Introduction
The Martin Guitar Company has been crafting premium acoustic instruments by hand in Nazareth, Pennsylvania since 1833. With nearly 200 years of history, Martin has established itself as one of the most respected and coveted acoustic guitar brands. In recent years, Martin has blended its traditional craftsmanship with modern advancements to create guitars that appeal to today’s discerning players.
The Martin GPC-X2E is one of the company’s flagship acoustic-electric models that exemplifies this balance of old-world craft and cutting-edge technology. Part of Martin’s Grand Performance body style, the GPC-X2E combines exotic tonewoods like cocobolo, ziricote and macassar ebony with advanced Fishman electronics to deliver exceptional sound, playability and versatility. From its comfortable modern neck profile to the organic resonance of solid woods, this guitar provides the pinnacle of Martin’s refined acoustic experience amplified with top-tier electronics. Players who appreciate traditional construction paired with contemporary innovations will find their ideal instrument in the GPC-X2E.
GPC-X2E Models & Tonewood Options
The GPC-X2E offers a variety of exotic tonewood options for the top, back and sides that provide unique tonal characteristics and visual appeal.
Cocobolo
Cocobolo has a rich, complex tone with excellent balance across the frequency range. The highs have sparkle and clarity while the lows and mids are warm and full. Visually, cocobolo has dramatic grain patterns and a warm orange-brown color.
Ziricote
Ziricote produces a very bright and articulate sound with excellent note separation and projection. The crisp highs and tight lows make it an ideal choice for live performance situations. Ziricote has a striking appearance with bold streaks of contrasting colors through the grain.
Macassar Ebony
Macassar ebony is known for its dry, focused tone that cuts through a mix well. The tone emphasizes clarity and definition with reduced overtones. Visually, macassar ebony has an elegant jet black color with delicate lighter grain streaks.
Rosewood
The classic rosewood sound is warm and complex with pronounced overtones. It has excellent bass response and a rounded high end. Rosewood has a traditional and luxurious visual aesthetic with rich brown coloring and wavy grain patterns.
Sapele Top
Sapele is tonally well balanced between brightness and warmth, providing both sweetness in the highs and fullness in the low mids. It has attractive figuring that looks similar to mahogany.
Mahogany
Mahogany produces a smooth, balanced tone with good fundamentals and strong mid-range focus. It has a reputation for providing reliable warmth and evenness across the tonal spectrum. Mahogany is a traditional tonewood used extensively on acoustic guitars.
Build Quality & Construction
The GPC-X2E features Martin’s Grand Performance body style, designed for comfort, playability, and balanced tone. The ergonomics allow easy access to the upper frets while providing a robust, projecting voice.
To enhance resonance, Martin uses scalloped X-bracing on the GPC-X2E. By shaving away excess wood on the underside of the top, the braces can vibrate more freely. This allows the top more movement, resulting in better resonance, volume, and sustain.
The neck is carved into Martin’s Performing Artist profile, which is slim and comfortable yet still substantial enough for rhythm playing. It feels fast and slick, facilitating lead playing across various styles. The fingerboard edges are rolled for smooth transitions up and down the neck.
The fingerboard itself is crafted from Richlite, an FSC certified composite material that has a smooth playable feel reminiscent of ebony. Richlite is durable and sustainable as well.
The GPC-X2E has a back and sides made from high pressure laminate (HPL). The HPL is ultra-thin layers of wood pressed together. This provides an extremely rigid foundation that complements the resonant top. Visually, the textured HPL looks similar to exotic tonewoods.
Sound & Tonal Characteristics
The GPC-X2E produces a balanced, resonant and articulate acoustic tone that allows the guitar’s premium tonewood construction to really shine through. There is a nice evenness across the tonal spectrum, with clear and projecting trebles, full and rich midrange, and tight, focused bass. The guitar has an impressive dynamic range, able to go from hushed, intimate tones to loud, singing projection as needed.
When plugged in, the Fishman MX-T electronics provide a transparent amplified tone that accurately captures the GPC-X2E’s natural acoustic voice. There is no unwanted hum or buzz, and the electronics are noise-free even at high gain settings. The MX-T system utilizes a Matrix undersaddle pickup combined with an internal microphone, allowing players to blend between the direct and ambient elements of the guitar’s sound. This makes it easy to dial in a balanced amplified tone for both stage and studio use.
The MX-T preamp includes a built-in tuner, volume and tone controls, a phase switch to reduce feedback, and EQ shaping to further tweak the amplified sound. There are also adjustable brilliance and presence filters for additional tone shaping ability. Overall the Fishman system provides exceptional versatility, allowing players to craft studio-quality amplified tones for any live or recording situation.
Playability
The GPC-X2E features Martin’s slim Performing Artist neck profile that provides a comfortable and fast feel. The neck has a substantial but rounded shape that contours nicely in the hand. Martin also employs hand-rolled fingerboard edges for a smooth transition along the length of the neck. This results in excellent playability with easy access to even the highest frets.
Out of the factory, the GPC-X2E comes set up with a very playable action and string height. The action is low and fast enough for intricate solos and lead playing, but still has enough height for rhythmic strumming without fret buzz. Overall the factory setup provides an inviting playing experience right out of the case, with no sharp fret ends or other issues. Players looking for an acoustic-electric that feels great right away will appreciate the attention to detail from Martin’s expert craftsmen.
Aesthetics & Appointments
The Martin GPC-X2E features elegant appointments that accentuate the beauty of the tonewoods. The guitar has attractive body binding and fingerboard inlays that add visual flair without being overstated.
The body binding consists of multi-ply purfling that elegantly outlines the guitar’s top and back. This helps highlight the exotic wood grains of tonewoods like cocobolo or ziricote. The rosette around the soundhole is also bound with multi-ply purfling for a refined look.
