C.F. Martin & Company or Martin guitars for short, is an American institution and one of the oldest guitar manufactures in the world. I won’t take up much time with a long written history about the company. There is a ton of information online about Martin and also several great books available. I recommend this one.
Martin was founded in 1833. They are celebrating 190 years this year and are a major pioneer in the industry. Martin invented the steel string guitar, the dreadnought body shape, X-bracing, the 14-fret acoustic guitar neck… The list goes on. The majority of modern acoustic guitars made have been based off of Martin designs and certainly have taken advantage of Martin’s innovations. They also produce other stringed instruments such as mandolins and ukuleles.
Several major artists have played Martins over the years and many new players continue to choose them for their craftsmanship, sound and playability. Musicians like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, David Crosby, Neil Young, Kurt Cobain, Eddie Vedder, Jeff Tweedy and so many others have recorded hit after hit using a Martin.
Their acoustic flattops, especially those made pre-WWII are some of the most valuable vintage guitars on the collector market and often fetch tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Martin’s main guitar factory is based in Nazareth Pennsylvania. They produce a wide range of instruments, some made outside of the U.S. for more affordability, but the ones that Martin is really known for are American made models that they’ve been producing for decades. The D-18, D-28, D45, OM and OOO”s.
Martin offers some artist signature versions of their popular models. Like this 000-28ec. E.C. stands for Eric Clapton. I don’t typically seek out artist signature models for a few reasons, but mostly because I just don’t like having someone else’s name written on my guitar.
I have absolutely no problem making an exception here however with this 000-28.
The shorter OOO scale length (24.9 inches) and smaller body compared to a dreadnought makes this guitar very easy to play. Fretting, bending strings up and down the neck is effortless. The soft V neck that old Slow Hand chose for this guitar is also a plus for me. It’s full, but very comfortable. Moving from a dreadnought to a OOO I was a little concerned I might lose some of the low end tones and projection that the D models are known for but that hasn't been the case with this guitar. It’s very clear, percussive and balanced. The mid’s and highs are excellent for blue grass pickers. I’m more of a rocker and blues player and I find this guitar is perfect for my style. It makes sense. It is the Clapton model.
These are expensive instruments, but I think they're worth every penny. The craftsmanship, wood, materials, inlays, binding, fretwork, nut, saddle..everything is flawless. It’s also one of the lightest guitars I’ve ever held.
It’s such a great guitar that I’m willing to ignore the signature on the 20th fret! But be forewarned and get prepared for way too many Tears in Heaven requests if you buy this guitar.
