Martinez - MC-18 Toledo 3/4

The Martinez MC-18 Toledo 3/4 is a classical guitar whose body combines a laminated spruce top with a laminated sapelli back and sides. The layered wood gives the instrument a structure that remains stable in the face of changes in humidity, which is a welcome feature when the guitar is taken from home to the music classroom.

The okoumé neck is glued to the body to form a secure joint under the left hand. Its scale length of 610 mm (24.02 inches) reduces the distance between the frets and makes chord changes easier on this 3/4-size guitar. The 52 mm (2.05-inch) nut provides string spacing suited to classical playing, particularly for finger placement when playing chords and barre chords.

The satin finish on the Martinez MC-18 Toledo 3/4 retains a matt appearance under rehearsal room lighting and minimises the appearance of fingerprints. This classical guitar, manufactured in China, is aimed at music school pupils and adults who prefer a shorter size, with a less imposing neck and body.

Carcassi’s early études come naturally to the fingers, as do the arpeggios practised at home in the evenings. The 3/4 size of the Martinez MC-18 Toledo is ideal for these sessions without the bulk of a full-size guitar. Finger positions and technique become second nature over the course of lessons, with reference points that will still be useful when moving up to a larger size.