
( Brand: Martin ), ( Model: MC-68 ), ( Part Type: Acoustic Guitar ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Body Type: 0000 ), ( Model Year: 1989 ), ( Body Material: Big Leaf Maple ), ( Soundboard Style: Flat Top )
Introducing the Martin MC-68, a captivating acoustic guitar from the revered Martin Guitar's Custom Shop. Crafted in 1989, this guitar boasts a unique and stunning combination of big leaf maple back and sides with a solid spruce top, providing an Open-Pore Finish that allows the wood's natural tonal characteristics to resonate freely.
Appearance:The big leaf maple back and sides lend an elegant, earthy aesthetic to the Martin MC-68. These tonewoods exhibit striking figure and grain patterns, each contributing to the guitar's visually appealing and distinct appearance. Visually contrasting against the back and sides, the solid spruce top showcases a more uniform, light grain pattern, complementing the overall design of the instrument.
Tone and Sound:This 1989 Martin MC-68 features a dreadnought body shape, which offers a balanced combination of projection and tone. With the solid spruce top and big leaf maple back and sides, this guitar's sound is characterized by a rich, warm bass response, clear mid-range tones, and striking high-end clarity. This versatile tonal range makes the MC-68 an exceptional instrument for various musical genres, from folk to rock, and everything in between.
Craftsmanship:Martin's commitment to superior craftsmanship is evident in the MC-68's open-pore finish. This meticulously applied finish allows the guitar to breathe, providing a more natural feel and enhanced sound quality. Additionally, Martin's attention to detail can be observed in the overall build quality, as the frets are precisely cut and dressed, the neck joint is well aligned, and the bridge and saddle are properly intonated.
Playability:Comfortably suited for players of all skill levels, the MC-68 features a prison bar and 1-11/16" bone nut, contributing to the ease of play and optimized string spacing for improved intonation. A hand-scalloped X-bracing pattern on the solid spruce top efficiently transfers string vibration to the body, producing a stronger, more resonant sound. Moreover, the MC-68 features a Standard taper neck profile equipped with a low profile fingerboard, allowing for optimal playability and comfort.
Historical Significance:This 1989 Martin MC-68 is a standout guitar, boasting a unique design and impressive craftsmanship that places it among the elite offerings of the Martin Custom Shop. Offering an exceptional combination of striking appearance and captivating sound, this guitar is a true treasure for collectors and discerning musicians alike.
The Martin MC-68 Big Leaf Maple/Spruce Open Hole Custom (OHC) is a revered acoustic guitar model by C.F. Martin & Company, produced from 1988 to 1999. Its unique characteristics have made it a popular choice for musicians. Let's examine the potential advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a pre-owned 1989 Martin MC-68 Big Leaf Maple/Spruce OHC acoustic guitar.
Pros:1. Superior Craftsmanship: Martin's reputation for producing high-quality instruments is undeniable. The MC-68 features hand-selected, premium big leaf maple for the back and sides and solid spruce for the top. Martin's attention to detail during the construction process ensured that the original owners received a well-built guitar.
2. Tone: Maple back and sides provide a bright, articulate tone, while spruce tops produce well-balanced tonal characteristics offering excellent balance and projection, making the MC-68 an excellent choice for a variety of musical styles.
3. Playability: With a comfortable neck profile and 25.4" scale length, the MC-68 offers excellent playability, allowing for easy chord transitions and fluid fingerwork.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: The unique open hole design adds a distinctive visual appeal to the Martin MC-68, offering a unique twist on the traditional Martin sound and appearance.
5. Investment Potential: The Martin MC-68 has become a sought-after vintage guitar due to its high-quality construction, unique design, and limited production. Investing in a well-maintained example could see a good return on investment, particularly for those who want a high-quality instrument for professional or personal use.
Cons:1. Price: Martin guitars are known for their premium price tags, and given the excellent craftsmanship and desirable features, the Martin MC-68 may be considered a significant investment for some musicians, especially since we're talking about a pre-owned model.
2. Potential for Damage: The open-hole design can be more fragile than conventional soundholes. Careful handling, proper storage, and routine maintenance are crucial to preserve the integrity of the instrument.
3. Limited Production: The Martin MC-68 was a limited production model, which can make it challenging to find a pre-owned example in good condition, and if you do find one, it might be more expensive than other used Martin guitars due to its collectability.
Conclusion:The Martin MC-68 Big Leaf Maple/Spruce Open Hole Custom acoustic guitar is an excellent investment for musicians seeking a high-quality, collectible Martin guitar with unique features, superior craftsmanship, and a bright, articulate tone. Its premium price tag, fragile open-hole design, and limited availability should be carefully considered before making a purchase. If you can afford the investment and have the expertise to maintain the instrument, the Martin MC-68 could be an incredible addition to your collection or musical arsenal.
Action is still comfortable in all registers and sits at just a touch over 1/8 on the bass side measured 12th fret treble same. The original hard shell case is included.
On the body, ebony bridge sits flush with top and saddle is at roughly its lowest point of adjustment. These frets show only light wear beneath the plain strings on 1-3 and are otherwise very clean, with virtually now further up neck.
As seen in the included close-up photo, it takes a very critical eye to even spot repair, and finish is consistent smooth gloss along entire profile so that repair undetectable palm.
The maple is highly figured with quilt and Birdseye extending evenly across body great depth. Up for sale, a 1989 Martin MC-68 in excellent condition.
The scale length measures 25. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. The m size body essentially a delivers tone that is bold and bright, with great attack punch which maple can deliver.
The mahogany neck has a smooth gloss finish on medium c profile, and bound ebony fret board retains original slender frets.
This guitar has previously had a fracture at the head stock just south of volute which was repaired both structurally and cosmetically. The guitar has also been fitted with a pickup and end pin jack for situations where further amplification is needed. The scalloped x bracing on top allows spruce to be very responsive, and this is a lively, dynamic guitar with good power sustain.
With an oval soundhole, deep body cutaway and 22 fret neck, the MC-68 was crafted a solid spruce top big leaf maple back sides.