#Germany #Martin Guitar #Mannheim #Mikael Åkerfeldt #Opeth

C.F. Martin & Co. Unveils the OM Mikael Åkerfeldt Signature Guitar

At the Guitar Summit in Mannheim, Germany, C.F. Martin & Co.® has introduced the OM Mikael Åkerfeldt, a spectacular limited-edition acoustic guitar designed in collaboration with Mikael Åkerfeldt, the renowned frontman of the progressive metal band Opeth. Only 74 pieces of this beautiful instrument will be made, paying homage to the Swedish artist's birth year of 1974.

This new model showcases the exceptional craftsmanship that Martin guitars are famous for, featuring a torrefied spruce top complemented by a stunning three-piece back made from Guatemalan rosewood, paired with an East Indian rosewood wedge. The aesthetics are further enhanced by the elegant European flamed maple binding. Notably, this model also introduces the innovative Low Profile Velocity neck, a new feature that offers players the comfort and speed typical of electric guitars even in a traditional acoustic body.

The OM Mikael Åkerfeldt's fingerboard is crafted from ebony, adorned with black mother-of-pearl Roman numerals, and fitted with black Liquidmetal® bridge pins, enhancing both sustain and clarity of sound. Inside, the guitar houses VTS-treated spruce and Golden Era scalloped X-bracing, instilling a vintage warmth and a responsive tone characteristic of Martin's Modern Deluxe Series.

Mikael himself has expressed his excitement about this guitar, stating, “Is this the best guitar I've ever played? Including the ones in your museum? I believe so. It just sings—the resonance, the clarity, the low end. Everything about it feels magnificent.” Each instrument features a distinctive laser-etched stainless-steel label and comes packaged with a custom Harptone case.

About Mikael Åkerfeldt

Mikael Åkerfeldt is not just a prolific musician; he is regarded as one of the most significant figures in contemporary metal. Since joining Opeth in the 1990s, he has guided the band from its roots in death metal to the exploration of a myriad of genres including progressive rock, folk, and classical music. His dual vocal style, which melds rugged growls with gentle baritone melodies, has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning Opeth two Swedish Grammis awards and a prominent place in Scandinavia's heavy metal landscape.

Aside from his work with Opeth, Åkerfeldt's musical pursuits extend into various collaborative projects, including co-founding Storm Corrosion with Steven Wilson, contributing his voice to numerous tracks for Bloodbath, and even composing the score for Netflix's series ‘Clark.’ Known for his deep affinity for music history, Mikael maintains a vast vinyl collection and is celebrated as one of the leading modern guitarists. His journey with Martin guitars begins in the early '90s, when he sold them at a small Stockholm music shop, making this signature guitar a remarkable full-circle moment in his career.

About C.F. Martin & Co.

For nearly two centuries, C.F. Martin & Co. has dedicated itself to handcrafting exceptional acoustic guitars, serving the needs of musicians across various genres. Without compromising quality or artistry, the company remains committed to its community and the environment. Consistently driven by a passion for music, they strive to produce instruments that resonate deeply with both amateur and professional musicians alike.

With this latest release, the OM Mikael Åkerfeldt, Martin continues its tradition of innovation intertwined with musical heritage, aiming to inspire the next generation of musicians. As Martin states, “We believe music is an unstoppable force. It raises us up, tells our truths, and expresses our deepest heartaches and greatest joys.” Let us embark on this musical journey together into the next two hundred years. Join us at martinguitar.com to explore this latest masterpiece.