Martin guitar have been busy again! Not content with releasing new models at both winter Namm and Frankfurt Musikmesse this year, they’ve now announced some exciting new guitars to be launched at Summer Namm. There’s a selection of limited and exclusive models, as well as new affordable cutaway electric acoustic X series, and a mouthwatering new Dreadnought Junior model too. Let’s have a look:
D-1 Authentic 1931: Based off the very first Martin branded Dreadnought, this 12-fret Dreadnought remains true to its origins with hide glue construction, Vintage Gloss finish, Adirondack spruce top with Vintage Tone System (VTS) and mahogany back and sides which will appeal to a wide range of players and musical styles with its well-balanced tone. In keeping with original tonewoods, CITES Certified Brazilian rosewood is selected for the headplate, fingerboard, bridge and end piece. £5350
CS-Bluegrass-16: The CS-Bluegrass-16 is a beautiful Dreadnought that is limited to only 100 fine instruments. Classic styling, such as herringbone top inlay with large soundhole and antique top toner, grained ivoroid binding, and ebony fingerboard and bridge are combined with an Adirondack spruce top with Vintage Tone System (VTS), Guatemalan rosewood back and sides and hide glue construction to give bluegrass players the tone and volume they desire. £5799
LE Cowboy 2016: A truly unique instrument that is limited to models sold in 2016 and is crafted from a solid Sitka spruce top with Vintage Tone System (VTS) and adorned with artwork by William Matthews. Artist William Matthews is widely known for his beautiful watercolor portrayals of the working cowboys from the great ranches of the American West. This auditorium 12-fret body with quilted mahogany back and sides, grained ivoroid binding, a modified low oval neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge and cowboy-themed artwork carried through on the headstock will make this a guitar of choice for collectors and players alike. All registered LE Cowboy 2016 guitars will receive a book “Working the West” and DVD “Drawn to Paint.” Orders for the special edition LE-Cowboy-2016 model will be limited to those received during the 2016 calendar year. £3599
D Jr. 2 Sapele: The distinctive Dreadnought Junior body size is a great guitar for players of all levels that is really easy to play, yet maintains the booming bass attributed to the Dreadnought body shape. The D Jr. 2 Sapele acoustic guitar uses sapele as the foundation for the top, back and sides. This model also features a Richlite fingerboard and bridge, and a hand-rubbed body and neck finish. The perfect package to complete any collection. £499.
o D Jr. 2E Sapele: This model is available with Fishman Sonitone electronics for an additional cost of £599
There’s also a raft of exciting new X series cutaways, including four spruce top models:
These new models all feature a cutaway body with Sitka spruce top with hand-rubbed finish and either mahogany or rosewood patterened high-pressure laminate back and sides for a set of classic looking guitars. There is dreadnought (DCX1RE and DCX1AE, £675) and Grand Performance (GPCX1RAE and GPX1AE, £675) body shapes available, and all feature Fishman Sonitone electronics.
If you prefer things a little darker, then the there’s a new series of 3 all black finish models too:
These three new models combine the beauty and durability of Jett black high-pressure laminate (HPL) top, back and sides with a Richlite fingerboard and bridge to give you a great sounding, affordable guitar. There’s dreadnought (DCXAE Black, £635), OM (OMCXAE Black £635) and Grand Performance (GPCXAE Black £635) body shapes, and all come complete with Fishman Sonitone VT electronics.