Martin will introduce five highly lavish, limited-edition acoustic guitars, chief among which is the first model to be designed by the brand’s CEO, Thomas Ripsam at NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) later this month.
This exquisite 000-14 fret acoustic guitar is crafted with gorgeous Guatemalan rosewood, and the top and its bracing are made from FSC Certified European spruce. The top also features a 1933 ambertone finish. Other features include stunning European flamed maple binding throughout, a compensated bone saddle, bone bridge pins with abalone dots on an ebony bridge, and an ebony fingerboard with Foden-style abalone inlay. The look is completed with gold open-gear tuners and custom headplate inlay on Guatemalan rosewood. The model also comes with a Vintage Deluxe neck, which is slightly asymmetrical for comfort and playability. Each model includes a label signed by Martin CEO Thomas Ripsam and numbered in sequence. This model is limited to 100 instruments. $8,999
Martin D-Robert Goetzl 6 (Rabbit)
Undeniably the most visually intriguing instrument of the lot is the D-Robert Goetzl 6 (Rabbit), which, as the name implies, flashes a hand-painted rabbit-featuring artwork composed by artist Robert Goetzl. Inspired by the Chinese zodiac Year of the Rabbit, the dreadnought boasts full gloss East Indian rosewood back and sides, a Sitka spruce top and forward-shifted scalloped x-bracing. Other appointments include an ebony fingerboard and bridge, a stylized script logo and a paper label signed by Goetzl. $11,999
Martin D-42 Bitcoin
The joint most expensive six-string of the drop – and quite possibly the most head-scratching inclusion – is the D-42 Bitcoin, which has been created “as a nod to the latest global currency”. With a spec sheet that hopes to cause enough intrigue to last longer than the actual Bitcoin hype itself, the D-42 Bitcoin features a solid gold token coin embedded into the headstock, as well as a Bitcoin inlay on the fretboard. At its core, the guitar flashes Guatemalan rosewood back and sides and an Engelmann spruce top – a combo that promises to encourage tonal “complexity”. $18,999
Martin D-28 Klaus Voorman
Matching the D-42 Bitcoin in price – but not quite in levels of sheer novelty – is the D-28 Klaus Voorman. With artwork designed by the same man who won a Grammy for his work on The Beatles’ Revolver album cover, this dreadnought’s facade symbolizes “peace through music” by way of white doves taking flight with various musical instruments. Notably, the D-28 template was favored by Voorman’s longtime friend and collaborator Paul McCartney, with this particular take on the classic dreadnought arriving as a one-of-a-kind creation. $18,999
It’s not just a guitar. It’s a call to action on climate change. A reminder to preserve our planet for future generations. To show our support for the preservation and replenishment of coral reefs, which are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on earth, the top is adorned with stunning artwork by renowned artist Robert Goetzl depicting a colorful ocean scene. This model is 100% FSC certified and only the second plastic-free guitar in production today, preceded by our 00L Earth guitar. Even the gig bag is sustainable: made from hemp—a Martin first. $2,299.
