Martin's use of solid East Indian rosewood in the Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Rosewood Acoustic Guitar adds gorgeous tonal color and variety to its already full-sounding solid Sitka spruce top. This road-worthy model has a 14-fret cutaway for soloing. The fast and comfortable Performing Artist profile neck makes even long gigs or sessions a pleasure. Fishmans F1 Analog onboard electronics convey quality acoustic tones that excel both on stage and in studio. Other significant features include Hybrid "X" bracing usually found on more expensive models, a durable Black Richlite fingerboard, and just for Custom Guitar's Friend customers, grained ivoroid binding. Includes case.
Solid Sitka spruce top for a full, balanced sound
Solid East Indian rosewood offers adds color and variety
The same Hybrid "X" bracing as more expensive models for clear treble and tight bass
Slim, easy-to-play neck with black Richlite fingerboard
Fishman F1 Analog preamp and pickup system: Volume Control, Tone, Phase, Tuner and Low Battery indicator
Includes case
Choose a grand performance-size guitar that sounds fantastic whether it's plugged in or not. Order today.
SPECIFICATIONS
Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Model: GPCPA4 Rosewood
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 East Indian Rosewood
Back Purfling: none
Side Material: Solid East Indian Rosewood
Endpiece: none
Endpiece Inlay: none
Binding: Grained ivoroid (exclusive to Custom Guitar's Friend)
Top Inlay Style: Black/White/Black Boltaron
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: 1-3/4''
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2-1/8''
Fingerboard Position Inlays: Style 28 - White Corian
Fingerboard Binding: none
Finish Back & Sides: Satin
Finish Top: Polished Gloss
Finish Neck: Satin
Bridge Material: Black Richlite
Bridge Style: Performing Artist Belly
Bridge String Spacing: 2-3/16''
Saddle: 16'' Radius/Compensated/White Tusq
Tuning Machines: Chrome Enclosed with Large Buttons
Recommended Strings: Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Light Gauge (MSP7100)
Bridge & End Pins: White with 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
Back to top
PreviousNext »
While shopping at a GC store I went through several nice acoustics and finally came to the Martin section. There were about three selections of this model. Each were about $100 apart. When I got to this Rosewood model that was it.
Richlite fretboard? What is that? I looked up Richite on line and found that Richlite is a strong, durable, scratch resistant, unbreakable, and dense material. They make kitchen counter tops out of it amongst other things. I was skeptical about it but after looking it up I have no problem with it. It looks a lot like ebony.
Out of the box I found the setup perfect to my liking.
I don't care for the big EQs wacked into the side of a nice guitar. This Fishman electronics has two simple knobs and a round tuner window. A nice bare bones look. The tone is bright and full. Good balance between the strings playing chords and lead runs sound really sharp and clean. I like a mellow jazzy sound with the treble cut back and this does that well. This is a hot pickup it has lots of volume. You should get a pretty nice sound through just about any PA system you are confronted with on the open mic tours. I had to look around to find what the phase selection on the tone button did. Apparently if you are getting feedback you push the tone button and it adjusts the tone till the feedback is resolved. When you press the volume button you get a tuner in the round window.
The tuners are good and hold tune. The big buttons are a nice touch. I like the satin finished back and sides and the polished gloss top. The spruce top on mine is a nice piece of spruce. The neck has 1 3/4 inch nut and is slightly different than the modified C shape necks you'll find on the standard Martins. It is quite comfortable to play.
I needed to adjust the truss rod a bit. It takes a long 5mm hex wrench for that. The guitar does not come with one. When you register your guitar ask Martin where to get one. (Hint)
The quality of the finishing, fret detail, body joints and everything on this guitar is superb. For example the fret board joint to the neck is non distinguishable. It looks like one piece even thou its different colors. Martin is one American company that still puts out a quality made guitar even though it hast to adjust a few things to keep in the market. I have never seen a Martin instrument without attention to detail. I replaced the factory bridge pins with Tusq pins they fit perfectly. The only other thing I might later add is a bone nut. But for now it's fine.
This is the first I have been excited with an acoustic guitar since I bought my first D28 that has been gone for several years. Plugged in this guitar is stunning. I play a lot of country, honky tonk, swing, and light jazz. This guitar nails all of it.