The fingerboard inlays follow a simple dot pattern but use high-quality material like mother-of-pearl. The inlays complement each tonewood option nicely without drawing too much attention away from the natural wood beauty.
Martin offers the GPC-X2E in a selection of high-gloss and lightly antiqued finishes. The finishes allow the organic wood grain patterns to shine through while providing protection and luster. For example, the Ambertone finish has a warm vintage tint that pairs wonderfully with rosewood. Meanwhile, a gloss finish helps bring out the deep colors and grain in macassar ebony. Martin worked closely with finish experts to formulate the colors to seamlessly match the tonewood esthetics.
Overall, the appointments and finishes on the GPC-X2E are tasteful and designed to highlight the exceptional tonewoods used on this guitar. Martin exercised restraint to let the exotic woods be the visual star while adding just enough inlays and binding for an elegant look.
Value for Money
The Martin GPC-X2E commands a premium price tag, even by the standards of high-end acoustic guitars. The base model with a solid sapele top starts at around $2,500, while the more exotic wood variants with cocobolo, ziricote or macassar ebony can cost upwards of $4,000. For many guitarists, this pricing puts the GPC-X2E out of reach. However, Martin has built its reputation over the last 180 years by never compromising on quality, using the finest materials and craftsmanship. For the discerning guitarist who can afford it, the GPC-X2E likely represents a worthwhile investment that will last a lifetime and sound better each year as the tonewoods mature.
When evaluating the value of the GPC-X2E, it helps to compare it to similar premium acoustic-electric guitars. Brands like Taylor, Gibson, and Guild all produce high-end models in this price range. The Taylor 914ce and 916ce are common benchmarks, with all-solid wood construction and quality electronics starting around $3,000. Gibson’s J-45 Standard and Hummingbird Standard acoustics can also reach $3,000+ with customized appointments. While these are all outstanding instruments, the GPC-X2E competes well with its combination of Martin’s signature tone and cutting-edge Fishman electronics. For those who appreciate the subtleties of exotic tonewoods like cocobolo and ziricote, the GPC-X2E represents a compelling value at its elite price point.
Who is the GPC-X2E Best Suited For?
The Martin GPC-X2E is a versatile guitar ideal for both stage and studio use. Its premium tonewood construction and Fishman electronics provide excellent amplified tones for live performances, while also capturing rich acoustic tones in recording sessions. The GPC-X2E is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully utilize its appointments and appreciate the nuances of its craftsmanship.
Beginners may find the GPC-X2E overwhelming, while more experienced players will value the subtle tonal characteristics of the exotic tonewoods. The slim neck profile and comfortable body size also cater to players interested in long practice or gigging sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the GPC-X2E appeals most to discerning guitarists who recognize and desire the quality of an American-made Martin acoustic-electric. Players who own other high-end Martins will feel right at home with the GPC-X2E.
Comparison to Other Martin Grand Performance Models
The GPC-X2E stands out in Martin’s Grand Performance line as a top-tier option thanks to its use of premium tonewoods and Fishman electronics. Compared to other popular GP models like the GPC-11E and GPC-13E, the GPC-X2E delivers superior sound, playability, and aesthetics.
Sound
The GPC-X2E has a clear sonic advantage over other GP models due to its use of rare and exotic tonewoods. While the GPC-11E and GPC-13E utilize more common mahogany and rosewood respectively, the GPC-X2E taps into premium woods like cocobolo, ziricote and macassar ebony. This results in a more complex, articulate and balanced acoustic tone. The wood combinations produce more resonance, longer sustain, and pleasing overtones. When plugged in, the Fishman MX-T preamp helps the GPC-X2E sound exceptionally natural and transparent.
Playability
With its Performing Artist profile neck and low action, the GPC-X2E plays faster and smoother than other GP models. The slimmer neck and hand-rolled fingerboard edges create a slick, inviting playing feel. And thanks to the lightweight HPL back and sides, the GPC-X2E is more comfortable and ergonomic during long practice or gigging sessions. Overall, it’s simply a more playable and accessible instrument.
Aesthetics
Visually, the exotic woods of the GPC-X2E give it a more refined, upscale look compared to other GPs. The varied colors, grains and figure of tonewoods like cocobolo, ziricote and macassar ebony result in a stunning, almost jewel-like appearance. Binding and inlay details also help the GPC-X2E stand out. The gloss finishes perfectly complement the beauty of the tonewoods. For players who appreciate fine visual details, the GPC-X2E is a cut above other GP models.
In summary, while other Grand Performance models offer good value, the GPC-X2E justifies its premium pricing by delivering better sound, easier playability, and more elegant aesthetics. For discerning players, it represents the pinnacle of the GP line.
Specs & Technical Details
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | GPC-X2E |
| Body Style | Grand Performance |
| Top | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Solid East Indian Rosewood |
| Bracing | Scalloped Hybrid X |
| Neck | Select Hardwood |
| Neck Profile | Performing Artist Taper |
| Fingerboard | Black Richlite |
| Scale Length | 25.4" |
| Nut Width | 1-3/4" |
| Electronics | Fishman MX-T |
| Tuners | Gold Open-Gear |
| Finish | Gloss |
| Strings | Martin MSP4100 Light Phosphor Bronze |
| Case | Hardshell Case Included |
The Martin GPC-X2E has a Grand Performance body style with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides. It features Martin’s scalloped hybrid X-bracing, a Performing Artist taper neck profile, and a richlite fingerboard. The 25.4" scale length provides comfortable playability.
The guitar is equipped with a Fishman MX-T electronics system and comes with a hardshell case.