™

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE MARTIN GUITAR COMPANY • VOLUME 24 • JANUARY 2008

The Sounding BoardC. F. Martin & Co. Turns 175

Astonishing Array Of Models & Events Planned For Anniversary

COLLECTOR’S EDITION

Elvis is in the building! Make sure tocheck out our two exciting Elvis PresleyCommemorative Editions, plus new ArtistSignature and Custom Editions honoringEric Clapton, Rosanne Cash, Ben Harper,Stefan Grossman, Laurence Juber, and ofcourse the legendary Porter Wagoner. Tocommemorate our 175th Anniversary,we have created three AnniversaryEditions that include an “America’sGuitar” Dreadnought, a unique 00Stauffer recreation, and a DX 175th withspecial artwork by Robert Goetzl. Andwith fifteen additional new edition andstock offerings, that’s just the beginning!Please join us in celebrating our special175th Anniversary milestone.

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The Sounding Board™

VOLUME 24 • JANUARY 2008P U B L I S H E D B Y

The Martin Guitar CompanyP. O. Box 329, Nazareth, PA 18064

Phone: (610) 759-2837 Fax: (610) 759-5757

www.martinguitar.comE D I T O R

Dick Boakeditor@martinguitar.com

C O N T R I B U T O R S

Dear Sounding Board Readers,2008 marks the 175th Anniversary of the year that my great

great great grandfather – Christian Frederick Martin – emigratedfrom Markneukirchen to America to set up shop on HudsonStreet in the bustling city of New York. There was no Statue ofLiberty to welcome him to the harbor, and railways were only justbeginning to lay tracks throughout the mid-Atlantic states. What atime it must have been!

The extraordinary skill that he possessed brought himconsiderable success. His craftsmanship, design and business savvypaved the way for his son C. F. Martin, Jr., then his son Frank HenryMartin, then his son, C. Frederick Martin III, then his son and myfather Frank Herbert Martin. As in all businesses fortunate tosurvive through so many generations, there have been challengingtimes of war, recession and market downturns, and there havebeen exuberant times of growth and prosperity. Through it all, theintegrity of C. F. Martin Sr.’s initial vision and the adherence togreat design, exacting craftsmanship and uncompromised qualityensured the survival of the company and the furtherance of theacoustic guitar to the heights it has reached today.

In my childhood, I spent much time with my cousin RobertGoetzl. He loved to draw and was very good at it. When heoffered to create artwork for our 175th Anniversary, I wasn’texactly sure what he had in mind. When he came to Nazareth todeliver his drawings, I was thrilled. I think he captured the veryessence of our heritage and it has meant a great deal to me torevive our friendship so meaningfully.

We have many products and events planned for ouranniversary throughout 2008. Please join us in celebrating thisimportant milestone.

Sincerely,

C. F. Martin IV

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© 2008 C. F. Martin & Co., Inc., Nazareth, PA17MM03 All rights reserved.

The Sounding Board™ is availablefor free in limited quantities from yourlocal authorized Martin dealership. Youwill also find recent Sounding Boardissues on our website in downloadablePDF format. Typically, issues arepublished in January and June or July ofeach year. If you wish to be assured ofreceiving future issues of The SoundingBoard, we recommend that you considermaintaining an active membership in TheMartin Owners Club. If you wish to beincluded on our temporary recipient list,please mail your request with completename and address to:

The Sounding BoardThe Martin Guitar Company

P. O. Box 329Nazareth, PA 18064

You may request a complimentary copyof our Martin catalog by writing to theabove address or by calling the Martinswitchboard at (610) 759-2837.

Printed On Recycled Paperin the USA

CHRIS’S CORNERCHRIS’S CORNER

Marshall NewmanScott Follweiler Anthony D’AmatoKevin Mazur

Lisa SturmRobert Goetzl

Len JaffeChris Thomas

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LETTERS

Dear Mr. Martin,My son Levi comes from a long line

of Martin players. This year was his firstChristmas and because he was onlyfour months old, you can see he wasquite surprised to receive his first MartinLXM guitar. He still thinks that it issomething to put in his mouth, but soonhe’ll be playing bluegrass like his dadand grandpa Chuck. He’s pictured heresitting in my D-18GE case.

Erik GreeneSeattle, Washington

Dear Mr. Martin,In the past 30 years, I’ve owned

some awesome Martin Guitars: anHD-28, a D-16GT, a D-1, a D-15, aDXM, and as of this year, an HD-28VE. Iteach guitar and have had a small musicshop in my community for about fouryears. I’m not a Martin dealer (yet), but Ido carry all the accessories you have tooffer. I’ve had students and customers ofall ages ask me which guitar was myfavorite. Honestly, I don’t know. EachMartin I’ve owned has had its ownpersonality. In my opinion, no one canmatch or beat the sound and playabilityof a Martin.

Frank ClineMohawk, West Virginia

Dear Mr. Martin,I've been using both of my Mark

Knopfler models extensively in thestudios here and I must honestly tell youthat they never fail to get a commentfrom the recording engineers and othermusicians on sessions. They are bothfabulous guitars and I can only imaginewhat they'll be like in 20 more years. Ofcourse they will be going out on tournext year when we all gear up againwith Mark. All the best,

Richard BennettGuitarist – Mark Knopfler’s Band

Dear Mr. Martin,You are probably getting tired of me

saying it, but the sound of my newSignature models are amazing! So goodin fact, that I have already incorporatedthem into my entire stage show and notjust the acoustic set, as I had originallyplanned. They are the only acousticguitars that I currently play onstage. Idon't see that changing anytime soon,either. I can honestly say that I currentlyhave the best live acoustic guitar soundthat I've ever had in all my 25 years ofprofessional play. The Martin/FishmanAura collaboration creates a uniqueenvironment where each productcomplements the other to the fullest.You guys have had some good unions inthe past, but this one is off the charts!

Travis Tritt(On The Road)

Richard Bennett (left) with bass playerGlenn Worf during their 1991 SailingTo Philadelphia tour and visit to Martin.

