Martin SC-13e | Opinions please

[M19]

Originally Posted by PetesaHut

Well, I have the guitar unpacked. One concern that has taken me by surprise is the shaded area on the fretboard? Is that normal, it appears to be?

If its a feature I have seen no mention of it anywhere.

https://imgur.com/a/JCKj4Md

Most manufacturers are no longer using all black ebony due to sustainability concerns of those forests. The amount of and pattern of the lighter wood can be appealing or appalling, depending on taste.

[PetesaHut]

Originally Posted by M19

Most manufacturers are no longer using all black ebony due to sustainability concerns of those forests. The amount of and pattern of the lighter wood can be appealing or appalling, depending on taste.

My research so far shows you to be correct, the effect is commonly called marbling amongst other descriptions.

It is now it seems the new normal when buying a guitar with a fretboard made with Ebony. Not only Martin but Taylor also.

If you're buying a guitar in person, and the GC has a few in stock, you may have the option to pick the one you like. I guess similarly, if buying online, perhaps photos might be helpful.

Given these are high-end guitars, I would think most sellers would be keen to oblige.

I'll have more to say about this guitar when I have had more time to play it. That said, I'm loving it so far!

[lowrider]

I'm surprised that Martin doesn't do a better job of lining up the color patterns on the ebony. That's a particularly bad example though, I'd send that back.

Taylor does the same thing. And Gibson does the same with the patterns in their walnut backs and sides. I know they don't want to waste but come on, they've got to make the guitars attractive.

Maybe it's a plot to make everyone want Richlite!

[PetesaHut]

Originally Posted by lowrider

I'm surprised that Martin doesn't do a better job of lining up the color patterns on the ebony. That's a particularly bad example though, I'd send that back.

Taylor does the same thing. And Gibson does the same with the patterns in their walnut backs and sides. I know they don't want to waste but come on, they've got to make the guitars attractive.

Maybe it's a plot to make everyone want Richlite!

I'm making inquiries about it with Martin and the GC that sold it to me.

What worries me there are very few of these guitars about. Stocks are almost zero because of Martins's shut down because of the pandemic. It's been suggested that it might be 2 months plus before anymore turn up here in Australia.

[Coler]

If I liked everything else about it, I would not let that put me off.

[PetesaHut]

Originally Posted by Coler

If I liked everything else about it, I would not let that put me off.

I'm not interested in a refund, if I cant get the guitar swapped for another, I will keep it.....I do love this thing

[AgentKooper]

Originally Posted by PetesaHut

I'm not interested in a refund, if I cant get the guitar swapped for another, I will keep it.....I do love this thing

That fretboard would not bother me at all. I think it looks cool -- I like the trend toward non-dyed ebony. If you love that particular guitar, I'd keep it rather than deal with the hassle of a swap and take the chance that the replacement wouldn't sound as good or would have some other issue. A bird in the hand and all ...

[tonyo]

I also live in the Northern Rivers area and have been keen to hear / play one of these. If you are ever up this way and feel social, let me know. One shop I deal with in Brisbane is planning to get them in stock and I'm on their list to notify but I've not heard anything.

[MickZ]

I would swap it for another. I would not be happy with that fretboard. Maybe there’s a way to dye it?

[jonfields45]

Take it to a repair shop to be dyed if it concerns you. The little bit of the top I can see looks super nice. That is way more important to me than the color of the fingerboard.

[PetesaHut]

Originally Posted by tonyo

I also live in the Northern Rivers area and have been keen to hear / play one of these. If you are ever up this way and feel social, let me know. One shop I deal with in Brisbane is planning to get them in stock and I'm on their list to notify but I've not heard anything.

It's probably due to the fact that there are next to none in Australia ATM. One supplier told me 2 to 6 months?

[PetesaHut]

Originally Posted by jonfields45

Take it to a repair shop to be dyed if it concerns you. The little bit of the top I can see looks super nice. That is way more important to me than the color of the fingerboard.

I can tell you the top is stunning, in fact, the rest of the guitar is aesthetically very beautiful.
The mother of pearl inlays are gorgeous, they have not overdone the bling, it's very tastefully done in IMHO.

[MaurysMusic]

Originally Posted by PetesaHut

I'm making inquiries about it with Martin and the GC that sold it to me.

What worries me there are very few of these guitars about. Stocks are almost zero because of Martins's shut down because of the pandemic. It's been suggested that it might be 2 months plus before anymore turn up here in Australia.

I'm confused. Did a USA Guitar Center sell this to you?

[PetesaHut]

Originally Posted by MaurysMusic

I'm confused. Did a USA Guitar Center sell this to you?

No, I purchased it here in Australia, the GC's last one. It was one of two which they had on order for some time. One had already been sold to another customer, the other went to me. They now have zero stock.

[MaurysMusic]

Originally Posted by PetesaHut

No, I purchased it here in Australia, the GC's last one. It was one of two which they had on order for some time. One had already been sold to another customer, the other went to me. They now have zero stock.

Thanks for clarifying. My mistake & I wish you the best in getting that resolved.