Introduction
Martin Guitars has been crafting premium acoustic instruments by hand in Nazareth, Pennsylvania since 1833. With almost two centuries of experience, Martin has cemented itself as one of the most respected and coveted acoustic guitar brands. The Martin CEO-7 model embodies everything discerning players have come to expect from the company’s instruments. This special edition acoustic channels vintage Martin style with its aesthetic appointments and sound.
The slope-shouldered dreadnought body shape gives the CEO-7 a classic look, evoking Martin’s guitars from the 1930s and 40s. This is complemented by the aging toner finish, which gives the appearance of a well-loved vintage instrument. Under the hood, the CEO-7 features all solid tonewoods selected for their exceptional acoustic properties. This allows it to produce the balanced, nuanced tone Martin is known for. From its premium materials to old-school cosmetics, the CEO-7 aims to appeal to traditional players who appreciate the Martin legacy.
Construction and Materials
The Martin CEO-7 features premium tonewoods selected for their exceptional acoustic properties. The top is made from solid Adirondack spruce, revered for its stiffness, lightness, and beautifully complex overtones. Adirondack spruce is exceptionally rare and produces a robust, projecting tone.
The back and sides are constructed from solid mahogany, a classic tonewood cherished for its warm, balanced sound. Mahogany adds depth and richness to the CEO-7’s voice. The neck is also carved from mahogany for stability and sustained notes.
An ebony fingerboard and bridge provide crisp note articulation. Ebony is an incredibly dense wood that transfers string vibrations efficiently. This results in excellent intonation and chime across the fretboard.
The CEO-7 is equipped with vintage-style Golden Age tuners with butterbean knobs. These open-gear tuners are lightweight and keep the guitar in tune while complementing the vintage vibe.
Sound and Playability
The Martin CEO-7 produces a beautifully balanced and rich tone that any acoustic player will appreciate. The combination of premium tonewoods like Adirondack spruce and mahogany results in a lush, warm sound with plenty of crisp highs.
When strummed or picked, the CEO-7 projects very well. Notes ring out with impressive volume and clarity, which can be attributed to the scalloped X-bracing under the top. Sustain is also excellent on this model. Strummed chords will continue to sing even after you’ve moved on to the next chord.
The comfortable neck profile and low action on the CEO-7 make it a joy to play. Bends, slides, and fretting across the ebony fingerboard are smooth and effortless. Whether you prefer fingerstyle playing or gentle strumming, the playability is top-notch. Intonation all along the neck is spot-on too.
Overall, the CEO-7 delivers professional-grade tone and playability worthy of the Martin name. The balanced sound profile and singing sustain will satisfy even the most discerning acoustic player.
Aesthetics and Finishes
The Martin CEO-7 has a vintage-inspired aesthetic that will appeal to players who appreciate the look and feel of classic acoustic guitars. It comes in two classic finish options:
Autumn Sunset Burst
This beautiful finish features a warm sunburst pattern on the top and back. The colors blend from a light amber in the center to a rich reddish-brown along the edges. This finish helps highlight the varied hues and grain patterns in the CEO-7’s adirondack spruce top. The Autumn Sunset Burst has an antique vibe while still feeling lively and vibrant.
Vintage Sunburst
For players who want a more subdued look, the Vintage Sunburst is an ideal choice. This finish starts with a warm honey-brown tone at the center of the top and back, then gradually darkens towards the edges. Over time, this finish will age gracefully, developing an antiqued patina. The Vintage Sunburst has a refined, understated elegance.
Both the Autumn Sunset Burst and Vintage Sunburst finishes are protected by a thin nitrocellulose gloss finish. Unlike thicker polyurethane finishes, nitrocellulose allows the guitar to vibrate freely. This helps produce a lively, resonant tone. The gloss provides protection while retaining clarity and dynamic range.
Pros and Cons
The Martin CEO-7 has several notable pros and cons to consider before purchasing.
Pros:
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Premium Tonewoods – The Adirondack spruce top and mahogany back/sides provide rich, balanced tone. These are among the highest quality woods for acoustic guitars.
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Superb Craftsmanship – As expected from Martin, the CEO-7 displays excellent attention to detail and quality construction.
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Vintage Looks – With the slope-shouldered body, aging toner, and retro finish options, this guitar nails the vintage aesthetic.
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Resonant Tone – The woods and scalloped bracing produce impressive resonance, projection and sustain. The CEO-7 sounds fantastic unplugged.
Cons:
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Expensive Pricing – With a retail price tag of $3,999, this guitar is out of reach for many players. The premium materials do justify the cost, but it’s still a major investment.
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Lack of Electronics – There is no onboard pickup or preamp system. Players who need to amplify will have to purchase and install an aftermarket system.
Comparisons
The Martin CEO-7 stands up well when compared to other premium acoustic guitars. Here’s how it stacks up against some key competitors:
Martin CEO-7 vs Martin D-18
The D-18 has a similar dreadnought body shape to the CEO-7, but with different bracing and an all-mahogany back and sides. It produces a balanced warm tone, but can’t match the complex overtones of the CEO-7’s Adirondack spruce top. The D-18 sells for around $2,000 less than the CEO-7.
