PEAK PERFORMER

Martin Guitar’s SC line reaches its zenith with the limited-edition Custom Shop SC-2022, a masterful combination of form and function.

- JIMMY LESLIE

MARTIN'S MOST RADICAL design is its hottest acoustic-electric, the SC. The line recently received four new models (see review, May 2022), topped by the stylish Custom Shop SC-2022, which I'm looking at this month. It bolsters the revolutionary form of the S body substantially with all solid-wood construction, heightens functionality via dual-element Fishman electronics and adds dazzling appointments. With only 300 in the limited-edition run, I was honored to receive one for review.

You can sometimes tell an instrument is exceptional just by its case, and that was true with the SC-2022. The molded hardshell silver chariot for this Custom Shop collector's item looks like an aluminum Airstream RV. Take it into any venue and everyone will know you're packing something extraordinary.

The SC-2022 is essentially a cross between an SC and Martin's other most forward-thinking line, the Modern Deluxe. In addition to its signature S shape, the SC's primary features are its Sure Align neck attachment system built with an innovative linear (parallel) dovetail joint, and a glacial cutaway. Primary Modern Deluxe features include solid woods (SCs typically have veneered woods) gold frets and tuners, Liquidmetal bridge pins and torrified tops. The SC-2022 has all that, plus a Vintage Tone System (VTS) Sitka spruce top designed to age the tone and an asymmetrical partial soundboard re-curve designed to add bass.

Cutting chops on the SC-2022 feels as easy as driving a hot knife through butter. A light touch is all that's needed to set the flexible top in motion. Interestingly, light strings (.012-.054) are recommended for this SC rather than the custom lights (.011-.052) advised for the others. I always found those to be too light and would restring with .012s anyway. This is a beefier beast, with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, so it all makes sense.