Martin's use of solid East Indian rosewood in the Custom Performer DCPA4 Rosewood Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar adds gorgeous tonal color and variety to its already full-sounding solid Sitka spruce top. This road-worthy model has a 14-fret cutaway for soloing. The fast and comfortable Performing Artist profile neck makes even long gigs or sessions a pleasure. Fishman' F1 Analog onboard electronics convey quality acoustic tones that excel both on stage and in studio. Other significant features include Hybrid "X" bracing usually found on more expensive models, a durable Black Richlite fingerboard, and for Custom Guitar's Friend customers, grained ivoroid binding.
Fishman' F1 pickup and preamp system
Features the stunning realism of award-winning Aura Acoustic Imaging technology in a distinctive and easy to use onboard preamp system. The heart of this onboard intelligence is its ability to replicate the sound of nine different world-class studio microphones. Delivered in an intuitive menu driven interface that is very versatile with controls placed in perfect position for total ease of operation while performing. Controlled with two low profile control buttons and a single large, bright LED display. Placed in perfect position for total ease of operation while performing. Includes case.
Choose a dreadnought-size guitar that sounds fantastic whether it's plugged in or not. Order today.
SPECIFICATIONSPerforming Artist Series Custom DCPA4 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Model: DCPA4 RosewoodConstruction: Mortise/Tenon Neck Joint
Body Size: D-14 Fret Cutaway
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Rosette: Two Ring
Top Bracing Pattern: Hybrid ''X'' Scalloped
Top Braces: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16''
Back Material: Solid East Indian Rosewood
Back Purfling: none
Side Material: Solid East Indian Rosewood
Endpiece: none
Endpiece Inlay: none
Binding: Grained ivoroid (exclusive to Custom Guitar's Friend)
Top Inlay Style: Black/White/Black Boltaron
Side Inlay: none
Back Inlay: none
Neck Material: Select Hardwood
Neck Shape: Performing Artist Profile
Nut Material: White Corian
Headstock: Solid/Square Taper
Headplate: Solid East Indian Rosewood
Heelcap: Solid East Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Material: Black Richlite
Scale Length: 25.4''
Number of Frets Clear: 14
Number of Frets Total: 20
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1-3/4''
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2-1/8''
Fingerboard Position Inlays: Style 28 - White Corian
Fingerboard Binding: none
Finish Back & Sides: Satin
Finish Top: Polished Gloss
Finish Neck: Satin
Bridge Material: Black Richlite
Bridge Style: Performing Artist Belly
Bridge String Spacing: 2-3/16''
Saddle: 16'' Radius/Compensated/White Tusq
Tuning Machines: Chrome Enclosed w/ Large Buttons
Recommended Strings: Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Light Gauge (MSP7100)
Bridge & End Pins: White w/ Black Dots
Pickguard: Delmar Tortoise Color
Case: 345 Hardshell
Interior Label: none
Electronics: Fishman F1 Analog
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks Normal wear and tear Power surges Dust, internal heat and humidityOther plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks) For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax. Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold Plans are renewable on new gear*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.
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PLAYS AND SOUNDS GREAT.. VERY HAPPY WITH THE QUALITY ...THE ONBOARD TUNER IS NICE......COULDN'T BE HAPPIER......THE GUITAR SOUNDS WONDERFUL PLUGGED IN OR UNPLUGGED ........CASE IS NICE ALSO......Martin Performing Artist Series Custom DCPA4 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Rosewood
.I am very pleased with the sound and feel of this guitar. Even after playing for an extended period of time my hands don't feel cramped or tired like other acoustics. I love the feel and look of the satin finish and the quality workmanship.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom DCPA4 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Rosewood
.I have been happily playing my Ovation Balladeer guitar over 30 years not realizing the depth of sound and the clarity I have been missing. I'm extremely impressed with the craftsmanship and quality this instrument commands. This is a must have for all real guitar players,
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom DCPA4 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Rosewood
.So have had this piece for over a month now. From the open of the case, the sweet Martin smell is intoxicating. Initial setup was very playable, however sanded the saddle down just a bit, 1/16th inch or so. For me, it is perfect on the lower side as I play softly with bare fingers and light picks. Neck was nice-n-straight.
I won't go on about tone, since it is a subjective topic, but will say as with any new guitar and new strings, the tone is bright but very balanced. The bass is noticeably developing as it ages. To me it was what I "expected" out of a Martin.