Dear Mr. Martin,I thought you would enjoy this

photo I took recently while preparingbreakfast at a campground in the wildsof Pennsylvania. My friend, Katie, and Iboth took our Little Martins along, as wemust have a guitar handy at all times.My Little Martin sounds great, playsbeautifully, and intonates perfectly. And,as you can see, it doubles quite nicely asa chopping board! Thanks for the greatproduct.

Sheldon PetersonErie, Pennsylvania

Dear Mr. Martin,Johnny’s very special D-35S that he

often played on his TV show isaccounted for, but has anyone seen hisspecial leather monogrammed case? Itappears to be missing in action.

The Editor

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M A R T I N S T O R I E S

Sweet SixteenShelby Kalm was recently treated to an Eric

Clapton 000-28EC Signature model for her 16thbirthday. To top it off, she visited the factory with herfamily to retrieve her special gift, tour the factory andmeet the man whose name is on the label! �

The One Arm GuitaristKenny Johnson isn’t your average bluegrass picker because, for

one thing, he doesn’t pick. He can’t. His right hand was permanentlycrippled by polio when he was six years old. But that wasn’t about tokeep Kenny away from music. He learned to play the guitar entirelywith his left hand, starting out first on the bass in high school, andeventually moving up to a six-string Martin. Billed now as “The OneArm Guitarist,” Kenny travels around West Virginia performing, oftenwith his son, Kenny Jr. (the two are pictured together above). Kennyplays his Martin by hammering onto the strings for single notes, andstrumming chords with his pinky. Years of practice have given him thestrength to play for as long and as fast as he’d like to. �

My Old D-28by Ron Peterson (UMGF)

I found myself thinkin’ ‘bout a new guitar today.One that sings in a different voice,Or plays in a different way.One without all the scratches that stays in tuneWhen I change key.With highs that ring like crystalAnd lows all pure and sweet.

One that shouts “hey, pick me up!”One I don’t want to put down. ‘Til my pickin’ hand is wearyAnd my fingers all worn out.

One that’s full of brand new songsJust waiting to be found.Where with each chord I’ll discoverAn epiphany of sound.

But then I looked at the battered caseWhere my D-28 residesAnd I remembered when I first saw it;It was younger – so was I.

The years have done some damageTo both of us it seems,But it holds some musicAnd I still have some dreams.

Pretty In PinkYoung Martin employee

Katie McAllister, daughter ofMartin Corporate InfrastructureDirector Cynthia McAllister,chose Martin’s Sycamore Streetfactory in Nazareth as thebackdrop for her 2007 promphotos. Katie is a temporaryemployee for Human Resourcesat Martin and per formsdocument scanning. After herupcoming Nazareth HighSchool graduation in June 2008,she plans on attending collegeand would ultimately like topursue a career in physicaltherapy. �

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UMGF NazFest 2007Members of the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum (UMGF) made their annual summer pilgrimage to the Martin factory for

NazFest 2007. In addition to a catered lunch and an open mic live performance stage, attendees were treated to a close lookat new model prototypes from the Summer NAMM Show, special tours through the factory and museum, a personal addressand guitar signing session with Chris Martin, a softball challenge between the UMGF and Martin employees, a special MartinCustom Shop display, and a guitar repair clinic. The UMGF is comprised of Martin guitar lovers and owners from across theUSA, with a surprising number of overseas members. To join in the forum, log on to: http://umgf.com. �

Ukulele Hall Of Fame InductionFollowing Frank Henry Martin’s induction, representatives of the

Ukulele Hall of Fame visited the Martin factory to present the speciallyframed award. Left to right are ukulele virtuoso John King, DonelleCamarillo, Martin’s Dick Boak, Nuni Walsh, Tom Walsh and RamonCamarillo. The visit provided an opportunity to inspect the rare andprecious ukuleles from the Martin Museum collection. Frank HenryMartin was specifically honored because of his key role in bringing theMartin ukulele to fruition during the first half of the 20th century. �

Miss PA Contestants VisitMartin guitars were once again upstaged for an

afternoon when the contestants of the MissPennsylvania Pageant visited the factory. They arepictured above in the Visitors Center lobbyfollowing their annual visit and tour of the Martinfacility. Aside from good looks, there is significanttalent in this group, and several surprising guitarplayers! �

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...and at homeDanny Snow, an assistant manager at Martin Guitar dealer

Marion Music in Melbourne, Florida, is pictured above with hisprize wall of Martins. From left to right, the top row includes anLXME, a Hawaiian X, a Cowboy X, a Cowboy I, three Felix models,a Cowboy II, a Cowboy IV, a Tattoo, and a Cowboy V. In the sameorder, the bottom row features a CEO5, a DC-17E, a Felix Tie-Dye,an HD-35, a Sustainable Wood Series SWOODB Machiche, and aD-45. Danny is pictured playing his LX1E Little Martin. �

On the road.....Western RV News & Recreation, a monthly newspaper geared

at RV enthusiasts across the Western United States, outfitted a newmobile home with an enlarged Martin HD-28 included in the sidegraphics. If you’re travelling in the west, keep your eyes peeled forthis great bus cruising America’s highways.

The Aloha BoysThe Aloha Boys (right) are an all Martin band,

born and raised in Hawaii but transplanted to theWashington D.C. area to pursue their variouscareers. This photo was taken at the NationalMuseum of the American Indian’s HawaiianFestival in May of 2007. The band consists ofGlen Hirabayashi (ukulele and vocals), RamonCamarillo (ukulele and vocals), Isaac Ho’opi’I(guitar and vocals) and Irvin Queja (acoustic bassand vocals). They love “kanikapila” or “pickin’”acoustic down-home, backyard-style Hawaiianmusic. Their voices blend in a “nahenahe” (softpleasant) st yle. The Aloha Boys take theiraudiences back to a lifestyle that is unique andprecious to Hawaii. �

