This week, Martin – in partnership with Guitar World – kicked off the first semifinal round of its No Limits Challenge competition.
This round of the No Limits Challenge – which features eight guitarists facing off against one another, covering tunes you wouldn't normally associate with an acoustic using a Martin SC model – saw R.J. Ronquillo and Helen Ibe showcase their acoustic blues skills.
Ronquillo tipped his cap to Stevie Ray Vaughan with a raucous acoustic version of Rude Mood, while Ibe switched things up a little with her own original acoustic blues instrumental.
We asked Guitar World's readers – with the help of GW's editors – to weigh in, and vote for their favorite of the two performances. Ronquillo's ferocious cover was formidable, but in the end Ibe's bright original instrumental won the popular vote, and advanced her to the final round of the competition.
There, she'll be joined by either Sophie Burrell or Gretchen Menn, who in next week's semifinal matchup will take on two power-pop classics.
Be sure to check back next week to see their performances, and cast a ballot for your favorite.
For more info on Martin's SC acoustics, visit the company's website.
“My guitar tech ran in and said, ‘Hey, you want to meet Pete?’ I was too scared”: The Smithereens’ love affair with The Who goes way back – yet when guitarist Jim Babjak got the chance to meet Pete Townshend, he turned it down
“Every tour was the best I could have done. It was only after that I would listen to more Grateful Dead and realize I hadn’t come close”: John Mayer and Bob Weir reflect on 10 years of Dead & Company – and why the Sphere forced them to reassess everything
