Martin’s new Inception model brings a non-cutaway Grand Performance shape to the series for the first time
Martin has launched five new guitars, including two additions to the Inception range, two special X Series models, and a new SC design joining its Road Series.
These new launches bring new aesthetics, and even some firsts, to three of its key, existing lineups. Notably, the debut of the GPE Inception Maple – a non-cutaway version of its eye-catching sustainably-ethos’d Inception model, which debuted last year.
READ MORE: Meet the new Martin Junior Series: small guitars, big Martin sound
In fact, it’s not just a new guitar – the cutaway GPCE Inception Maple is getting something of an overhaul that makes its looks somewhat less polarising and unconventional than it was at launch. Most notably, perhaps, is the change from a walnut bridge and fingerboard to a more traditional-looking (but still FSC-certified) ebony.
The body itself retains the striking amber fade sunburst finish of the original, but rather than the matt finish we saw in 2024, this is now all-over gloss, with a satin-finished neck.
Elsewhere it’s as you were, with the same European spruce top, flamed maple back and sides, plus a black walnut wedge on the three-piece back
But the headline event is no doubt the the GPE Inception Maple, this guitar offers has the same tonewoods, visual appointments, and clever internal architecture as the original – including Martin’s skeletonised bracing, but delivers a full-body design for a more traditional silhouette. If the GPCE was too radical a departure for you visually, this one feels much more in the classic Martin wheelhouse.
Image: Martin
Moving on to the X Series, two Ziricote Specials join the range – the GP-X2E and the OMC-X2E. The former is a limited-time Grand Performance model with a solid sapele top and ziricote-patterned high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides. It has a Performing Artist neck profile and high-performance taper, plus Martin E1 electronics with a built-in tuner.
As for the latter, the OMC is said to offer the comfort of a 000 body with a 25.4” scale length for “greater projection and sustain”. It has a cutaway design, and like its Grand Performance sibling, it features a solid sapele top, ziricote-patterned HPL back and sides, and Martin E1 electronics with onboard tuning.
GP-X2E. Image: Martin
OMC-X2E. Image: Martin
The SC-10E Spruce is the final new launch as part of this Martin drop – a new addition to the Road Series with an SC body shape. It has a patented Sure Align neck system and Low Profile Velocity neck, and its solid spruce top is paired with solid sapele back and sides. Also joined by E1 electronics and a built-in tuner, Martin describes this guitar as “a modern acoustic-electric built for the stage, studio, or wherever the music takes you”.
Image: Martin
To find out more or shop the new models now, head over to Martin Guitar.
The post Martin’s new Inception model brings a non-cutaway Grand Performance shape to the series for the first time appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.
Source: www.guitar-bass.net
