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Martin GPC-28E Guitar Review

Posted by:

Nathan Thompson

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Introduction

For over 180 years, Martin Guitars has been synonymous with impeccable craftsmanship and tone. From legends like Eric Clapton to modern stars like Ed Sheeran, Martin acoustics have graced the world’s biggest stages. The company is renowned for pioneering iconic models like the Dreadnought, which has become the quintessential acoustic guitar shape.

In recent years, Martin has expanded their catalog with fresh takes on classic designs. Enter the Grand Performance body style – an evolution of Martin’s legendary Orchestra model. Grand Performance guitars blend vintage inspiration with modern enhancements for balanced tone and playing comfort.

The GPC-28E sits proudly as the flagship of the Grand Performance lineup. It pairs a comfortable Grand Performance body with Martin’s trademark combination of solid Sitka spruce on top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides. This guitar promises exceptional resonance and articulation, with plenty of volume for larger venues. Between its premium appointments and versatile sound, the GPC-28E exemplifies everything to love about modern Martin acoustics.

Martin GPC-28E Specs

The Martin GPC-28E features a Grand Performance body shape with a total length of 20 1/2 inches, width of 15 inches, and depth of 4 5/8 inches. This makes it slightly smaller than a traditional dreadnought, but larger than a 000 or OM size.

For tonewoods, the GPC-28E utilizes a solid Sitka spruce top paired with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides. The combination produces a balanced, articulate tone with plenty of volume and sustain.

The neck is constructed from mahogany in a Performing Artist taper profile that measures 1 3/4 inches at the nut and transitions to 2 1/8 inches at the 12th fret. It has a high-performance heel design that improves upper fret access.

The fingerboard and bridge are both made from ebony, which contributes to the guitar’s crisp tone and articulation. The fingerboard has 20 frets in total.

For electronics, the GPC-28E comes equipped with either a Fishman Aura VT Enhance or LR Baggs Anthem pickup and preamp system. Both options accurately capture the guitar’s natural acoustic tone and allow for effective live performance or recording.

Sound Profile

The Martin GPC-28E produces a beautifully balanced and articulate tone, thanks to its Grand Performance body shape and premium tonewood pairing of solid Sitka spruce over East Indian rosewood. This guitar really sings, with exceptional resonance and sustain across the tonal spectrum.

The treble tones are clear and complex, with the Sitka spruce top adding shimmer and sparkle to each note. The midrange is focused yet warm, with the rosewood back and sides providing a rich, velvety character. Bass notes are full and resonant, but always remain balanced in relation to the mids and highs.

Plugged in, the onboard Fishman or L.R. Baggs electronics accurately capture the GPC-28E’s exquisite acoustic tone. The guitar maintains its balanced voice, with the electronics enhancing rather than overshadowing the inherent acoustic sound. The end result is an exceptional amplified tone, with the guitar’s lush resonance and organic wood character shining through.

Whether you play live or in the studio, the Martin GPC-28E’s acoustic and amplified tones make this Grand Performance model a superb choice for players who value balanced articulation and enhanced resonance from their acoustic-electric guitar. This is an instrument that excels at letting your playing breathe and sing.

Playability

The Martin GPC-28E showcases Martin’s renowned expertise in crafting acoustic guitars that feel fantastic to play. It starts with the smooth satin finish on the modified low oval neck, which allows for fast, comfortable movement up and down the fingerboard. The neck has a slim taper that makes it easy to grip and facilitates intricate chord changes and lead lines.

The action on the GPC-28E is set exceptionally low right out of the box, optimized for performance rather than open chords. Notes ring out clearly and cleanly along the ebony fingerboard without buzzing. This low action makes the GPC-28E a joy to play for fingerstylists who need quick articulation for bass lines, chords, and melodies. It’s also suited for aggressive flatpicking, with the low action allowing pickers to dig in hard without worrying about rattling.

While some Martins require a professional setup to make them gig-ready, the GPC-28E offers exceptional playability right off the dealer’s wall. Players who prioritize buttery smoothness when moving up the neck will feel right at home from the very first strum. Between the comfortable neck profile and factory-optimized action, the GPC-28E removes any barriers to fluid playing.

