Martinez - Crossover 14-RS + Housse

The Martinez Crossover 14-RS + Nylon Gig Bag retains its full-bodied sound when plugged in on stage. This electro-acoustic folk guitar from the Crossover series combines a piezo pickup at the bridge with the Fishman PSY-201 system, which faithfully reproduces the character of the top all the way to the PA system without overwhelming its nuances.

It all starts with the solid spruce top, which responds to both fingernail and thumb with a crisp attack and ample projection. The rosewood back and sides provide a foundation of rounded bass tones and a halo of woody harmonics. The 4/4 size provides the air volume of a concert guitar. The 650 mm (25.59") scale length regulates the tension of the nylon strings for a smooth left-hand feel. The 48 mm (1.89") nut provides ample space between the strings, which is useful for tight arpeggios.

The cutaway opens up the top of the neck, allowing solos to breathe right up to the highest frets. Beneath the gloss finish, the natural colour reveals the grain of the spruce with every shift of light. In its gig bag, the guitar accompanies the player from the train to the dressing room without becoming a dead weight.

For a steel-guitar regular, the switch to nylon changes the relationship with the strings. The more supple tension is easier on the fingers as the hours of playing add up. When playing fingerstyle, each string has its own space. In bossa nova, the touch becomes more muted. The Martinez Crossover 14-RS therefore doesn’t require you to change guitars when the repertoire changes; it simply adapts to your playing.