C.F. Martin & Co Cs Grand Performance Gpc Italian Alpine Spruce/Flamed Koa

A Custom Shop creation born in Nazareth: the Martin spirit with an exclusive touch

Designed directly in the Martin Guitar workshops in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, this CS belongs to the realm of "special" instruments: those chosen as much for their identity as for their performance. The Custom Shop approach combines distinctive lutherie choices, high-end finishing, and carefully crafted aesthetic details to produce a guitar with a strong character, inspiring both in the studio and on stage.

For whom and for which styles? A premium acoustic tailored for expressive playing

This guitar is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists seeking a responsive acoustic capable of finely translating right-hand nuances. Its balance and definition make it an excellent partner for fingerstyle, modern pop/folk, vocal accompaniment, as well as pick playing when attack is desired without losing warmth. With its 14th fret neck joint and modern taper neck, it remains comfortable for exploring the upper frets, working rich voicings, or playing melodies in position.

A detailed tone, driven by "Golden Era" lutherie and selected tonewoods

The core of the sound comes from the Italian Alpine spruce top, known for its clarity, quick response, and ability to maintain excellent note definition when strumming chords. The choice of an Adirondack spruce bracing, combined with the "Golden Era" carved X-bracing, promotes clear projection and a substantial dynamic range: the guitar responds equally well to a light touch or more energetic playing, with sustain that remains musical and controlled. The flamed koa back and sides add a warm and singing signature, often associated with expressive mids and silky highs, helping the guitar "cut through the mix" without harshness. Finally, for the stage, the LR Baggs Anthem blends organic reproduction with good attack precision, useful for transitioning from delicate picking to more pronounced strumming while maintaining definition.

Recommended compatible accessories

To preserve the original feel and balance, you can opt for an identical replacement set: Martin Authentic Lifespan 2.0 Light (light gauge), ideal for maintaining playing comfort while retaining excellent acoustic dynamics.

Technical specifications

Shape	GP Grand Performance	Fingerboard	ebony grade 3
Glue	Modern	Frets	20 standard
Top	Italian Alpine spruce grade 3-4	Truss rod	adjustable
Top bracing	Adirondack spruce	Nut width	1.75" / 44.45 mm
Bracing	"Golden Era" carved X-bracing	Width at 12th fret	2 1/8" / 53.98 mm
Back and sides	flamed koa	Fingerboard inlays	Style 42 snowflakes
Back strip	Spanish cedar	Neck finish	satin, headstock gloss
Rosette	1 ring Paua fiber/pearl	Headstock	open square with premium koa veneer
Top purfling	Bl, Boltaron, B/W/B	Headstock inlay	C.F. Martin & Co. and alternative torch
Pickguard	faux tortoise shell	Bridge	GE Modern Belly
Finish	gloss	Bridge material	ebony GE Modern Belly
Finish color	ambertone 1933	Saddle	compensated bone
Scale length	25.47" / 646.94 mm	Bridge pins	bone
Neck	12/4 mahogany	Tuners	Grover Gold V97-18GA StaTite 18:1 ratio vintage butterfly
Neck-body joint	14th fret	Pickup	LR Baggs Anthem
Neck profile	GE Modified Low Oval, High Performance Taper	Strings	Martin Authentic Lifespan 2.0 Light