Features Galore

The Martin GPC-28E comes loaded with high-end features and appointments that give it a refined, luxurious feel.

Some of the standout features include:

  • Elegant mother-of-pearl inlays along the fingerboard and headstock, adding a touch of flash that complements the guitar’s understated aesthetic. The inlays follow a standard dot pattern along the neck.

  • Antiqued white binding along the top, back, and fingerboard provides nice visual separation from the all-wood construction. The multi-ply binding is an upgrade over the simple style used on lower-end Martins.

  • A polished gloss finish gives the GPC-28E’s Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back and sides, and mahogany neck a smooth, lustrous look. The gloss finish allows the beauty of the tonewoods to shine.

  • The belly bridge is crafted from rich ebony, which offers tight coupling with the top for excellent energy transfer and full sound. The ebony matches the fingerboard as well.

  • The headstock sports Martin’s standard vintage-style logo script along with a drop-in slotted headstock. The slotted headstock reduces headstock mass for better resonance.

  • Other luxury appointments include an abalone rosette, abalone small diamond fretboard inlays, and open-gear butterbean tuners with an 18:1 gear ratio for smooth, accurate tuning.

Overall, the luxurious aesthetic details on the GPC-28E make it feel special in the hands and complement its world-class tone. While understated, it has plenty of premium appointments to satisfy even the most discerning players.

Pricing & Value

The Martin GPC-28E typically sells new for around $3,500 from most major retailers. This positions it solidly as a pro-level instrument, though still a step below Martin’s elite offerings like D-45s which can retail for over $10k. Compared to other all-solid wood Martin acoustics with similar appointments, the GPC-28E represents an excellent value. Models like the 000-28EC and OM-28E both retail for several hundred dollars more despite having smaller body sizes than the GPC-28E Grand Performance shape.

Used GPC-28E models can often be found in the $2,500 to $3,000 range in good playable condition. This represents a great opportunity for players to get a professional grade Martin acoustic with premium tonewoods at a significant discount. However, it’s worth examining any used instrument closely to check for fret wear, cracks, electronics issues, or any other damage that could affect playability or tone. As long as the guitar is in good shape, buying used can be a smart way to get exceptional bang for your buck with the GPC-28E.

Overall the combination of premium tonewoods, quality craftsmanship, and versatile sound makes the GPC-28E a strong value in Martin’s lineup. While not cheap, it delivers professional performance and nuanced tone that discerning players will appreciate. For those seeking the magic of a great Martin acoustic, the GPC-28E represents an achievable dream.

Martin GPC-28E vs Other Martin Models

The Martin GPC-28E stands out even among Martin’s impressive lineup of acoustic guitars. Here’s how it compares to some other notable Martin models:

Martin GPC-13E

The GPC-13E is another Grand Performance model but with some key differences from the GPC-28E. It has a smaller 000 body size compared to the GPC-28E’s larger auditorium shape. It also uses solid sapele back and sides rather than the GPC-28E’s East Indian rosewood. This gives it a slightly different tonal profile focused more on balanced response than rich complexity. The GPC-13E is great for fingerstyle playing but the GPC-28E may appeal more to those wanting maximum resonance and projection. The GPC-13E is also priced around $1,000 less than the GPC-28E currently.

Martin D-28

The D-28 is one of Martin’s most iconic dreadnought models. It helped define their signature dreadnought sound – bold, deep bass and crisp treble. The GPC-28E offers a more intimate, nuanced tone by comparison. Its Grand Performance body aims for balance rather than sheer power. Tonally they are quite different though equally impressive. The GPC-28E’s neck may suit fingerstyle players better with its slimmer profile and lower action. The D-28 remains a staple among bluegrass flatpickers who crave its cutting treble punch. Pricing is similar between the two models. Those seeking the classic Martin dreadnought sound can’t go wrong with the D-28 but the GPC-28E offers an appealing alternative tonality.