Donelle M

arie Nunus Saw

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arillo

Steven FromholzSinger, songwriter, poet, author, actor,

humorist, story teller, white water river guide andMartin guitar player, Steven Fromholz is a proudnative Texan with a remarkable history. The songshe has written have been recorded by John Denver,Hoyt Axton, Michael Martin Murphy, Willie Nelson,Lyle Lovett and a host of others. He was invited tojoin Stephen Stills on his second American tour asrhythm guitarist in the band that was to becomeManassas. In 2003, he was inducted into the TexasMusic Hall of Fame, and in 2007, he was namedPoet Laureate of the Lone Star State! A genuinecowboy, Steven Fromholz is often heralded as oneof the last real “Texas Troubadours.” �

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Commander CodyBill Kirchen (center) of Commander Cody and His Lost

Planet Airmen visited the Martin factory for a tour with hiscurrent bandmates Claude Arthur (left) and Toro Gamble(right). Though widely known for his terrific electric playing(he has been referred to as the “Titan of the Telecaster” for hiswork on songs like Commander Cody’s 1972 hit, “Hot RodLincoln”), Kirchen is an avid acoustic enthusiast, as well. Billand his bandmates are pictured above at the guitar wall inMartin’s lobby, playing an assortment of Bill’s favorite model –the 14-fret 000-18 – of which Bill owns several. �

Clyde MoodyClyde Moody joined Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys

shortly before their first recording session. He was featured onthat session singing “Six White Horses,” a blues-basedoriginal. Moody remained on the Grand Ole Opry as a soloperformer for several years after leaving Monroe's band.Several waltzes he recorded became hits, leading to his titleof “The Hillbilly Waltz King.” Don Blanchard (above) ownsClyde’s beautiful mint condition D-28 and brought it backhome to Nazareth for a visit during the summer of 2007. �

30 Years YoungJohn Mayer celebrated his 30th birthday concurrently

with his father Richard Mayer, who turned a graceful 80, atthe Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center in New York City.The party, which was held on October 16, 2007, featured aproper roasting from Conan O’Brien as well as a touchingperformance from Tony Bennett. The guest book for theevening was a specially inlaid OMJM John Mayer SignatureEdition guitar that was signed by all of the attendees. Itprovided an appropriate and perfect memento for John andhis father on their milestone evening. �

Museum Of Making MusicDan Del Fiorentino, curator for the Museum Of Making

Music in Carlsbad, California visited Nazareth in October of2007 to record archival interviews with four retired Martinemployees who worked in Martin’s original North Streetplant. Pictured left to right are Les Wagner, Earl Remaley, PaulWerkheiser and Marcellus Trach. Their vivid memories andstories from the post World War II era shed tremendous lighton what it was like working for C. F. Martin III, and the specialmagic that created the instruments of that era. �

Photo by Dan D

el Fiorentino Photo C

ourtesy of Kevin M

azur

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DX1RGT X Series Gloss TopThe DX1RGT represents the first gloss top offering in the

affordable and hugely popular X Series. Each solid spruce topis finished to a high polished gloss, not only for aesthetics butfor wear properties and surprisingly enhanced tonalresponse. Style 28 fingerboard inlays grace the fingerboard ofblack Micarta®, a material that resembles ebony inappearance and durabil it y. The back and sides areconstructed with East Indian rosewood wood-grained highpressure laminate, and the neck of Stratabond® is carved witha sleek modified low oval shape for fast and easy playability.

OMCX1KE X SeriesAdding to the recent introduction of X Series “OM”

Orchestra Models, the OMCX1KE features a solid spruce top

DX1RGTX Series

Gloss TopDreadnought

OMCX1KECutaway

WithElectronics

LXMLittle

MartinTenor

and a rounded Venetian cutaway. The back, sides andheadplate are crafted from Hawaiian koa wood-grainedlaminate (HPL) yielding an attractive honey-toned coloration.Equipped with Fishman Classic 4T electronics that includesan onboard tuner, this is an affordable and warmly tonedacoustic guitar that excels equally on stage or in the studio.

LXM Little Martin TenorMade popular in large part by Nick Reynolds of the

Kingston Trio, four string tenor guitars are extremely fun andeasy to play, but typically very costly and hard to find in today’smarketplace. With a neck shape borrowed from Martin’s 0-18T,this new LXM Tenor provides extremely brilliant and projectivetone at a very affordable price. �

Three New X Series Models Address Diverse Playing Styles

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New Models Mark Tradition, Function, Sustainability & Tone

D-21Special

Standard Series

Dreadnought

MC-DSMGrand

AuditoriumLimited Edition

D-21 SpecialHistorically, 21 styling has represented the simplest

appointment level offered with rosewood back and sides anda spruce top. Introduced in 2007, the OM-21 Special closelyreplicates this plain but beautiful style by blending rosewoodbindings, a herringbone rosette, a nitrate tortoise pickguardand an ebony fingerboard and pyramid bridge. The new D-21Special (left) shares identical appointments with the OM-21Special, but in a Dreadnought format. The resulting modeloffers Martin’s legendary tone with austere but classic styling.

MC-DSM Limited EditionDesigned by Martin’s District Sales Managers (all of

whom are accomplished musicians and in touch with currentplaying trends), the MC-DSM is an optimum “M” cutaway

studio performance guitar that combines back and sides offlamed Hawaiian koa with an Italian alpine spruce top yieldingpowerful tone. Limited to 100 special guitars, enhancementsinclude scalloped bracing, a herringbone rosette, Waverly®

nickel tuning gears, and ebony bindings. The fingerboard andheadplate, also of black ebony, are graced respectively withFoden style inlays and Martin’s script logo in select abalone.

OMC Cherry Sustainable Wood SeriesBased upon Martin’s popular OMC Red Birch model,

this “OM” cutaway is crafted with sustainable cherry sidesand a three piece back of cherry with a maple center wedge.Cherry leaves comprise the rosette and headstock motif. Thisstage-ready cutaway is equipped with Fishman’s unobtrusivestate-of-the-art Ellipse Aura™ system. �

OMCCherry

SustainableWoodSeries

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New Editions Commemorate 175th Anniversary

America’s Guitar®

175thAnniversary

Limited Edition

00 Stauffer175th

AnniversaryLimited Edition

DX175th

AnniversaryLimitedEdition

America’s Guitar 175th Anniversary EditionThis exquisite Golden Era® Madagascar rosewood

Dreadnought features an Adirondack spruce soundboard,Hawaiian koa bindings, an inlaid 175th Anniversary bannerlogo at the 12th fret, and an embroidered anniversary case.In addition, the pearl inlaid script Martin headstock logoincludes “America’s Guitar” with the anniversary years 1833-2008. This edition is limited to only 175 special guitars.

