Martin DC-Aura Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review :: Martin Guitar Reviews
projects the true sound of the guitar as captured by high-end condenser microphones in a premium studio.

A special dreadnought model fitted with deluxe electronics for stunning acoustic-electric tone no matter the circumstances. The Martin DC-Aura Cutaway has a solid Sitka spruce top, solid Indian rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck with modified low oval shape, and special pearl hexagon outline inlays on the ebony fretboard and bridge. Other special Martin touches include a mother-of-pearl logo, ebony bridge and end pins with abalone dots, and gold tuners with ebony buttons. This Martin DC-Aura Cutaway special edition of the Fishman Aura Acoustic Imaging Blender provides onboard access to studio-quality sounds live. The Aura does not change your guitar tone, but accentuates it to project the true sound of the guitar as captured by high-end condenser microphones in a premium studio. 6 customized Sound Images, derived from actual studio recordings of the DC can be blended with the resonant output of the Martin Gold+Plus Natural pickup signal for previously unattainable hi-fidelity reproduction of the world-renowned Martin acoustic tone. Other electronic features include a fully programmable digital EQ, feedback control, and a chromatic tuner.
Sound of Martin DC-Aura Guitar
- by far one of the top playing acoustic, very good loud tone and strong;
- definitely a high end guitar;
- punchy, deep sound and clearer in the treble than any Gibson;
- unbelievable sounds when recording;
- great, flexible plugged in sound;
- the bass is not the loudest you can get from an acoustic and the high end is not the brightest, but the sound is even and complex and harmonious throughout its range.
Pros of Martin DC-Aura Acoustic Electric Guitar
- a beautiful blonde spruce top bound with abalone, and a super high gloss finish everywhere;
- action is low and fast, similar to a Taylor 810ce;
- looks or tonal and build quality;
- you can feel the vibration in your whole body;
- matches any D-28, D-35 or D-45;
- the Aura amp system is much more versatile, and programmable than Taylor’s ES;
- unbelievable sounds when recording;
- lives up to all expectations;
- the finish is spotless and the wood all blends together tremendously;
- super-easy to play anywhere on the neck;
- you can get a usable harmonic pretty much anywhere on the fingerboard;
- the Fishman Prefix system gives you a wealth of blended combinations;
- you can play the same note with so many different meanings according to how hard its played.
Suggestions for this Martin Guitar
- light gauge strings are recommended.
Features + Technical Specs | |
---|---|
MODEL | DC-AURA |
CONSTRUCTION: | Mortise/Tenon Neck Joint |
BODY SIZE: | D-14 Fret CUTAWAY |
TOP: | Solid Sitka Spruce |
ROSETTE: | Style 45 |
TOP BRACING PATTERN: | D1 Hybrid |
TOP BRACES: | 1 Style/Scalloped |
BACK MATERIAL: | Solid East Indian Rosewood |
BACK PURFLING: | Style 45 |
SIDE MATERIAL: | Solid East Indian Rosewood |
ENDPIECE: | White Boltaron |
ENDPIECE INLAY: | Black/White Boltaron |
BINDING: | White Boltaron |
TOP INLAY STYLE: | Abalone Pearl with Black/White/Black Inlays |
SIDE INLAY: | Black/White |
BACK INLAY: | Style 28 |
NECK MATERIAL: | Select Hardwood |
NECK SHAPE: | Modified Low Oval |
NUT MATERIAL: | White Corian |
HEADSTOCK: | Solid/Diamond/Tapered |
HEADPLATE: | Solid Black Ebony /M.O.P. CFM Logo |
HEELCAP: | White Boltaron |
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: | Solid Black Ebony |
SCALE LENGTH: | 25.4″ |
# OF FRETS CLEAR: | 14 |
# OF FRETS TOTAL: | 20 |
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: | 1 11/16” |
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: | 2 1/8” |
FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: | Pearl Hexagon Outline |
FINGERBOARD BINDING: | White Boltaron |
FINISH BACK & SIDES: | Polished Gloss |
FINISH TOP: | Polished Gloss |
FINISH NECK: | Semi Gloss/ Dark Mahogany Stain/ Polished Headplate |
BRIDGE MATERIAL: | Solid Black Ebony |
BRIDGE STYLE: | 1 Style Belly |
BRIDGE STRING SPACING: | 2 1/8” |
SADDLE: | Compensated White Tusq |
TUNING MACHINES: | Gotoh Gold w/ Large Ebony Knobs |
RECOMMENDED STRINGS: | Martin MSP 4100 Light Phosphor Bronze |
BRIDGE & END PINS: | Ebony w/ Abalone Pearl Dots |
PICKGUARD: | Black |
CASE: | 640 Molded Hard Shell |
INTERIOR LABEL: | Paper Label |
ELECTRONICS: | Fishman Prefix Aura System™ |
OTHER OPTIONS: | Available left-handed at no additional charge |