Broader Horizons
A selection of six alternative tonewood guitars that Martin and Taylor are branching out with…
SiriS Martin DRSG £1,250
Martin isn’t shy about diversifying the dreadnought in the Road Series, which the DCRSG is also part of alongside this model. Siris is used here as tonewood at the back and sides. It’s an Indian tonewood (that’s also known as ‘East Indian walnut’) and is marginally lighter and more dense than its rosewood brethren. Siris shares tonal characteristics with koa, and it’s said that its clear, balanced tone occupies a middle ground between rosewood and mahogany in volume and overtones. www.martinguitar.com
Sycamore Martin DC-16E £2,475
The company searched closer to home for the back and sides on this 2017 Americana Series model – in fact, the street its factory is on in Nazareth, Pennsylvania also bears the name of sycamore. Despite that, it’s the first time this American hardwood has been used on a series of Martin guitars. But that’s not the only revolution for the 16 series; the 000 depth and nontraditional silver binding mark this out as one of the most striking dreadnought models from Martin in some time. www.martinguitar.com
cherry Martin OMC-16E £2,475
The new 16 Series models for 2017 also debuted this cherry-back-and-sides model. A wood harvested from Martin’s home state, no less. It’s chosen for the orchestra shape because Martin believes it offers a warmer tone for a smaller body. In addition to its vibrant grain, the company also likens the density and reflectivity to that of maple with a ‘rich, projective midrange and balance without favouring the bass or treble frequencies.’ This model is available in the current catalogue. www.martinguitar.com
TaSmanian Blackwood taylor 322CE £1,999
This mahogany-top cutaway Grand Concert from the 300 Series features Tasmanian blackwood that some players may know from Australian builders Cole Clark or Maton. Taylor characterises the wood as having a strong volume, focused midrange and rich top-end shimmer. Here, it’s been paired with mahogany to provide a warm and dynamic response from the smaller body. This adds to the vintage look of the edgeburst top, with the black binding and pickguard further accentuating the look. www.taylorguitars.com
hawaiian koa taylor 224CE-K DLX £1,479
The layered koa at the back and sides of this Grand Auditorium (in the same range as the 214ce-CF DLX) is paired with a Hawaiian-koa top to take full advantage of the frequently striking waves in its grain. Koa has already proved popular for a version of Taylor’s GS Mini, and its focused tonal character can be especially attractive for fans of mahogany. Taylor views its tonality as providing a natural compression, with a sustaining ‘roll-in’ effect to notes, and some top-end shimmer too. www.taylorguitars.com
maple taylor 614CE £3,099
Maple is a Pacific Northwest wood that’s associated with bright character for acoustic building. However, its inclusion in Taylor’s 600 Series comes with a commitment to revoicing this tonewood for greater warmth, volume, richness and sustain to add to its top-end clarity with more sonic dimensions. In making its maple guitars more dynamic and versatile, the idea is that they can become worthwhile choices for players looking for a do-it-all acoustic for home, stage and studio. www.taylorguitars.com