00 Stauffer 175th Anniversary EditionLimited to 50 special recreations, the 00 Stauffer 175th is

crafted with the original Stauffer/Martin headstock shape and

is fitted with a near exact replica of the original Staufferengraved nickel tuning mechanisms with coin-shapedbuttons. The instrument itself features Madagascar rosewoodback and sides, an Engelmann spruce top, an inlaid 175thAnniversary banner logo at the 12th fret and a traditionalblack lacquered neck with an ice cream cone heel. Eachguitar is furnished in an exquisite coffin case.

DX 175th Anniversary EditionWith anniversary artwork created by Robert Goetzl, the

inspired graphics for this DX Dreadnought’s soundboardcaptures the very essence of Martin’s legacy and heritage. �

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Three New Martin Authentic Series Offerings

000-18Authentic

1937Sunburst

000-18Authentic

1937

D-18Authentic

1937Sunburst

New Authentic Series ModelsC. F. Martin “Authentic Series” instruments go well

beyond the already highly acclaimed Golden Era® vintagerecreations in faithfully replicating the specifications, materialsand processes used in the construction of the original pre-warMartin guitars. These custom hand-constructed models drawtheir inspiration from stellar 1937 examples and employ the useof hide glue as well as a T-shaped neck reinforcement bar.Other significant features include an Adirondack red spruce topwith circa 1937 contoured Adirondack bracing, a speciallyshaped tortoise colored pickguard, a narrow tortoise coloredend piece, old Style 18 abalone position markers, grained

ivoroid side position dots, black ebony fingerboard and bridge,fossil ivory nut and saddle, premium Waverly® period tuninggears, and a vintage case.

Martin is pleased to announce the addition of three newAuthentic models to the lineup of stock offerings: the 000-18Authentic 1937 (center), offered with a naturally lacqueredsoundboard, or the 000-18 Authentic 1937 Sunburst (left),featuring a carefully replicated period sunburst top finish. Thissame sunburst is now offered in Dreadnought format as aD-18 Authentic 1937 Sunburst, which follows the greatresponse to the original naturally finished D-18 Authentic1937 model first introduced in July of 2005. �

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Arts &Crafts 2Limited Edition

OM-42 Flamed Myrtle

NAMMShow

Special

Nub X Limited Edition“Nub” of Nub Graphix, painter of custom motorcycles

built by Orange Count y Choppers, created the HPLsoundboard artwork for this edition (limited to 200) of 000cutaways that includes onboard Fishman Classic 4Telectronics and a hardshell case.

OM-42 Flamed MyrtleThis fine “OM” Orchestra Model is crafted with back and

sides of rare flamed myrtle (Umbrellularia californica) , a rareand beautiful tonewood that grows between California andOregon. With vintage style 42 appointments throughout,unique features include an Engelmann spruce soundboardwith Adirondack spruce braces, and Golden Era® fingerboard

and headplate inlays executed in select abalone with thinmother of pearl bordering. Limited to no more than 30special instruments, orders for the OM-42 Flamed Myrtlemodel will only be accepted from dealers in attendance atthe Anaheim NAMM Show in January of 2008.

Arts & Crafts 2 Limited EditionFollowing the great response to the original Arts & Crafts

Dreadnought model introduced in 2006, this Arts & Crafts 2000 12-fret Limited Edition of 100 instruments is constructedwith rare quartersawn-figured German white oak back and sides,an Engelmann spruce top, a ginkgo leaf fingerboard inlay motifinlaid in gold mother of pearl, a unique dovetail backstrip and apointed pyramid bridge. �

Nub XLimitedEdition

Artistry Abounds On New Limited Edition Models

Rare figuredGerman

white oak log.Nub at work!

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Zach JohnsonZach Johnson, the winner of this year’s 2007 Master’s Golf

Tournament, received this Martin Custom Shop guitar as a specialmemento for his victory. The inset photo shows Zach flanked by JasonPouliot (left) and Jim Grundberg (right) – owners of The SeeMore PutterCompany – who presented the special golf-themed instrument to Zachin Orlando. The artwork and inlay were executed by Martin’s talentedCustom Shop inlay artist, Tracy Cox. �

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NewStyle 3 Ukuleles

Following on the success of the 5K and Daisyukuleles, Martin is proud to reintroduce Style 3ukuleles in three different configurations. Thetraditional #3 Ukulele is constructed with genuinemahogany top, back, sides and neck; the #3KUkulele is crafted with Hawaiian flamed koa top,back and sides with a mahogany neck, and the new#3 Cherry Ukulele is constructed with 100%sustainable woods that include cherry top, back,sides, neck and blocks, basswood linings andbraces, a katalox fingerboard and bridge and amaple bridge plate. All three models sharetraditional St yle 3 appointments, including apointed f ingerboard inlaid with black/whitemarquetry and a pointed ivoroid tail inlay. �

#3 Cherry UkeSustainable Woods

#3K Koa Uke

#3 Uke

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Martin Commemorative Limited & Special EditionsHonor The King of Rock & Roll: Elvis PresleyElvis Presley was, is and always will be the King

of rock & roll. Influenced by the pop, country,rhythm & blues and gospel music of the early 1950s,he took rock & roll from novelty to mainstream in abrilliant career that included 150 gold, platinum ormulti-platinum singles and albums, 149 songs on theBillboard “Hot 100 Pop Chart,” 1,100 concertappearances, 3 television specials, 33 movies andrecord sales that now surpass one billion worldwide. Hisdeath in 1977 at age 42 stunned the world, but soenduring is his popularity that the 1992 United Statespostage stamp bearing his likeness is the top sellingcommemorative stamp of all time and Graceland, hishome in Memphis, welcomes more than 600,000 visitorseach year.

