Plenty of activity is on the way from CF Martin this year including the introduction of three new Authentic Series models, a new FSC Certified acoustic-electric Model, and several limited-edition models.
Leading the ‘Authentic’ models will be a 00-17 Authentic 1931 model, along with a D-18 Authentic 1939 Authentic Aged model and a D-45S Authentic 1936 Aged model. Also debuting at Winter NAMM will be the D-42 Purple Martin and the D-45 Fire & Ice. All of these models are crafted with Martin’s traditional dovetail neck joint and hide glue. Additionally, Martin will offer its annual show special, the DSS-2018, and a new FSC Certified Acoustic-electric model, the OME-Cherry.
Also new will be Martin’s reimagined Standard Series guitars. Collectively, the company says, this will be the most significant update to its flagship line of guitars in its 185-year history.
‘I challenged my co-workers to help me with the significant task of modernizing guitars whose origin go back to the 1930s (and earlier).’, said Chris Martin. ‘As you might imagine, the discussions were quite animated. Fortunately, we all knew we were working toward a common goal; how can we modernize traditional Martin Guitar models while continuing to honor our rich history and heritage? Well, together we met that challenge head on and the results far exceeded my expectations’.
The most notable updates to the line include the addition of a modern high performance neck that is thinner and more comfortable for the player and vintage appointments, including aging toner and open gear tuners. There have been changes to internal features, as well, that include scalloped and forward-shifted top bracing, depending on the style. Martin promises ‘Q Martin Standard Series line that looks, plays, and sounds better than ever before’.
Mayer’s collaborative relationship with Martin Guitar goes back to 2003 with the release of his first signature edition, the OM-28 John Mayer, followed by the OMJM John Mayer (a staple in Martin’s guitar line), the 00-45SC John Mayer, and the 00-42SC John Mayer.
The D-45 John Mayer is crafted with Guatemalan rosewood back and sides and an Engelmann spruce top with aging toner and forward shifted Adirondack X braces. Boasting a full thickness neck with hexagon inlays, bone nut and saddle, and gold open gear tuners, the D-45 John Mayer also features an interior label personally signed by the seven-time Grammy Award-winning artist.
Finally, Martin will debut three New X Series Dreadnought guitars along with new premium classical and ukulele strings. The new models include the DX1AE Macassar Burst, the DX2MAE, and the DX420. The classical guitar strings are called Magnifico, and along with a line of premium ukulele strings were developed exclusively with Aquila. In addition to the new premium offerings, Martin will continue to produce their standard classical and ukulele strings.
Info: www.martinguitar.com
