Gigging Martin Cutaway Jumbo W/Aura

[Revy]

Looking for a cutaway guitar to gig with and I have it in my head I want a Jumbo. I have a J-15 that I adore! I like the feel of the large body and the deep bass. But playing some lead is forcing me to go to a cutaway version. Probably going to beat the crap out of it in bars and places of ill repute so no sense in breaking the bank.

I also have it in my head I want the Aura system. Don't really want to run an Aura DI pedal. Already have too many pedals! Have heard good things about the JC-16RE Aura. Has anyone compared that old style "barn door" Aura system in the 16 series to the new F1 Aura in the new GPCPA series? I also do a little tapping and slapping with my looper. How do the Aura systems get along with those techniques? I know the VT Enhanced are used for those sounds but don't like being stuck with one audio image.

I really want a JCPA4 but that model doesn't come with any Aura electronics. Still very temped on that model though! Don't understand why it can't be sent back to Martin and have an Aura F1 added? Maybe too pricey? The JCPA4 model has the F1 Analog. Does anyone know how that system gets along with percussive sounds? I can't even find much information on that system, other than videos on the GPCPA models. Both JC-16 and JCPA4 are limited models to find and try out.

[JackB1]

I think the 16RGTE is really your only option here

[doublescale1]

Get a Fishman Elipse pickup - it has an Aura "lite" system in it - you download up to 4 different mic images from Fishmans site and your good to go on the Jumbo of your choice. I put an Elipse in a new-to-me Martin 000-18. Couldn't be easier to dial in great live sound, easy install with low profile Sound Hole controls . Apologies for the double post - I did not see this posting after I hit Post Reply the first time, thought I did something wrong so I did another one...

[doublescale1]

Get a Fiahman Elipse Aura pickup - it's an off the shelf aftermarket pickup any competent tech can install - you will have to have a 1/4 output jack drilled if the guitar has no pickup already. The Elipse gives you Aura "lite" capabilites, you can download up to 4 different Mic Images from Fishmans extensive online library, and your good to go, blend in the mic image of your choice. I put one in a new-to-me Martin 000-18 that had no pickup. Easy to dial in for live sound and it just flat out provides incredible mic'd sound to the PA.

[meb]

Long story short, I have owned the JC-16RE Aura, DCPA4, and GPCPA5.
I never liked the F1 Analog system, and much preferred the Aura system.
Unplugged, my guess is that you are splitting hairs between the JCPA4 and
JC-16RE Aura.

[John Bartus]

Ditto on the JC-16 RE Aura. Great performance guitar.

[jwellsy]

A jumbo that plays great up the neck? Hands down would have to be an Emerald X30. The extra deep cutaway that extends all the way to the bass side of the fretboard is a brilliant idea. Access to the upper frets doesn't get any more comfortable. One feature this video doesn't explain very well is the asymmetric body design. The curve between the upper and lower bouts doesn't go straight across the bottom side, it's angled so as it sits on your lap the guitar body snuggles up into your body. That combined with the rib bevel at the top of the back and the forearm bevel makes it feel like an old friend. Very easy to bond with.



These custom builds run about the same money as a Martin or Gibson. But, it's a lot less painful when you put half down when it's ordered and the balance due 4 months later after it's built.

Tone can be greatly enhanced by going with a multi scale length fan fret setup or even a 7 string option. I tend to keep my fan fret X30 in DADGAD tuning and several people have thought it was a baritone. I haven't put a pickup in it yet. But, Emerald will install or prep it for whatever pickup up want.



Plus, there's absolutely no worries about temperature or humidity and tuning stays rock solid.

[Revy]

Those Emerald Fan Frets are the craziest thing I've ever seen!
Like all new things, slow to adopt!
Seems new enough no one yet knows how the Carbon Fiber guitar will age?
Thank you for sharing! Would love to play one!

[Revy]

I ended up finding a JC-16RE Aura and when it arrived I found a pleasant surprise inside. I really like it and I don't think it was played much. Very cool guitar!