While best known for his singing, Elvis’ guitar playingserved him well, especially in the early years of his career.His pulsing, rhythmic strumming was featured on many ofhis early recordings and on stage in the mid-1950s, whenMartin was his guitar. He began with a used 000-18 in1954, but within months had traded it in for a 1942Martin D-18. The next year he got a 1955 D-28; fittedwith a custom-tooled leather cover with his name acrossthe lower bout, it became perhaps his most recognizedacoustic due to the many Elvis concert photos in which itappears.

A Martin also was Elvis’ main acoustic atthe end of his career. He played a mid-1970s D-28 during his last concerttour and it was the last guitar heplayed on stage in June of 1977.The instrument was packed andready to go back out on the roadwith Elvis when he died on August16, 1977; it now resides in thecollection at Graceland.

In tribute to Elvis Presley on the30th anniversary of his passing –also, coincidentally, the 175thanniversary of the Martin GuitarCompany – Martin is excited toof fer two exceptionalcommemorative editionguitars fit for the King andhis legion of fans.

Sporting exclusiveappointments throughout,the Martin D-28M andD-28 Elvis PresleyCommemorative Editionscapture Elvis’ uniquecharisma.

Limited to just 175 guitars tomark C. F. Martin’s 175thanniversary, the D-28M Elvis Presley

Commemorative Limited Edition features rareMadagascar rosewood back and sides (which closelyresembles Brazilian rosewood), and an Adirondackspruce top with 5/16” scalloped Adirondack sprucebraces for brilliant, powerful tone. Fine black andwhite inlay lines highlight the Style 28 soundholerosette and purfling, the latter accented by elegantgrained ivoroid binding.

The D-28 Elvis Presley Commemorative SpecialEdition features back and sides of East Indianrosewood and a top of Carpathian spruce. Thecombination of these fine tonewoods and 5/16”scalloped top bracing produces a responsive guitarwith impressive volume, punch and sustain. The Style28 rosette is matched by Style 28 purfling around thetop and back. The body is bound in grained ivoroid.

The Elvis motif of these Dreadnoughts begins onthe polished black ebony headstock just above thenut, where the silhouette of the King and his Martin –modeled after a famous 1956 photograph – are inlaidin mother of pearl and black pearl. Small pearl-bordered abalone star position marker inlays at the5th, 7th (two), 9th, 15th, and 17th frets on thefingerboard flank Elvis’ signature at the 12th fret. Theblack Micarta heelcap features his “TCB LightningBolt” logo – a design that originated with the “Taking

Care of Business” pendants Elvis gave tofriends – inlaid in mother of pearl.

Classic 1950s-inspired Martinappointments common to thesebeautiful guitars include a 1 11/16”neck with diamond volute carvedfrom genuine mahogany and satinf inished, Grover deluxe nickelKluson™ tuners with small ovalmetal buttons, the old style Martindecal logo on the headstock, blackebony fingerboard and belly bridge,genuine bone nut and saddle, and aflawless polished gloss lacquerfinish with vintage-appropriatelight amber aging toner on thetop. In keeping with their blackand white palette, theseLimited Editions come withwhite bridge and end pinstopped with black dots, and apolished and beveled blackpickguard.

The unique tooled leatherguitar cover created by Charles

Underwood makes Elvis’ D-28instantly recognizable. Therefore,

the D-28M Elvis PresleyCommemorative Limited Edition is

M754 1/31/08 11:40 AM Page 14

outfitted with a tooled leather guitar cover based upon Charles’design and is delivered in a special oversized vintage Geib stylehardshell case to accommodate the guitar and cover. The D-28Elvis Presley Commemorative Special Edition may be orderedwithout the leather guitar cover in a vintage Geib stylehardshell case, or with the cover at an extra cost, an upgradethat also includes the oversized case. Factory-installedelectronics (those Martin offers without side controls) can beordered as an extra-cost option. Left-handed instruments maybe ordered at no additional cost, though tooling on the leatherguitar cover cannot be reversed.

Each D-28M and D-28 Elvis Presley CommemorativeEdition guitar bears two interior labels specially designed forthese models. The primary interior label for the D-28M ElvisPresley is numbered in sequence with the total number ofguitars in the edition, while the primary label for the D-28 ElvisPresley is numbered in sequence without total: both include aholographic, off icial “Elvis Presley Signature” sticker ofauthenticity. Authorized C. F. Martin dealers will begin takingorders for the Martin D-28M and D-28 Elvis PresleyCommemorative Edition guitars immediately and participatingdealers wil l be l isted on the Martin Guitar website atwww.martinguitar.com. �

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The D-28 and D-28M Elvis Presley editions share severaldistinctive features, including the 12th fret signature inmother of pearl, the unique silhouette of Elvis in white andblack pearl on the headstock, plus “The King’s” TCB (Takin’Care of Business) monogram inlaid in the ebony heel cap .

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Eric Clapton has been a very busy fellow since theMartin Bellezza Bianca he created in collaboration withJapanese style and music trendsetter Hiroshi Fujiwaramade its debut in early 2006. First he helped put thefinishing touches on Road to Escondido, an albumrecorded with longtime friend J.J. Cale; released in late2006, it garnered excellent reviews, with the single “Ridethe River” getting significant radio airplay. Then he hit theroad for a world-encompassing concert tour that began inEurope in May of 2006, traveled through the United States,Canada, Japan, the Far East and Australia, and finallywrapped – after 111 shows – back in the United States inApril of 2007.

Last but not least, he organized and hosted theCrossroads Guitar Festival at Chicago’s Toyota Park on July28, 2007. A benefit for the Crossroads Centre, the drug andalcohol abuse treatment facility Clapton founded in 1997,the Festival featured a remarkable range of guitarists – fromB.B. King, Hubert Sumlin and Buddy Guy to RobbieRobertson, John Mayer and Jeff Beck. Clapton himself spentmuch of the Festival onstage, introducing the players, joiningthem in jams, and playing an inspired set of his own.

