Basses

NAMM 2020: Martin makes its mark with limited-edition models and series upgrades

January 7, 2020

Martin Guitars has announced a big release of new guitars for Winter NAMM 2020, comprising limited edition models, a new Modern Deluxe series with electronics, an upgraded X Series guitars and more.
Limited Edition guitars
D-18E 2020, D-42 Purple Martin Flamed Myrtle
The Martin D-18E 2020 and D-42 Purple Martin Flamed Myrtle are both limited-edition releases for 2020. The D-18E is based on the historic 14-fret D-18 which debuted in 1934. While it uses the same Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides as its namesake, it uses of East Indian rosewood for the headplate, fingerboard, binding, bridge and heelcap. It also comes wired up with LR Baggs Anthem electronics for the option of plugging in.
The D-42 Purple Martin Flamed Myrtle is fourth in the Purple Martin Series and is inspired by a bird native to Pennsylvania, where Martin Guitars is headquartered. The guitar features a 42-style pearl inlay throughout as well as a highly decorative inlay on the fingerboard. The pickguard also comes with a distinctive inlay of the purple martin bird and mountain laurel flowers. This limited-edition D-42 is a full-gloss guitar constructed with a heavy bear claw Engelmann spruce top finished with a deep purple burst and flamed myrtle back and sides. Limited to 100 instruments.
Price (list): $3,649 and $14,999 respectively
Modern Deluxe Series
D-28E, 000-28E, OM-28E, D-18E
The Modern Deluxe Series was first introduced at Winter NAMM 2019 and featured modern elements like titanium truss rods. Taking a step further in that direction, the Modern Deluxe Series now comes in electronics-equipped models for greater tonal control. The D-28E, 000-28E, OM-28E, and D-18E now come with the all new Fishman Aura VT Blend pickup system. This stage-ready Modern Deluxe Series also benefits from Fishman’s Aura HD Imaging, which allows for direct recording in live situations.
Price (list): $4,999 – $5,799
16 Series
GPC-16E, 000C12-16E, BC-16E
The GPC-16E Grand Performance Cutaway and D-16E Dreadnought are the latest additions to Martin’s affordable 16 Series. Both models come with a Sitka spruce gloss top and satin-finished mahogany back and sides for a sound that is both big and balanced, enhanced by the Fishman Matrix VT Enhance electronics. A 000 body depth and high-performance neck taper provide added comfort and ease of playability.
The 16 series will also get its first nylon string offering with the 000C12-16E Nylon, an Auditorium-style six-string that features a Sitka spruce gloss top and satin-finished mahogany back and sides. The 000C12-16E Nylon is touted to possess a high treble response with plenty of volume. It also comes loaded with Fishman Matrix VT Enhance.
Rounding up the expanded 16 series is the Martin BC-16E, which comes with a solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides. This bass guitar features a forward-shifted scaled bracing to emphasise low-end response, along with a comfortable slim-profile neck and integrated Fishman electronics.
Price (list): $2,049, $2,499 and $2,399
X Series
The X Series debuted two decades ago as Martin’s foray into guitar-building through the use of alternative and sustainable materials. Upgrades to Martin’s 2020 collection of X Series guitars include new HPL patterns, scalloped bracing and a solid wood neck, fingerboard and bridge. Each X Series guitar will now also come with a padded, water-resistant gig bag.
Price (list): $649 – $899
More information at martinguitar.com. Check out our rundown on Winter NAMM 2020 here. For more gear news, click here.
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