Jason Isbell’s new signature Martins are modelled after his treasured pre-war 0-17: “They’re well made, they’re easy to play, and they don’t scream, ‘Look at me.’”
Martin Guitar has launched two Jason Isbell signature models, both of which take after his beloved pre-war 0-17 guitar heard across the entirety of his latest record, Foxes In The Snow.
The launch includes a super-limited model, with just 50 guitars available, and a slightly more accessible option that still offers plenty of vintage character. The new signature acoustics are accompanied by the release of Isbell’s first-ever signature set of strings, part of an all-new line known as Martin Era.
READ MORE: Martin Road Series SC-10E review: “I’ve played every iteration of the SC platform that Martin has produced and this one is my favourite”
The limited-edition model, the Martin 0-17 Jason Isbell, is built entirely from solid sinker mahogany, and is paired with Adirondack spruce Golden Era scalloped X-bracing for a warm, expressive voice.
A sinker mahogany neck is accompanied by a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, which taps into that classic feel and playability. It also features 17-style inlays, Waverly nickel open-gear tuners, and has a vintage gloss finish. This model includes a signed label and a hardshell case.
“This one replicates the 1940 0-17 that I used on Foxes In The Snow,” says Isbell. “The Brazilian [rosewood] for the bridge and the fingerboard is a really special thing. The fact that Martin was able and willing to do that for these guitars makes me really, really happy… and the neck on this one is pretty identical in shape to the original guitar. It’s a very simple guitar to look at and to play, but certainly not simple to put together.”
The Martin 0-10E Retro Jason Isbell shares a handful of similar features with its limited sibling. Joining Martin’s Road Series, this guitar features a satin-finished all-mahogany 0 14-fret body, scalloped spruce X-bracing, and Martin E1 electronics with a built-in tuner for plug-and-play performance.
With East Indian rosewood accents, 17-style inlays, and nickel open-gear tuners, it “balances vintage-inspired looks with modern versatility”. This one comes with a soft case.
“This guitar meets the artist’s criteria that the instrument can’t be the challenge,” adds Isbell. “They’re well made, they’re easy to play, they sound good, and they don’t scream, ‘Look at me.’
“At this price point, a whole lot of people are gonna have access to it – and that’s great because it encourages beginner guitar players and singer-songwriters to have something that is quality. I could take this guitar and just make a living with it.”
The limited Martin 0-17 Jason Isbell is priced at $4,999.00, while the 0-10E Retro version comes in at $1,049.00. Both are available from Martin Guitar in a left or right handed format.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
