Martin Guitar and Eric Clapton Mark 30 Years of Musical Partnership with Exclusive Guitars

Celebrating Three Decades of Harmony

In a remarkable celebration of artistry and collaboration, Martin Guitar has joined forces with legendary musician Eric Clapton to mark 30 years of musical partnership. Known for creating some of the most sought-after acoustic guitars in the world, Martin has unveiled two special anniversary models: the 000-42EC 30th Anniversary and the 000-EC 30th Anniversary. This unique release is not just about craftsmanship, but a tribute to the enduring legacy of both the brand and Clapton's contributions to music.

A Historical Collaboration

Clapton's journey with Martin Guitar took off with the launch of the original 000-42EC in 1995, inspired by his iconic 1992 MTV Unplugged performance. The model quickly became a staple for acoustic musicians, and its success laid the groundwork for a fruitful partnership that has produced numerous signature guitars over the decades. As Clapton's sound became intertwined with the quality of Martin guitars, the collaborations continued to evolve, bringing forth limited editions and cherished models that resonate with players worldwide.

The 000-42EC 30th Anniversary

Among the highlights of this celebration is the 000-42EC 30th Anniversary. This limited-release guitar, with only 300 units available, boasts a solid Adirondack spruce top treated with antique toner, coupled with solid Guatemalan rosewood back and sides. This combination results in a beautifully rich, vintage-inspired tone that echoes Clapton’s musical evolution. With features like Adirondack spruce X-bracing for enhanced resonance, an Authentic 1939 neck shape offering a comfortable grip, and Golden Era-style snowflake inlays, this guitar is not just a musical instrument; it’s a collector's masterpiece.

Every 000-42EC comes complete with a paper label hand-signed by Clapton, adding a personal touch to this exquisite instrument, along with a premium embroidered case designed exclusively for this model.

The 000-EC 30th Anniversary

For those who prefer a more subtle homage to Clapton's sound, the 000-EC 30th Anniversary is available exclusively until March 2026. This variant emerges with a solid spruce top paired with solid East Indian rosewood for a well-balanced, resonant tone. The herringbone-trimmed top, antique white binding, and Golden Era-style inlays provide a refined aesthetic, making it a model that is both visually and sonically appealing. Like its sibling, this guitar includes a certificate of authenticity and an embroidered case, underscoring the value of ownership.

The Legacy Continues

The deep relationship between Clapton and Martin Guitar is evident in every creation. Since their partnership began, Clapton has endorsed not just guitars but also the Clapton's Choice Signature Strings, designed to retain their tone during demanding performances. Over the years, select guitars, including a trio of Dreadnoughts released in 2023, have benefitted Clapton’s charitable initiatives at the Crossroads Centre, an addiction recovery center founded by him.

As Clapton himself remarked, “If I could choose what to come back as, it would be a Martin OM-45,” showcasing the profound connection he holds with the brand. Each chord struck on a Martin guitar tells a story, one filled with passion, history, and dedication to the art of music.

Looking Forward

As the journey of music and craftsmanship continues, Martin Guitar remains committed to producing exceptional instruments for both today’s players and the musical pioneers of tomorrow. For more information on these special guitars and their range of products, visit martinguitar.com and explore the future of music continued through their dedication to quality and innovation.