The finish is very nice. I prefer the gloss top and the satin back and sides. Only wish there was a permanent way to save the satin feel of the neck, as with playing, it will inevitably gloss. Enjoying it for now though and it feels wonderful. Played some of these at shops locally, and while very pleased with the sound, the grain of the tops seemed a bit undefined. Every one I played had very similar sound and playability characteristics, so I took a risk on ordering from MF. The top is absolutely perfectly grained and the bookmatch on the back is so well done, that you cannot even see the join line. The white binding really contrasts with the darker wood and looks great. The fret dressing is absolutely perfect and just as expected.
While not a custom shop guitar, it has the feel of a custom guitar with the build quality. I tried the standard DCPA4 with mahogany backs and sides, but the guitar just needed a bit more weight in my opinion for me to comfortably control it. The necks on these are some of my favorite cuts and widths. I have long fingers and have no issue.
The only thing I don't have an opinion on yet is the fretboard. This is my first Richlite equipped guitar, so time will tell. Seems to have good standing with other players. All about sustainability so why not give it a shot.
Not a big fan of the "gator skin" case, but the interior is very nice and it does its job.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom DCPA4 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Rosewood
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Custom Guitars Friend's website stated 5 free sets of Martin SP strings on the day I ordered this guitar. Package arrived without the strings and the web ad does not show the free offer any longer.Guitar is a true Martin gem compared to my first Yamaha FG700S (that everyone claims is such a great guitar). Guess what? Pay a little more for a true American classic. This guitar is much smoother to play than the Yamaha, but why compare when there is really no comparison? The Martin produces such a beautiful sound when played both with or without the on board electrics.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom DCPA4 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Rosewood
.This was my first Martin guitar and from all the hype I've heard about Martin, I was expecting this guitar with these tonewoods to knock my socks off. From the time I took it out of the box I was disappointed. The case looks like cheap gator covering or something which I don't like at all. As soon as I pulled the guitar out of the case, at a glance I could see the action was way too high which I thought would have been taken care of before shipping. I was out another eighty to have authorized tech do a compolete set up with neck adjustments etc. From the first strum I could tell the guitar didn't produce the sound I thought it would with the tonewoods. With Indian rosewood I expected a nice smooth deeper/fuller sound but just not there. Plugged in you can tweak it to where it sounds decent but not great. Not at all impressed and not worth what I paid. I was generous with the average rating I gave it. No more Martins for me.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom DCPA4 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Rosewood
.The pictures simply do not do this fine instrument justice. I opened the box and took the guitar out to find it was perfectly in tune! I played it for a solid 5 hours after that and was incredibly impressed. Not only with the tone but craftsmanship and playability. If you can swing the price I would highly recommend this instrament to anyone!
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom DCPA4 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Rosewood
.I received this in the mail today and all i can say is WOW! I played 5 songs straight out of the box and the guitar was in perfect tune. Also it doesn't say on the specs, but this guitar comes with one sweet custom case as well. I am very much looking forward to utilizing this at my next gig. If you're considering this guitar do yourself a favor and BUY IT! You won't regret it for a single second.
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom DCPA4 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Rosewood
.I was fortunate enough to have most of the cost of this guitar covered as a gift, but I have spent over a year with this now and want to try to help others in their research! Long story short - this guitar has a deep and rich tone that will blow you away and looks and feels great. Action maybe comes a bit high and makes bar chords with my smaller hands a bit harder, but I'm considering getting that adjusted.
When I play with others, I am incredibly happy with the way it sounds versus other guitars. It has a deep bass sound, but still great mid and high range capabilities. Plenty of acoustic volume too. I played similarly-priced Taylors and thought those felt tinny in comparison (just a preference thing). I also played the GCPA4 but the low-end on this guitar on a strong E-chord was too good to pass up.
The rosewood seems to add just that extra bit of tone richness that sets this apart, but also makes the look unique. Between looks and tone, worth the upgrade, I'd argue. Also, the rosewood smell coming out of the case was phenomenal... almost like a rich chocolate and wood mix.
I've done some limited recording and amplified playing with this, but overall I don't have any problems with the electronics. Pickups sound nice to me out of any amp, but the majority of my playing is purely acoustic. I think the built-in tuner is only ok (not great for fine-tuning adjustments) but not really that important. But it was nice for me to have the option to plug-in sometimes, particularly for recording or if I ever venture into a performing situation. Worth the expense to have that flexibility.
If you're demo-ing this at a store, I recommend having someone else play it for you. It does sound different while you're holding it. To me, while playing, the sound was a 9/10 but a 10/10 when I heard it from the front.
If you have the money and are looking for a legacy guitar you can enjoy for life, you won't regret this.
I'd consider myself an advanced player (that has gotten rusty)
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom DCPA4 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Rosewood
.Plays much better than my Ovation that I've had for years. I was worried about the narrow neck with my big hands but it is actually easier to play!
the electronics are great too!
Martin Performing Artist Series Custom DCPA4 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Rosewood
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