After such a hectic period, Clapton clearly has earned abreak and as he commented in a recent Associated Pressinterview, “…I’m going to disappear for a couple of years andhave some fun.” That fun almost certainly includes qualitytime with a new and very special Martin guitarhe has been developing over the last year:the Martin 000-42M Eric Clapton LimitedEdition.

Since the original 000-42EC EricClapton Signature Edition wasintroduced in 1995, Clapton hasexplored the sonic subtleties of varioustonewood combinations in the 000 Martinguitars that bear his name, but the 000-42M Eric Clapton Limited Edition may wellboast the most exciting tonewoodcombination yet. The top isCarpathian spruce, which blends thepower and clarity of Adirondackspruce, and the warmth andresponsiveness of Italian alpinespruce. The back and sides areMadagascar rosewood, prizedfor its uncanny resemblance inboth appearance and richresonance to the now-endangered Brazilian rosewood.Scalloped top braces give bothtonewoods full tonal expression.The 1 3/4” (at the nut) V neck withdiamond volute is carved fromgenuine mahogany.

Reminiscent of the Brazilian rosewood 000-42ECBEric Clapton Signature Edition Martin produced in2000, the 000-42M Eric Clapton Limited Editionfeatures spectacular abalone pearl appointmentsthroughout. Select abalone pearl inlays in theSt yle 45 rosette, and around the top andfingerboard extension, are highlighted by black

and white f ine line wood f iber borders. TheMadagascar rosewood headplate on the square,tapered headstock provides the canvas for the rareAlternative Torch inlay, which originated on one offour Martin 1902 00-45 instruments and has beenoffered on only a handful of Signature Editions. Inthe tradition of classic Martins from the early1930s and before, the back of the headstock bearsthe historic “C. F. Martin” pressure stamp. Theebony fingerboard showcases Style 45 abalonepearl snowflake inlays at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th,12th, 15th and 17th frets, with Eric Clapton’ssignature inlaid in mother of pearl between the19th and 20th frets.

The 000-42M Eric Clapton Limited Editionis fully bound in grained ivoroid; black and whitefine line inlays accent the headplate and miteredfingerboard binding, while black and white fineline purfling enhances the back and side binding.

A Style 45 multi-colored mosaic inlaystrip bisects the back. The headstock

is fitted with Waverly™ nickel open-geared tuning machines withwhite ivoroid butterbean knobs.Style 45 bone bridge pins toppedwith abalone pearl dot inlays onthe ebony belly bridge are

matched by an abalone pearl-inlaidbone endpin. Both the nut andcompensated saddle are craftedfrom genuine bone for exceptional

sound. The polished and beveled

acetate/nitrate vintage-styletortoise pickguard isparticularly striking againstthis guitar’s two availabletop hues: the deepamber vintage toneroffered standard and theoptional 1937 St yleSunburst, available for anextra charge. Martin’s

immaculate polished glossfinish on the body, neck and

headplate enables the richcolors of the 000-42M Eric Clapton

Exquisite Madagascar Rosewood Graces New000-42M Eric Clapton Limited Edition

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Limited Edition’s tonewoods and inlays to shine. When Eric received his personal 000-42M Eric Clapton Limited

Edition guitar – a Sunburst – he responded with an email thatsimply said: “...absolutely beautiful!”

Each 000-42M Eric Clapton Limited Edition bears an interiorlabel personally signed by Eric Clapton and individually numberedin sequence with the edition total. The guitars are delivered in adeluxe Geib™ style five-ply hardshell case. Left-handed instrumentsmay be ordered at no additional charge. Authorized C. F. Martindealers will begin taking orders immediately for the 000-42M EricClapton Limited Edition, which is limited to no more than 250special guitars. A list of participating dealers will be posted on theMartin website, www.martinguitar.com, approximately one monthafter the model's introduction. �

“Just saw it this afternoon, absolutely beautiful...and it plays great too...thanks so much.... and all the best, eric c.”

More than any other musician, Eric Clapton exemplifieseverything that a guitarist can be. He is responsible forbringing the short scaled 14-fret 000 guitar back to theforefront of acoustic music. Like Eric, the guitars thatbear his name show integrity, taste and classic design.

The 000-42M Eric Clapton Signature edition is available in eithera natural top finish, or with the option of a striking 1937 stylesunburst top finish. Both versions are graced with the alternatetorch inlay in abalone with Waverly™ ivoroid butterbean tuners.

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Rosanne Cash Furthers The Cash LegacyWith Stunning OM-28M Madagascar Rosewood Signature Edition

Nix Adams), she released Black Cadillac, a powerfulalbum of love and loss, to unanimous critical acclaim.In addition to recording and occasional concertappearances, Rosanne has written two books: Bodiesof Water, a volume of short stories published in 1996and the 2000 children’s book Penelope Jane: aFairy’s Tale. She is currently working on a memoirand an album of cover songs, both due out in 2008.

The Martin OM-28M Rosanne Cash SignatureEdition features a decorative “signature” that ranksamong the most distinctive in the entire SignatureEdition series. A beautiful abalone pearl andcomposite rose inlay on the polished African blackebony headplate is situated just under a mother ofpearl version of the familiar arched “C. F. Martin &Co.” logo. “It’s all about my name,” Rosanne noted. “Ilike using it in a variety of ways, both graphic andliterate.” On the ebony fingerboard, below the longpattern “diamonds and squares” position markers,“CASH” is inlaid between the 19th and 20th frets inmother of pearl block letters. “The lettering is veryspecial,” she explained. “I found a white patch with“CASH” in block letters in my dad’s office right afterhe died and I sewed it onto my guitar strap. When wewere designing the guitar, I asked Martin to base thefingerboard lettering on that typeface.”

A classic Martin OM, the Rosanne CashSignature Edition features superb solid

tonewoods. The Adirondack spruce top,reinforced with 1/4” width scalloped

braces, is accented by herringboneedge trim and a Style 45 rosettewith a center ring of select abalonepearl. The back and sides are rareMadagascar rosewood, with theformer divided by an HD-28 zigzag

center strip. The combination of bodystyle, tonewoods and bracing give thisinstrument extraordinary power,

balance and clarity. The grainedivoroid binding and endpiece are

trimmed with f ine black andwhite purfling.

