Watch Gretchen Menn Win the Final of Martin and Guitar World’s No Limits Challenge With This Jaw Dropping Live Performance

By Rod Brakes
published

The Zepparella guitarist claims victory with an acoustic original performed using a Martin SC-10E.

Gretchen Menn plays a Martin SC-10E while performing during the final of Martin and Guitar World's 2022 No Limits Challenge
Gretchen Menn plays a Martin SC-10E while performing during the final of Martin and Guitar World's 2022 No Limits Challenge (Image credit: Gretchen Menn/YouTube)

Earlier this year, Martin announced its No Limits Challenge competition in collaboration with Guitar World.

Highlighting the historic firm’s progressive SC model lineup (opens in new tab) – a unique range of flat-tops featuring the patented Sure Align neck system – the contest saw eight YouTube guitar stars going head-to-head in a series of live performances.

The winners of each round were decided by viewer/reader votes, and after some truly inspiring displays of acoustic virtuosity the victor finally emerged…

Having smashed a rendition of Alice in Chains' “Man in the Box (opens in new tab),” Gretchen Menn continued through to the semi-finals with her masterful interpretation of the Weezer classic “Buddy Holly (opens in new tab).”

Ultimately, the Zepparella (opens in new tab) guitarist’s inspired acoustic instrumental composition “Venice” pipped fellow finalist Helen Ibe to the post.

Nigerian guitarist Ibe is considered one of her country’s top classical performers and has drawn nigh on quarter of a million subscribers to her YouTube channel (opens in new tab).

After beating off fellow competitors Jay Leonard J, Colin Scott, Sophie Burrell, R.J. Ronquillo, Nili Brosh and Ruben Wan, Menn is now due to be featured on the cover of Guitar World’s September issue.

Congratulations all round for providing the guitar playing community with such an awesome display of talent.

The Martin SC Series

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Martin SC-10E
Martin SC-10E (Image credit: Martin)

New for 2022 in Martin's SC lineup is the SC-10E (opens in new tab), SC-13E (opens in new tab) and SC-13E Special Burst (opens in new tab).

Designed with an enhanced playing experience in mind, Martin’s patented Sure Align neck system allows easy access to every fret, so – much like the No Limits Challenge contestants – you can reach new heights with your playing.

Featuring LR Baggs Element or Fishman MX-T electronics, these pro-level electro-acoustics come ready to plug in and hit the stage.

What’s more, the SC range’s slick, high-velocity neck feels just like that of an electric guitar, opening up all sorts of new creative possibilities.

Visit Martin (opens in new tab) for more information.

Rod Brakes
Rod Brakes

Rod Brakes is a music journalist with an expertise in guitars. Having spent many years at the coalface as a guitar dealer and tech, Rod's more recent work as a writer covering artists, industry pros and gear includes contributions for leading publications and websites such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar World (opens in new tab), Guitar Player (opens in new tab) and MusicRadar (opens in new tab) in addition to specialist music books, blogs and social media. He is also a lifelong musician.