Martin Blackwell, 2020
Spruce / Maple
Watch the full review and performance here.
This guitar is no longer available. If you are interested in hearing about the next Blackwell arrival, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com
This 2020 Martin Blackwell double top is an extraordinary example of the Canadian luthier’s craft, built with an Engelmann spruce and Canadian red cedar double top, paired with beautifully figured birdseye rock maple back and sides. Known for their distinctive voices and exceptional playability, Blackwell's guitars are favored by top artists like Drew Henderson, Tariq Harb, Leonela Alejandra, Dragos Ilie, Rene Izquierdo, Adam Holzman, Gabriel Bianco, and many more.
What consistently strikes me about Martin's guitars is the incredible bloom and sustain of the trebles. The notes have a satisfying thickness, sailing effortlessly through phrases with a rich, creamy tone that feels almost like the perfect throw of a paper airplane – where the sound just keeps going, taking the ideal path with surprising clarity and warmth. This particular guitar leans toward the darker side of the tonal spectrum, with a deeply resonant, velvety quality that rewards a sensitive touch but can also handle aggressive playing without breaking up or feeling constrained.
The slightly raised fingerboard and comfortable C-shaped neck make for an exceptionally playable instrument, while the matte bridge finish and Sloan tuners add to its understated aesthetic. The sound port on the upper bout not only enhances projection but also subtly adjusts the main air resonance, creating a more immersive and responsive playing experience. It’s a guitar that responds beautifully across a wide dynamic range, offering everything from delicate, glassy pianissimos to full, commanding fortissimos without ever feeling taxed.
Visually, this guitar features Martin’s signature aesthetic touches, like the striking rosette with dark red wedges framed by precise dot borders – a design that stands out without ever feeling overstated, perfectly reflecting the refined yet bold character of his instruments.
Key Features:
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Year: 2020
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Top: Engelmann spruce / Canadian red cedar double top
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Back and Sides: Birdseye rock maple
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Neck: C-shaped, slightly raised fingerboard
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Rosette: Dark red wedges with dot borders
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Tuners: Sloan
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Special Features: Sound port for enhanced player feedback, matte bridge finish
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Scale Length: 650mm
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Nut Width: 52mm
This is a rare opportunity to own a Blackwell guitar with these unique tonewoods and design elements, as his instruments are becoming increasingly difficult to acquire due to his long waitlist.