Martin CEO-7 vs Martin D-28
The iconic D-28 has a slightly larger body than the CEO-7. It also has a Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides. The D-28 is known for its booming bass and crisp trebles. The CEO-7 has a more vintage vibe and warmer sound. The D-28 sells for around $1,000 less.
Martin CEO-7 vs Gibson J-45
The Gibson J-45 has a similar vintage appeal with its round-shoulder dreadnought design. It produces a balanced tone with mahogany back and sides and Sitka spruce top. The CEO-7 has more complex overtones and better note separation. The J-45 sells for around $1,500 less.
Martin CEO-7 vs Taylor 814ce
The Taylor 814ce is comparable in price to the CEO-7. It has a Sitka spruce top with layered rosewood back and sides. The Taylor has onboard electronics and a brighter, more articulate sound. The CEO-7 has a warmer vintage tone. They appeal to different players’ preferences.
Who Is the Martin CEO-7 Best For?
The Martin CEO-7 is an ideal fit for certain players who will appreciate what this premium acoustic guitar has to offer. Here’s a look at who this vintage-inspired flattop is best suited for:
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Experienced Acoustic Guitar Players: The CEO-7 is designed and priced as a high-end instrument for seasoned players. Beginners are likely better off starting on a more affordable Martin model before considering the CEO-7. The Adirondack spruce and ebony fingerboard require a player who has developed the skills to take full advantage of them.
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Fingerstyle Guitarists: The balanced tone, rich overtones, and excellent note separation of the CEO-7 make it a fantastic choice for fingerpicking players. The dynamic range allows various techniques to shine, from soft Travis-style picking to aggressive bluegrass runs. The scalloped bracing enhances note articulation, further benefiting fingerstylists.
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Players Who Appreciate Vintage Looks: Beyond just the sound, the CEO-7 nails the vintage vibe visually. The Autumn Sunset Burst and sloped shoulders transport you back to the early days of Martin guitars. For players who want a modern workhorse with serious old-school charm, the CEO-7 delivers. Vintage guitar collectors will also appreciate the limited-edition cachet.
The CEO-7 isn’t necessarily for all players. Those needing to plug in on stage may find the lack of electronics limiting. But for experienced pickers who can afford a premium instrument with rich tone, vintage appeal, and buttery playability, the CEO-7 is a winning choice. It expertly melds old and new for today’s discerning Martin enthusiasts.
Pricing and Value
With an MSRP of $3,859, the Martin CEO-7 sits at the higher end of the acoustic guitar market. However, given the use of premium solid wood tonewoods like Adirondack spruce and mahogany, plus the exemplary craftsmanship and attention to detail, this pricing can be justified.
The CEO-7 is very much a hand-crafted instrument, with time-honored techniques used in its construction. This includes the dovetail neck joint, scalloped X-bracing, and hand-rubbed nitrocellulose finish. There are no shortcuts taken to mass produce this guitar.
Due to its limited edition status and collectibility as a Martin model, the CEO-7 also holds its value very well on the used market. Well-cared for examples can resell for at least 80-90% of the original retail price. The CEO-7’s long-term value also benefits from its vintage-inspired aesthetics, which many view as a modern take on Martin’s "golden era" guitars of the 1930s.
So while the initial investment is substantial, the CEO-7 delivers tangible value through its materials, construction, sound quality and potential future collectibility. Discerning players who appreciate fine acoustic guitars will find it well worth the premium price.
User Reviews
"The Martin CEO-7 completely exceeded my expectations. The Adirondack spruce top produces such a beautifully balanced tone – the mids and highs are so clear and defined. It really allows the mahogany back and sides to shine through with their rich, warm low end." – Jeff S., Seattle WA
"I was blown away by the vintage vibe of this guitar. The Autumn Sunset Burst finish looks absolutely stunning, and gives it that antique, played-in feel. Combined with the scalloped bracing, this guitar practically oozes mojo. I can’t put it down!" – Mark T., Nashville TN
"The playability on the CEO-7 is superb. The neck shape is so comfortable, and the ebony fingerboard is silky smooth. It has very low action from the factory, perfect for fingerstyle playing. Intonation up the neck is spot on too. Just an exceptionally crafted instrument." – James L., Austin TX
Conclusion
The Martin CEO-7 is a vintage-inspired premium acoustic that lives up to its storied pedigree. With its solid Adirondack spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar delivers the balanced, rich tone that Martin is known for. The vintage aesthetics like the Autumn Sunset Burst finish and scalloped X-bracing also harken back to Martin’s roots.
While the CEO-7 commands a high price, its flawless craftsmanship and use of top-grade materials make it a wise investment for the right player. The ideal customer for this guitar is an experienced acoustic player looking for a responsive, highly resonant instrument that excels at fingerstyle playing. The vintage vibe will also appeal to collectors and those who appreciate old-school looks and construction.
For players with smaller budgets, Martin’s D-18 and D-28 models offer similar woods and tone at a more affordable price point. The Taylor 814ce is another excellent alternative with onboard electronics and a bright, balanced sound. However, for those seeking the pinnacle of Martin’s acoustic guitar artistry, the CEO-7 is a worthy splurge that will only increase in value and collectibility over time. Its vintage-inspired design harkens back to Martin’s early days while still delivering the rich, nuanced tone that makes Martins the choice of discerning players worldwide.