The 1 3/4” low prof i leneck sports a solid, squaredheadstock and Gotoh nickelopen back tuners withbutterbean knobs. Both thenut and long saddle on thebelly bridge are crafted fromgenuine bone; the bridge

pins and end pin are pearl-inlaid ebony. A polished and

beveled tortoise color OMpickguard protects the top. The

spruce top is lef t natural (without

Singer and songwriter Rosanne Cash’s musicexemplifies the lady herself: intense, honest andtimeless. So when asked to design the MartinSignature Edition guitar that would bear her name, weat Martin expected she would base it on the 00-18Martin she used to play on the road or perhaps one ofthe Martin Dreadnoughts she keeps at home. We werewrong. Ever the independent, Rosanne decided on anOM and the guitar she created – the OM-28M RosanneCash Signature Edition – is the guitar she always wanted.

“I chose the OM because of the great balance ofsound,” Rosanne explained. “I’m impressed about howconsistent it is from top to bottom and how powerful it is,especially onstage. Also, it’s the perfect size for me. Myhusband John Leventhal helped with every design decisionon this guitar. I knew what I wanted and John had thelanguage – he’s a guitarist and producer, and understandsthe nuances of sound – to work with Martin in getting thedetails exactly right.”

The eldest daughter of country icon Johnny Cash,Rosanne Cash may be best known as a country artist, buther music encompasses pop, rock & roll, rockabilly, folkand blues. She began her career quietly with a self-titleddebut album in 1978, but quickly defined her unique stylewith the 1979 album Right or Wrong, which yielded three“Top 40” country hits.

Seven Year Ache, released in 1981, produced threecountry chart-topping hits and established heras a major artist. Over the next 10 years,her recordings – a mix of her ownsongs and those from some of thecountry’s best young songwriters –helped bring country music back toits roots. During those years, she hadfive “Top 40” country albums andeight more singles that reached “No.1” on the country charts. She won aGrammy in 1986, taking “Best CountryFemale Vocalist” honors for the hit “IDon’t Know Why You Don’t WantMe” and her album Interiors alsoreceived a Grammy nominationfor “Best Contemporary FolkAlbum.”

In the late 1990s andearly 2000s, Rosanneproduced three albums ofnew material, among which2003’s Rules of Travelearned her another Grammynomination for “BestContemporary Folk Album.” In2006, following the deaths ofher father, her mother (VivianCash Distin), her step-mother (JuneCarter Cash) and her step-sister (Rosey

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vintage or aging toner) and Martin’s flawless polished glossfinish on the body and neck highlights the beauty of thetonewoods and appointments.

When Rosanne Cash received a prototype of her guitar,she could barely contain her excitement. “I am SO THRILLED! Ican’t begin to tell you how much I love it. It exceeds myexpectations in every way. It’s so ME! The subtle rose and“CASH” are absolutely perfect, the color is exactly what Iwanted, the trim is gorgeous and it sounds unbelievably great. Icould not be happier.”

Delivered in a Geib® style hardshell case, each MartinOM-28M Rosanne Cash Signature Edition guitar bears aninterior label personally signed by Rosanne Cash andnumbered in sequence with the total number in the edition.

Left-handed guitars may be ordered at no additionalcharge: factory installed on-board electronics also are availableat extra cost. The number of Martin OM-28M Rosanne CashSignature Edition guitars made will be limited to no more than100 special instruments. Authorized C. F. Martin dealers willbegin taking orders immediately and the names of participatingMartin dealers will be posted on the Martin website at:www.martinguitar.com. �

Adding to the incredible musical legacy created by herfather Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash has gone much furtherthan simply finding her own voice – she has created herown niche and legacy. Her signature model incorporatesdesign input from her life and musical partner JohnLeventhal, an extraordinary musician and guitarist in hisown right. Rosanne’s colorful rose insignia graces theheadstock and “CASH” lettering, borrowed from a specialtooled leather strap given to her by her father, is inlaid inmother of pearl at the final fret.

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Folk, blues, jazz, soul, jam, reggae, rhythm &blues and gospel: Ben Harper embraces them all inmusic both richly evocative and utterly original. Inlittle more than a decade, he – both on his own andwith his band, The Innocent Criminals – has gonefrom underground sensation to international star.Whether fingerpicking sweet melodies, strummingsmooth acoustic grooves or belting surreal slide solos,he is a guitarist of undeniable power and panache.

Such a versatile guitarist needs an equally versatileguitar. Ben Harper has designed that guitar, one thatsatisfies his personal preferences for acoustic tone and on-board electronics, and showcases both traditionalappointments and his own eclectic style: the Martin HMBen Harper Special Edition.

Ben Harper literally grew up in a guitar shop, The FolkMusic Center & Museum; his grandparents opened thestore and museum in 1958, which remains in the familytoday. He was performing in his late teens with acousticguitar and lap steel as his arsenal. After a couple of yearsin an acoustic duo, he went out on his own in 1992. Hisfirst solo album, 1994's Welcome to the Cruel World,received strong reviews and Fight for Your Mind, releaseda year later, became a college radio staple and earnedhim his first gold record.

During the next two years, Harper recorded The WillTo Live, the album that solidified the InnocentCriminals, a foreshadowing of who theyhave evolved into today. But it was hisnext album, Burn to Shine, with itscatchy single “Steal My Kisses,” thattook him mainstream. More touringyielded Live from Mars in 2001 andtime in the studio producedDiamonds on the Inside in 2003,Harper's f irst album to crack theBillboard “Top 20.”

A European tour with the BlindBoys of Alabama proved somusically inspiring, Harper and thefamed gospel group made analbum together; released in2004, There Will Be Lighttopped the Gospel albumchart and won him GrammyAwards for “Best TraditionalSoul Gospel Album” and (forthe song “11th Command-ment”) “Best Pop InstrumentalPerformance.”