In summary, the GPC-28E occupies a distinctive spot within Martin’s product lineup. It combines premium tonewoods and appointments with the versatile Grand Performance body shape. This gives it a refined, articulate voice that enhances many playing styles while retaining the exemplary craftsmanship Martin is renowned for. Whether compared to other Grand Performance models or iconic classics like the D-28, the GPC-28E stands as an exceptional instrument.

Discontinued & Used Models

Over the years, Martin has released several limited edition GPC-28E models with unique specs and finishes. While many of these special models are now discontinued, used versions can still be found through various online marketplaces and guitar shops.

One of the most sought-after discontinued GPC-28E models is the Ambertone finish version. This limited run featured a beautiful amber sunburst finish over the spruce top. Only a small number were produced before being discontinued. These models had the same specs and appointments as the standard GPC-28E otherwise.

Since the Ambertone models were a limited edition, they can be harder to find than regular GPC-28Es on the used market. The unique finish also means used Ambertones tend to sell for $500-800 more than typical used pricing for standard GPC-28E models. If the Ambertone’s unique aesthetic appeals to you, it’s worth keeping an eye out for one in good playable condition.

Outside of special editions, used standard GPC-28E models can be readily found from a number of sources. Reverb, eBay, and Guitar Center’s used inventory are good places to browse for used GPC-28Es. Local guitar shops may also have trade-ins on occasion. When buying used, be sure to thoroughly inspect the guitar’s condition and playability. In particular, examine the finish, fret wear, electronics functionality, and proper set-up. As long as the guitar is in good shape and has been well maintained, a used GPC-28E can be an excellent value compared to the new pricing.

Who is the Martin GPC-28E Best For?

The Martin GPC-28E is an ideal guitar for experienced players looking for a premium instrument that excels both onstage and in the studio. While the price tag may be too high for beginner and intermediate players, the GPC-28E delivers professional-grade performance worthy of its cost.

More specifically, the GPC-28E is a top choice for:

  • Gigging musicians – With its balanced tone, excellent projection, and smooth playability, the GPC-28E is built to perform live. The onboard electronics ensure your natural acoustic sound shines through on stage. The Grand Performance shape provides comfort for long sets.

  • Recording artists – The GPC-28E captures exceptionally well in recordings thanks to its responsive tonewoods and Fishman or L.R. Baggs electronics. The articulate tone cuts through a mix beautifully across various tracking and mic techniques.

  • Fingerstyle players – The dynamic range, balanced bass, and crisp trebles are ideal for fingerpicking. Notes have room to breathe without muddiness. Complex fingerstyle arrangements come through with clarity.

  • Flatpicking guitarists – When aggressively picked, the GPC-28E has the headroom to handle heavy strumming or bluegrass lead lines without distorting. The maple neck provides the snap and brightness many flatpickers prefer.

  • Singer-songwriters – The GPC-28E provides inspiring accompaniment for vocals with its lush, full-sounding tone. The smooth playability allows focusing on both guitar work and singing simultaneously.

While the GPC-28E suits many genres, it’s especially pleasing for fingerstyle, jazz, blues, folk, country, bluegrass and light rock. The premium woods and electronics ensure it shines both on stage and in the studio. For pro players seeking one of the best gigging and recording acoustics Martin offers, the GPC-28E delivers.

Conclusion

The Martin GPC-28E is an exceptional instrument for the player seeking the ultimate acoustic experience. Its Grand Performance body provides a balanced, articulate tone with excellent projection and resonance. The pairing of solid Sitka spruce and East Indian rosewood produces a dynamic range and sweetness that makes the GPC-28E shine for various playing styles.

The high-performance neck design also enhances playability, with a comfortable profile and tapered heel for easy access to upper frets. Whether fingerpicking intricately or strumming full chords, the GPC-28E feels inspiring in the player’s hands. The onboard electronics flawlessly capture the guitar’s acclaimed acoustic tone when plugging in live or in the studio.

For guitarists who appreciate premium tonewoods, immaculate craftsmanship, and an inspiring musical experience, the Martin GPC-28E delivers. Its exceptional acoustic tone and playability make it well worth the investment for discerning players. If you’re looking for the pinnacle of Martin’s Grand Performance line, the GPC-28E is a guitar you need to experience first-hand to fully appreciate.