MARTIN Acoustic Electric Guitar M-38

( Brand: Martin ), ( Model: M-38 ), ( Part Type: Acoustic Guitar ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Model Year: 2007 ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )

Review MARTIN 38 Acoustic Electric Guitar

Martin M-38 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: An Excellent Entry-Level Instrument for Beginners and Experienced Musicians Alike

The Martin M-38 Acoustic-Electric Guitar is an exceptional instrument for both beginners and seasoned musicians seeking an affordable and versatile guitar for various performances. This model from the esteemed Martin Guitar Company remains a popular choice, demonstrating composite materials' potential to provide fantastic tone and playability, without the premium price tag.

The Martin M-38 boasts a rich, vibrant, and balanced tone, thanks to its carefully engineered dreadnought body with a select Spruce top, Sapele back and sides, and a high-pressure laminate (HPL) neck. This combination delivers a strong, resonant sound suitable for various music genres, making it an ideal beginner instrument for acoustic and electric practice. The scalloped bracing system enhances the volume and projection of the tone, filling the room with warmth and fullness.

The Martin M-38 is crafted with a durable and reliable hardtail bridge that ensures optimal string action and stability. In turn, this optimizes the tension and intonation of the strings, contributing to a harmonious and consistent sound across all frets. This guitar also includes a Fishman Sonitone pickup system, which features a separate volume and tone control on the bass side of the lower bout, near the soundhole. This system conveniently allows for seamless plug-and-play performance in small venues and amplified settings.

The 24.9 inches (632.6mm) scale length and narrow taper neck profile of the Martin M-38 make it a delight for beginners to learn and play. Its high-quality materials and precision construction allow for a comfortable playing experience even for those with smaller hands. This guitar offers a smooth finishing, making fingerstyle playing and chord formations more manageable, while promoting proper finger positioning and posture for proper technique.

The Martin M-38 is an adaptable guitar that can cater to a diverse range of musical styles. With its warmth and deep projection, it is particularly well-suited for folk, country, blues, and alternative genres. Whether strumming open chords for a campfire sing-along or applying delicate fingerpicking techniques, the M-38 performs exceptionally in both acoustic and amplified settings.

As a Martin acoustic-electric guitar, the M-38's HPL body features a stronger and denser construction than traditional all-solid-wood guitars. This provides the guitar with increased resistance to environmental factors that might otherwise negatively impact your instrument, such as temperature and humidity changes. This durability ensures the Martin M-38 remains an excellent musical companion for years to come.

With its acoustic-electric configuration, the Martin M-38's Fishman Sonitone pickup system allows for greater versatility in various performance scenarios. Plug in and amplify your instrument for clear, vibrant sound or perform unplugged for more intimate, acoustic sessions. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for gigging musicians or for those who aspire to play a variety of live settings.

In summary, the Martin M-38 Acoustic-Electric Guitar is an outstanding entry-level instrument that delivers a rich and inviting sound, accessibility, and versatility at a budget-friendly price point. Its high-quality materials, comfortable playability, durability, and Fishman Sonitone electronics make it a top pick for beginners and seasoned musicians alike. Whether practicing at home, jamming with friends, or gracing stages in diverse performance settings, the Martin M-38 will surely captivate and satisfy your musical needs.

The Martin M-38 acoustic-electric guitar is a popular choice among musicians due to its combination of affordability, Martin's renowned craftsmanship, and versatility. Let's evaluate its pros and cons to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

1. High-quality construction: Martin, as a brand, is known for producing high-quality instruments. The M-38, even as an entry-level offering, features solid wood top and back, which contribute to better tone and projection.

2. Versatile: Being an acoustic-electric guitar, the Martin M-38 offers the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the authentic acoustic tone when performing unplugged or plug in for enhanced volume and reduced feedback when performing electrically.

3. Sitka Spruce top: The solid Sitka Spruce top provides excellent sound quality and projection, valid reasons for Martin's reputation as a top-tier guitar manufacturer.

4. Short-scale neck: The guitar features a short-scale neck (23.9 inches), which makes it a great option for those with smaller hands or beginners.

5. Affordability: Compared to other Martin models, the M-38 offers a relatively affordable price tag, making it an appealing option for beginners and those who want a backup guitar or a first step into the world of Martin guitars.

1. Action setup: Some customers have reported receiving the guitar with high action right out of the box and may require immediate setting up or professional luthier setup to improve playability and prevent discomfort.

2. Finish: The laminated sides and back might not provide the same level of resonance and rich tone as solid wood sides and backs.

3. Limited fretboard options: The fretboard comes with a standard rosewood, which might be a downside for some, given the availability of other options like ebony or maple.

4. Tuning stability: A few users have reported problems with the guitar staying in tune, making it crucial to check tuning frequently and potentially affecting your overall experience.

In conclusion, the Martin M-38 acoustic-electric guitar comes with several noteworthy pros, such as high-quality construction, versatility, and affordability. However, it also has cons like the need for action setup, limited fretboard options, and potential tuning stability issues.

Ultimately, if you're a beginner who wants a solid, affordable guitar from a reputable brand, the Martin M-38 might be a suitable choice, especially if you're willing to put in some effort to address the minor issues. For more experienced players seeking top-tier sound quality and build, you might want to consider a different Martin model with solid wood sides and back, as well as additional premium features.

Details:

4 of frets clear: 14 total: 20 fingerboard width at nut: '' 12th fret: 2-1 8'' position inlays: 38 binding: white Bolton finish back sides: polished gloss top: w vintage toner neck: satin bridge material: solid east India rosewood style: belly string spacing: saddle: 16 radius compensated bone tuning machines: Goth chrome large knobs pins: black dots pick guard: tortoise color. I have replaced the original plastic bridge pins with bone. Just a beautiful guitar that plays easily with its grand auditorium shape and shallow body, sounds are full complex. From includes a deluxe Martin hard shell 6-latch case.

This is the 38 with more elaborate appointments and binding than m will include originals guitar. Martin M-38 acoustic electric guitar. Used, in excellent condition. Includes new Seymour Duncan mag mic magnetic sound hole pickup which replaced an under saddle.

Features construction: mahogany blocks dovetail neck joint body size: m fret top: solid steak spruce rosette: 45 top bracing pattern: standard x scalloped, forward shifted braces: Adirondack 5 16'' back material: east India rosewood purging: side end piece: white Bolton end piece inlay: black binding: inlay style: select hardwood shape: low profile nut bone head stock: diamond square taper head plate: w raised gold foil heel cap: with fingerboard ebony scale length : serial no.

specifications acouselectguit:

• brand: Martin
• model: M-38
• part type: Acoustic Guitar
• dexterity: Right-handed
• string configuration: 6 String
• model year: 2007
• country/region of manufacture: United States

Ratings:

1. Thank you for an easy, pleasant transaction. Excellent buyer.. 03-24-17
2. Thank you kindly, much appreciated: 03-20-17
3. excellent service great 03-24-17
4. Good buyer! Highly recommended!! 03-20-17
5. Hope to deal with you again. Thank you. 03-19-17

Shipping acouselectguit:

• cost: $55.0
• handling: 2 days
• type: Flat

Returns acouselectguit:

• policy: no returns

Payments acouselectguit:

• PayPal

General acouselectguit:

• in stock: Yes
• musical instrumentsgear > guitar musical instruments gear > acoustic electric guitars
• condition: Used

Offer acouselectguit:

• min. bid: $2,075.00
• bids: 0
• best offer: false
• Started: March 27, 2017, 11:30 am
• Sold: 0
• quantity: 1

Seller acouselectguit:

• zipcode: 06475
• city: Old Saybrook, Connecticut

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