in tuner helps keep the guitar in tune. It hasn't gone out much, but without it keeping any 12 string correct can be tough. Bottom line, it is a great and fun guitar to play.
Martin Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 Grand Performance 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.From the very first note I played I was totally amazed at the tone and sustain.
Is practically weightless for long sets.
The onboard tuner and electronics are a perfect compliment.
Martin Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 Grand Performance 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I have owned other 12 strings and no longer had any until I played this Martin. I have finally found a 12string I love. The sweet tones the full sound s. You can achieve with the EQ can only be called amazing. I fell in love immediately.. I never thought I'd find a 12 string this .sweet and the price was below anything I could expect.
Martin Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 Grand Performance 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.Just got this Martin GPC12PA4 and certainly no buyer's remorse here. This instrument exceeds expectations in so many ways. A fantastic value to acquire this much sound in this price range. Go for it as you will never be dissapointed with this Martin product...
Martin Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 Grand Performance 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.The craftsmanship is beautiful. The finish is amazing. The action is the best I have ever played on a 12 string. I am thoroughly satisfied with my Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 12-String!!!!
Martin Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 Grand Performance 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.great guitar for the price payed
Martin Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 Grand Performance 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
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