Jason Isbell thinks some guitarists are biased against Mexican-made guitars: “people will pay more to reinforce the incorrect opinions”
While some musicians are picky about where their instrument is manufactured, Jason Isbell has no time for guitar snobs. In fact, the Americana star is taking a stand for Mexican-made guitars, arguing that anyone disregarding non-US guitars is missing out on quality instruments.
In a new interview with Guitar.com, Isbell discusses the latest additions to his Martin Road Series, the Jason Isbell 0-17 and the 0-10E Retro acoustics. The guitars are notably made in Martin’s Mexican factory – a factor that he is very proud of. “I think the guitar builders in Mexico get a bad rap,” he explains.
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He goes on to insist that this “bias” against Mexico is unfounded, with people seemingly seeing a more affordable price tag and assuming that reflects a lower quality. However, this just perpetuates a culture of people are paying more for a lesser guitar simply because its ‘manufactured in the US’.
“I think people pay for their biases too sometimes,” he says. “Not necessarily with Martin, but with a lot of companies. I think people will pay more to reinforce the incorrect opinions that they already have.”
If you’re one of the people with a “bias”, Isbell explains that his Road Series could be the eye opener that you need. The premium Jason Isbell 0-17 model in particular serves as a replica of the pre-war 0-17 guitar heard across the entirety of his 2025 record, Foxes In The Snow, and Isbell insists it’s the real deal. “I could take this Mexican-made version out and play it on tour and nobody would know the difference,” he says.
“I don’t think anybody could have done a better job on a guitar at that price point at making it reminiscent of the pre-war Martin, for sure,” he notes. “It definitely has that vibe to it.”
It’s not the first time Isbell has opted to work with a Mexican factory. He points to his collaboration with Fender on the Jason Isbell Tele Custom 3CCB, which serves as another brilliant Mexican export. “Fender did a great job on that guitar,” he reflects. “I think it was the first double-bound Tele that they had made in the factory, and they knocked it out of the park.”
Jason Isbell’s new additions to the Martin Road Series come in a more premium Jason Isbell 0-17 model, sitting at $4,999 and limited to just 50 units, while the 0-10E Retro is a slightly more affordable $1,049.
Head to Martin Guitars for more information.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
