Martin Aura Pre-amps

[Lbacker]

I have searched and seen this discussed before but I have not seen any opinions towards the system. I am referring to the Aura systems built into the guitar, like in the DC-RGTE AURA or the 000C-RGTE Aura, not the silver floor system. I understand that it is all digital sound processing and am concerned about losing the distinct natural sounding qualities of the Martin guitar. I have not played many live gigs but look forward to as I progress, so I need to option of having electronics. My grandmother recently passed away and left me 5000 dollars to do what I please. She has always encourage the guitar and I want to spend 1500 or so. I have really been considering the 000C-RGTE Aura guitar. I love the 000 style and the Aura system; from the reviews I have read seems to be groundbreaking. I have never played the system mic'd up because it has been a unrealistic purchase for years. SO....I am wondering who has played the Aura system and your overall opinions towards the system in a Martin Guitar.

[dmb66]

Well, I don't claim to be any expert...BUT, I did play a Martin 000-somethign or other, with rosewood, cutaway, solid spruce top and most importanly the Aura installed. I was quite impressed by the tones that came out of the thing through a very nice Marshall acoustic amp. It was quite warm and smooth, but you could really dial in the punch if you wanted. I feel like of the acoustic electrics I've played, it may have given the most flexible number of options for coloring the tone of the guitar, but that was my only beef. Though it is possible to get the clean tone, chances are that the AURA will color the tone more than reproduce exactly what's coming out of your Martin, but to me, the colored tone actually sounded better, as if someone had mic'd the guitar well and added some reverb and maybe a tube preamp. I can't say much more, since I was shopping for dred's and only picked it up out of curiosity. I can't say that I think it's quite worth the money either, but hopefully someone else has more experience with it.

-Nick

[m98ter]

I own a DC-RGTE AURA, and its a pretty sweet combo. I don't have much time at the moment, but I could probably post some some recordings later. Stay tuned.