It's an acoustic guitar from Martin that's easy to press the strings. It's larger than a mini guitar but smaller than a regular-sized guitar, making it comfortable to hold and play. While it doesn't have the typical Martin sound, it produces a gentle and pleasant tone, making solo guitar playing enjoyable. It's highly recommended as a second guitar or for electric guitarists.
This article is for those who:
● Want an acoustic guitar that’s easy to press the strings.
● Are dissatisfied with the sound and comfort of mini guitars.
● Are looking for a guitar to casually play in the living room.
● Are electric guitarists but want to strum an acoustic guitar.
Yosh(@Yosh_Guitar), an ex-musical instrument store clerk, explains the Martin 000 Jr-10.
Pros of Martin 000 Jr-10
Very Easy to Press the Strings
My first impression when trying it out was how easy it was to press the strings!! Even compared to high-priced guitars, it requires minimal effort to press the strings. This is due to the high-quality production and the shorter scale.
The 000 Jr-10 is produced in Martin’s Mexico factory. While costs are reduced due to labor and wood grade, the manufacturing process, design, and hand-crafted quality do not disgrace the Martin name. The precision of the nut and saddle processing is high, so the string height is low, and chords like F and B can be pressed without stress.
The scale is 24 inches (about 610mm), which is 22-38mm shorter than usual, reducing string tension. Personally, it felt easier to press than guitars in the $1,000 range from brands like YAMAHA or Takamine. It’s not just for beginners but also intermediate players and electric guitarists.
Comfortable Body Size for Kids to Adults
It’s a size between a mini guitar and a regular guitar. This is a perfect size concept. It’s just right for casually playing in the living room without getting too serious. Mini guitars can feel too small to hold. For elementary school students, regular guitars tend to be too large, but this 000 Jr is playable even for upper-grade elementary school students. It seems usable for a long time as they grow.
Satisfying Ownership with the Martin Brand
There’s a joke that the guitar sound comes from the logo, and owning a favorite brand can boost one’s mood. The square and sleek head shape with the “Martin & Co. EST. 1833” logo design is genuinely Martin. With rising prices, American-made guitars have become less accessible, but having a Martin for under $1,000 is appreciated.
Variety with Cutaway and Pickup Models
In addition to the pure acoustic guitar 000Jr-10, there’s also the 000CJr-10E lineup equipped with a cutaway and pickup. The cutaway allows for easy playing in high positions.
It’s equipped with a Fishman-made Sonitone pickup. Although it’s a piezo pickup, it doesn’t have the harsh sound common in cheap pickups. It produces a clear sound and combined with an acoustic amp or preamp, it can be used stress-free for live performances and recording.
Cons of Martin 000 Jr-10
Lacks the Resonance and Power of a Full-Size Guitar
Compared to a full-size guitar, especially when strumming, it doesn’t produce a rich and powerful sound. This is probably due to the smaller body and lower string height. It feels suitable for light songs when playing and singing. On the other hand, fingerpicking or solo guitar can be described as having a balanced sound with clear trebles.
Comparison with Taylor Academy 12
| Specification | Martin 000 Jr-10 | Taylor Academy 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Price | $549 | $699 |
| Body Top | Spruce | Sitka Spruce |
| Side & Back | Sapele | Sapele |
| Neck | Hardwood | Maple |
| Fretboard | Richlite | Ebony |
| Scale | 24 inches (610mm) | 24 7/8 inches (632mm) |
| Nut Width | 1 3/4 inches (44.4mm) | 1 11/16 inches (42.8mm) |
| Armrest | None | Yes |
| Included Accessories | Gig Bag | Gig Bag |
| Country of Manufacture | Mexico | Mexico |
Both Martin and Taylor are world-renowned American acoustic guitar brands. Both models are larger than mini guitars but smaller than full-sized guitars, which is their distinctive feature.
They are designed in America and manufactured in Mexican factories. The quality is top-notch. The concept behind Taylor’s Academy series is a “guitar that beginners won’t give up on.” However, it’s not just for beginners. Like Martin’s Jr series, it’s recommended for a wide range of people.
- Those looking for a gentle guitar that beginners won’t give up on.
- Those who want a guitar that’s as easy to play as possible.
- Those who want a guitar that can be casually played in the living room without any fuss.
- Those who want a guitar that’s easy to carry around.
- Mini guitars are too small and hard to play, and there aren’t any that produce a satisfying sound.
Differences in Playing Feel
The Martin 000 Jr-10 is gentler and easier to press the strings. The most significant reason is the difference in scale. The Martin 000 Jr-10 has a shorter 610mm scale, making it easier to press due to the reduced string tension.
On the other hand, the Taylor Academy 12 has a narrower nut width. If you’re not confident in hand size, the Taylor might feel easier to press chords. However, as someone who often plays electric guitar, there was no difficulty with the wider nut width of the Martin 000 Jr-10. Personally, the Martin 000 Jr-10 felt softer and easier to press.
Differences in Body Shape
Both are slightly smaller than full-size and have a waist, fitting well on the thigh. The Taylor Academy 12 has a cut at the elbow position. This armrest makes it less tiring, especially for beginners.
Difference in Sound
Due to differences in wood and structure, there are sound characteristics. The Martin 000 Jr-10 has a softer, gentler sound. While it doesn’t have a powerful sound, it’s balanced, making it suitable for fingerpicking or solo guitar.
The Taylor Academy 12 has a clearer, crisper sound. Compared to the Martin 000 Jr-10, it has more sound pressure, making it suitable for strumming with a pick or playing and singing.
The Taylor Academy 12 is recommended for those who:
- Love Taylor.
- Are not confident in hand size.
- Like a clear, bright sound.
The Martin 000-Jr-10 is recommended for those who:
- Love Martin.
- Want a guitar with soft strings that’s easy to press.
- Like a gentle sound.