If you are a solo performer you will love this guitar to no end.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.This guitar made owning an American-made instrument finally affordable. I was very pleased with the overall fit and finish of the guitar. It comes with a very nice hard shell case that has a very pleasing scent - weird, I know, but it is very inviting.
The best attribute is the sound. I am immersed in the rich tone and harmonics that ripple off of the sound board. The electronics are simple and easy to use. They are well placed and easy to adjust while playing. The pickup provides a very good natural sounding acoustic. I play this through a Bose L1 compact system and it sounds amazing.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I am so in love with this guitar. I tried the Sapele and Rosewood models, and I love this one even more. It's just so much more fuller and the guitar is so so comfortable to play. I love the electronics. It's like the Expressions System but sweeter and not so much brighter. Of course, you get a nice huge control of the sound with the eq. It wouldn't hurt to buy a L.R. Baggs DI, but it's amazing. I would definitely recommend this to ANYONE!!!!!
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.This is one fine American made guitar. Excellent build quality, inspiring tone acoustic or electric (of course tone is a personal matter), and the supplied case is beautiful with a tight fit.
Don't be concerned by the "richlite" fretboard. I find it very comfortable and it sounds like ebony. I'm sure Martins decision to use this material was cost based, but not without much consideration given to quality. Of course, only time will tell!
I had to write Martin a quick email to find what the "Custom" model was, the Custom Guitarsfriend team couldn't tell me the difference. Martin was quick to respond and personable, another reason to buy from this American company.
As always, Custom Guitarsfriend was excellent to deal with, super fast on the shipping. I love these guys!
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I don't usually write reviews but this one really deserves it. Sound and feel is incredible, set up is flawless. Mine came in with the rounded Martin pickguard which actually doesn't make the guitar look like its a copy of a T...r. It also says custom on it instead of GPCPA4, came in a hard Aligator skin case, nice. The top wood has a lot of bearclaw and in one spot there is a 5 in long thick bear claw mark which normally would make me return a guitar but when I played it, it doesnt matter. Im sold completely. It really sounds like a 3/4k Martin. I was playing it and my 9 year old commented on it how good it sounds. This one is a keeper. The fretboard is good enough to put it on GPCPA1.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I got this C. F. Martin acoustic guitar today. It's a flawless and beautiful creation that is well worth every cent I paid. It's heart-warming to experience first hand the work of an American company that represents the epitome of quality and craftsmanship world-wide. Kudos to the people who work at Martin Guitars in Nazareth PA.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.This Martin Guitar was everything I thought it would be and more. The crew at Custom Guitars Friend was outstanding ... Love the Martin ... SJS
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I have owned a ton of electrics - plenty of high end guitars. I've had a mid-level acoustic for years. I always said I would get a really nice acoustic "some day". I bought this guitar on sale from MF for 5 bills less than everyone else - brand new! The fit and finish are simply fantastic! I can't believe the tone! Wow! Now I know what I was missing. This blows away my Korean made acoustic. This is a keeper and the case is really nice too.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I would rate this guitar 5 stars except for 1 personal preference. Overall the tone is very good and has a rich clear tone but does not produce the big bottom end (not boomy) I get with my other martin guitar. I would love to hear more from the low E string even if others may consider that unbalanced when played acoustically. I expect this guitar will be great for playing gigs with the built in electronics and balanced tone overall.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I bought this guitar a week ago. The set up on it was really bad. Was very hard to play. I just got it back today. So I have not had a chance to play it a lot. However, I have had a chance to play it after it has been set up. It plays pretty nice for an acoustic. You can not beat that Martin sound. If you are like I was & are skeptical of how much volume, tone, punch that you may loose with this body style, don't be! This guitar still has plenty of all of the aforementioned. And there is still plenty of bass. Lots of mids in this guitar. Martin hit a home run with this guitar! I played the Dreadnought version of this guitar and there is not much difference. Probably more mids with this model. It is a beautiful instrument. I think to pay more for a Martin you would be getting more cosmetics, locking tuners, etc... But for the money this or the dreadnought version is the guitar to have! The guitar has everything you need. And it sounds great through my Carvin AG100D acoustic amp.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom GPCPA4 Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.
(4 of 6
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
English
