As seen in Guitar Girl Magazine Issue 10 – Winter Edition
As a gigging musician, I have to say hands down, Martin Guitar’s Junior Series auditorium-style 000CJr-10E Acoustic-Electric Guitar is one of the best acoustics I’ve played in this price range. Don’t be fooled by the “junior” label. This guitar packs a punch, plays fantastic, and can still fill a room with Martin’s classic, beautiful tone.
“Sweet resonation with warm even tones.”
This guitar has the Martin “Triple 0” body shape, so it is just a little smaller than the dreadnought junior from the series. I like that the body width is slightly thinner, making it more comfortable on stage. Big bulky acoustics can be cumbersome while gigging, especially if you are a female. The 000CJr-10E just feels like a natural extension of your body, especially with its smooth tapered neck that plays so comfortably. Honestly, I could not put this guitar down.
There are two models, one with and one without a cutaway. The one I reviewed was the cutaway model, and that is the one I recommend. Not only does its cutaway at the 14thfret give you access to more frets, but it comes with the Fishman Sonitone electronics, which send your beautiful acoustic tone seamlessly to your amplifier.
“Very balanced.”
The 000CJr-10E features sapele satin finished back and sides giving it strong lows and midrange, much like mahogany, but you get a little more range on the high end too, which makes it very balanced audibly. The hand-rubbed satin clear finished top is Sitka spruce, which helps with warmth and projection, outlined with black binding. The combination makes for a sweet resonation with warm even tones. With its hand-rubbed finish, 20-fret, pleked frets, 24” scale length neck made of select hardwood, FSC certified Richlite fingerboard material, 1 3/4” nut width, and mortise and tenon neck joint are a perfect blend of superior design and delightful playability.
“Like a natural extension of your body.”
Lastly, the recommended Martin Retro Light MM12 strings are a perfect sonic match for the 000CJr-10E.
If you are looking for an acoustic that is portable, comfortable to play, sounds great plugged in, and at a reasonable price point for a Martin Guitar … this is the one. Even if you are a beginner guitar player but want something that you can grow with, this would be perfect. As for Martin fans, go for it. I own two Martins myself and I am going to buy this one because it’s just too good not to own!
List Price: $799.00
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