Martinez - Crossover 12-RS + Housse

Every solid construction starts with a good foundation, and the Martinez Crossover 12-RS electro-acoustic folk guitar + case has opted for rosewood for its own. The rosewood back and sides produce deep bass and rich mid-range tones. The solid spruce top acts as a roof, projecting the sound out into the room.

The natural finish allows the wood to show its original character, beneath a gloss finish that highlights its grain. The 4/4 body mirrors the proportions of a concert guitar, with a cutaway that opens up access to the higher registers.

This electro-acoustic nylon-string folk guitar from the Crossover series retains the feel of a classical guitar under the fingers. The 650 mm scale length follows the traditional spacing between the frets, with a 48 mm nut width that remains familiar for nylon-string playing.

The bridge-mounted piezo pickup, connected to the Fishman PSY-201 system, sends the sound to the PA exactly as it comes from the soundboard, including the warmth of the nylon strings. Whether in rehearsal or on stage, setting it up remains straightforward.

The case supplied accompanies the guitar on journeys and protects it until the next session. Martinez was founded in Germany in 1978, before relocating its operations to Guangzhou in 2005. The Crossover series was subsequently developed in collaboration with the American luthier Kenny Hill, whose experience with nylon-string guitars informs this approach.