March 2002 Issue - NAMM Show 2002 Report: Martin's Latest Eric Clapton Limited Edition
By Larry Meiners
A multitude of guitar enthusiasts, players, collectors and retail-buyers saw new guitar models by several manufacturers. I'm sure many would like to add a few of these guitars to their personal stash of instruments. One of the coolest guitars seen at the show was Martin's latest Eric Clapton Limited Edition.
Martin unveiled the latest limited edition signature guitar for Eric Clapton fans at the NAMM Show. Eric Clapton has greatly influenced guitar players from his work with the Yardbirds, Cream, Derek & The Dominos and as a solo artist. Clapton's wildly successful 1992 MTV Unplugged appearance and follow-up CD inspired the folks at Martin to produce the first Eric Clapton limited edition guitar 000-42EC in 1995. Only 461 were produced as that number matched the number found on Eric's outstanding second solo album, 461 Ocean Boulevard. Apparently Eric stayed at that address while he recorded this hit record that included Bob Marley's amazing song, I Shot the Sheriff.
Martin's standard stock Eric Clapton guitar called the 000-28EC was introduced in 1996 and has become one of their most popular models. By February 2000, Martin and Mr. Clapton introduced another limited edition named the 000-42ECB built with pre-C.I.T.E.S. certified solid Brazilian rosewood. That guitar announcement marked the first time Martin Guitars had issued two signature limited editions models to one artist. Only 200 guitars were produced.
Martin made history again by introducing a third limited edition signature guitar to a single artist. The 000-28ECB Eric Clapton Signature Edition will be limited to 500 instruments and be available starting in 2002.
Martin Guitar's website states, "The new 000-28ECB is identical to the 000-42EC in body size and shape. The 000-42ECB has the smaller "000" body size that Clapton prefers and that is particularly popular among fingerstyle and blues guitarists who like a clear and balanced sound together with the string flexibility that the shorter 24.9" scale length allows. Crafted with solid woods throughout, the sides and back are constructed from solid Brazilian rosewood, and the top is bookmatched from select Sitka spruce for optimum tonal response. Eric Clapton's signature is inlaid in mother of pearl between the 19th and 20th frets. Each 000-28ECB will bear an interior label, individually numbered in sequence with the edition total and personally signed by Eric Clapton and Martin Chairman and CEO C. F. Martin IV."
2002 © Larry Meiners All Rights Reserved