Martin Keith "Auriole" Hybrid Archtop

[J.R. Rogers]

One of my most unexpected finds came from AGF sponsor Martin Keith who built this incredible Flat Top / Archtop hybrid that I've not been able to put down! Combining South American Mahogany with a spruce top (adirondack?) thick ebony bridge, tail, neck, and bloodwood accents, this guitar is both beautiful and unique looking. The offset soundhole allows Martin to create a powerful sound that is not like most flat tops. The guitar has a fast attack and wide dynamic range allowing you to play with emphasis and percussiveness without overdriving the guitar. Also, this guitar produces rich harmonics, especially in the low-end that are not common among traditional acoustics.

Adjustable neck: This guitar features a very innovative neck adjustment mechanism which allows the player to easily fine tune the action of the guitar by moving the neck up/down using a small tool inserted into a tiny hole in the back of the guitar near the neck joint. I don't typically make adjustments to my own guitars but this one is so easy it's almost foolproof. In just seconds I was able to dial in the perfect action for my playing style on this guitar.

This is an excellent guitar if you're looking for a unique voice... something different to inspire your playing. The is also a great guitar for those who play alternate tunings. The low-end on this guitar is really something to behold.

Here's a sample.. (Recorded on an iPhone. Sorry. )
http://youtu.be/CNcyJUm6Nxc







JR

[RobertForman]

beautiful, sounds great.

[jpbat]

um... now that's interesting.
The last thing I need is another one... but that sort of hybrid concept...

[birkenweg42]

To say the least, the builder showed a great sense of humor naming the guitar.
Anyway, the guitar looks very cool. I'm a sucker for unique looking guitars and off-set sound holes. My first "real" steel string was a Tacoma Chief.
I also like the idea of action adjustment. I know that Lame Horse has an adjustment system build into some of their acoustics. I played their Saddle Pal and experienced it first hand...very useful.
Congrats on your new guitar....looks like you did good.

[The Growler]

JR - That´s really nice. What´s the binding?

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by The Growler

JR - That´s really nice. What´s the binding?

Beautiful git.. I believe that's African Bloodwood I have it on one of mine.

[Glennwillow]

Interesting guitar and very nice recording, JR! Thanks!

- Glenn

[J.R. Rogers]

Thanks, everyone! There's a better recording of one of these guitars on Dream Guitars' website played by Paul Heumiller:
http://www.dreamguitars.com/detail/3..._auriole_2012/

JR

[Jeff Scott]

...AGF sponsor Martin Keith who built this incredible Flat Top / Archtop hybrid...The low-end on this guitar is really something to behold.
JR

I sure hope so! I have two of Martin's fantastic Elfin basses.

[J.R. Rogers]

Congrats to Martin Keith for being featured with his guitars in the August 2014 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine (p.75)!

JR

[CoolerKing]

I've much admired this design and have yet to play it but hope to some day.