Martin DSR GC: A Thorough Guide to This Instrument [2023 Edition]

Table of Contents

If you are considering a Martin DSR GC, then this is the article for you.

I don’t own this instrument, but I’m a huge Martin guitar fan and thought I would review this instrument here on the blog.

If you aren’t familiar with Martin guitars, C.F. Martin & Company has been producing guitars since 1833 and is well-known for its excellent quality guitars, especially acoustic guitars.

Martin guitars are built from the best materials using techniques perfected by luthiers over almost two centuries. Many famous artists like Ed Sheeran and Kurt Cobain have used Martin guitars when performing as well as recording albums.

In addition, Martin guitars typically last a lifetime because of their excellent build quality. This pedigree and fame have helped Martin become one of the more trusted acoustic guitar brands.

This brand is perhaps most famous for its Dreadnought-style guitars. Although machines are used to craft some parts of Martin guitars these days, Martin acoustic guitars are still largely hand-made by passionate, dedicated luthiers.

The Martin series starts with travel-friendly guitars, Little Martin, and Junior acoustics that provide excellent durability in small sizes. X Series is an entry-level Martin at regular scale lengths; Road Series offer glossy finishes and tonewood options, and in the top end is the Standard Series. But in this article, we will discuss in detail a custom-made guitar, the Martin DSR GC.

Martin DSR GC

The Martin DSR GC is a custom-made guitar for specific vendors like the Guitar Center; that’s why this guitar is referred to as DSR-GC. These guitars were made in the United States to be sold in only limited outlets.

Dreadnought Shape

Martin DSR GC, like the many popular acoustic guitars, has the classic dreadnought shape. The dreadnought guitars provide a perfect design for loud projection. The dreadnought-shaped guitars are desirable because they can produce deep bass sounds acoustically and offer great versatility.

Martin DSR GC: Solid-Wood Body

The main reason why Martin guitars are exceptional instruments is because of the wood type they use. They have guitars for everyone – solid wood, solid tops, and completely laminated guitars. Martin DSR GC uses spruce wood for the top since it resonates loudly and clearly. And the back and sides are made of genuine solid rosewood, another high-quality build material.

Modified Low Oval Neck

The neck is an important feature of a guitar. Therefore, it is essential to have a proper neck angle in the making of any guitar. If the angle at which the neck is connected is too close to the guitar, it will sound muddy, and if it is too far back, it can sound thin. Martin DSR GC has its extremely popular modified low oval neck shape. The modified low oval neck shape is highly versatile.

Martin DSR GC: Mortise/tenon Neck Joint

The neck joint of the guitar is the intersection between the body and neck of a guitar. The primary function of the neck joint is to hold both the neck and body together. In addition, any little technique played on the fretboard goes through the neck joint to the pickups. Martin DSR GC has a mortise/tenon neck joint. It consists of a laminated wood neck block of rectangular shape, kept in place using a bolt.

A-frame Bracing

Martin DSR GC uses A-frame bracing. The A-frame bracing is common among Martin guitars with mortise-and-tenon neck joints. Generally, the a-frame bracing provides rigidity along the fretboard and upper bought that the tongue brace would otherwise provide in a traditional X braced guitar. In addition, this improves the overall strength of the neck/top/body joint.

Martin DSR GC: White Corian Nut

The nut has a lesser impact on the playability of the guitar. That said, some swear by the shape and the material of the nut affecting the guitar’s tone and performance. The Martin DSR GC uses a Corian nut. Corian nuts have are considered higher quality than standard plastic nuts and of comparable quality to bone.

Specifications

The Martin DSR GC has a solid rosewood body, solid spruce top, rounded edges giving it a classic Martin appearance.

Although I have discussed most of these specs above, here’s a list to get an overview of this instrument:

  • Top: Sitka Spruce Top
  • Back material: Genuine solid rosewood
  • Side material: Genuine solid rosewood
  • Neck joint: Mortise/tenon neck joint
  • Bracing: A-frame bracing
  • Fingerboard & bridge: Solid rosewood
  • Scale Length: 25.4″
  • Neck shape: Modified low oval
  • Neck thickness: .83″ at first and .91″ at the 9th frets
  • Nut width: 1 11/16th”
  • Nut material: White Corian

Martin DSR GC: Sound

What really matters about an instrument is its sound. If you like the sound, that can go a long way in helping you decide whether it’s the instrument for you.

And if you don’t like the sound, choosing a different instrument is a no-brainer.

Nothing compares to playing an instrument and hearing its sound first-hand.

However, if you don’t have that opportunity, check out the video above to get a sense of this instrument’s sound.

Conclusion

This instrument seems like an easy-to-play guitar with a great sound. It has that iconic Martin tone that I think is unlikely to disappoint most acoustic guitarists.

Are you considering purchasing this instrument?

Let me know in the comments!

2 Responses

  1. I have a DSR model and really enjoy it. I had it professionally set up and it’s easy to play.

    1. Hey Chris,

      That’s great to hear! I’m a Martin man through and through. I’m saving up for a D-42!

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