While continuing to tourextensively in 2006 and 2007, hereleased two more albums: 2006'sBoth Sides of the Gun, a double CDthat hit “No. 7” on the Billboard album

chart, and, with the Innocent Criminals, Lifeline, whichupon release in August of 2007, reached “No. 9” onthe Billboard album chart and hit “No. 1” on theBillboard internet album chart.

The HM Ben Harper Special Edition drawsinspiration from Martin's M size, which combines awide (16”) body with 000 (4 1/8” at the endpin)depth for powerful, yet balanced tone. Superb solidtonewoods throughout contribute to its outstandingvoice. The top of rare Adirondack spruce is matchedto 5/16” Adirondack spruce scalloped braces forextraordinary headroom and clarity; back and sides ofEast Indian rosewood add warmth and projection. The1 11/16” (at the nut) low profile neck with diamondvolute is carved from genuine mahogany.

The body displays classic Martin appointments.The top is encircled by bold herringbone purfling andmatching herringbone is featured in the three-ringsoundhole rosette. The sides and back are adornedwith maple and black fiber fine line purfling, with theback divided by a colorful Style 45 mosaic backstrip.Grained ivoroid body binding is matched by grainedivoroid endpiece and heelcap, both of which areaccented with maple and black fiber fine line inlays. Apolished and beveled acetate/nitrate vintage-styletortoise pickguard protects the top.

A rich, colorful target has become asymbol synonymous with Ben Harper; so

under the familiar gold old style “C. F.Martin” logo on the polished blackebony headplate, a version of thetarget is inlaid in orange and greencomposite stone. The black ebonyf ingerboard continues the target

theme; select abalone pearl and ebonyringed target position markers run fromthe 5th to the 17th fret. It is matched bya black ebony belly bridge and

fossilized ivory bridge pins inlaid withcolorful abalone dots.

For superb, versatile amplifiedsound, the HM Ben HarperSpecial Edition comes equippedwith a Fishman Ellipse™ MatrixBlend System, whichcombines Martin’s GoldPlus™

under-the-saddle transducer,an Ellipse internal condensermini-microphone on a flexiblegooseneck mount, and an

integrated preamp. The unit'scontrols are accessed through

the soundhole, so no guitar side isinjured in its installation. To optimize

tone – whether acoustic or amplified –

HM Ben Harper Special Signature Edition“Targets” Tone And On Stage Versatility

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the guitar is fitted with a bone nut and compensated TUSQ™

saddle. Gotoh® chrome enclosed tuners with large knobs and achrome strap button complete the appointments.

The body of the guitar is finished in polished gloss lacquer,with vintage toner on the top to enhance its traditional style.The neck receives a satin finish for player comfort.

Delivered in a vintage-inspired Geib™ style hardshell case,each HM Ben Harper Special Edition guitar bears an interiorlabel personally signed by Ben Harper and numbered insequence. Authorized C. F. Martin dealers will begin takingorders for the HM Ben Harper Special Edition immediately andMartin will post the names of participating Martin dealers on itswebsite, www.martinguitar.com. �

Photo by Todd Cribari

The mandarin and olive colorful target of earth tones on theheadstock and label of Ben Harper’s signature edition hasbecome synonymous with Ben Harper. Inspired by Ben’s M-38 and his HD-28VE stage guitars, the HM Ben Harper isequipped with Fishman’s onboard Ellipse Matrix Blend systemthat is installed unobtrusively inside the lip of the soundholefor convenient access and versatile acoustic tone.

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John Wort HannamCanadian singer/songwriter John

Wort Hannam has made his MartinOM-28 Marquis his constant companionin the studio as well as out on the road.Already being compared to fel lowcountrymen Gordon Light foot andJames Keelaghan for the depth andbreadth of his material, John travels theUnited States on a regular basis. Hisnewest album release is called “Two BitSuit.” It ’s available through John’swebsite, www.johnworthannam.com.(Len Jaffe) �

Michael BryantHailing from the Madison,

Wisconsin area, multi-instrumentalist,singer and songwriter Michael Bryantdepends on his collection of Martinguitars for recording and performing,which include his prized 1976 D-28, aswell as a rare D-28S and his D12-20 12-string. He per forms as part of theacoustic trio, “Sticky Fingers,” as well ason his own, but you’l l always seeMichael with a Martin, no matter whathe’s doing musically! (Len Jaffe) �

Photo by Lisa Sturm

Hali HicksNew to the country music scene.

Georgia’s Hali Hicks’ powerful voice isfresh, yet reminiscent of the femalecountry legends who have helped todefine the genre. She and her Martin000C-16RGTE Premium are sure tomake some national noise! Go to:myspace.com/halihickscountry. �

Pete YornWhile passing through nearby Allentown, Pete Yorn and his band stopped in to

see the Martin Factory and to play some guitars. From left to right are guitarist TimWalker, Martin designer Michelle Klock, Pete Yorn and guitarist Simon Petty. Petefell in love with Roger McGuinn’s D-7 Signature model, which he added to his geararsenal for the remainder of the tour. �

Freedy JohnstonFreedy Johnston, a Rolling Stone

Songwriter Of The Year and musicianwho is loved for his dark, tight-lippedvignettes about ordinary lives, releasestwo records in the coming year. The first,due out late in 2007, is “My FavoriteWaste Of Time” on Singing MagnetRecords. Next year, he releases “RainOn The City,” a disc of all new material.Freedy plays a 1969 Martin D-28 onboth records. He says, “They are theonly acoustic guitars worth having.”More at: freedyjohnston.com. �

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Elisabeth Von TrappFor Elisabeth Von Trapp, the sound of music is part of her

earliest memory. Born and raised in Vermont, Elisabeth is thegranddaughter of the legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp,whose story inspired The Sound of Music.

Inspired by her father Werner von Trapp’s guitar playingand singing, Elisabeth has carried on the legacy of theinternationally renowned Trapp Family Singers with a concertrepertoire ranging from Bach to Broadway–Schubert to Sting.Solo or with her group, The Blue Train, Elisabeth has beenrecording and performing with her 1991 Martin J-40. You canhear her guitar work, songs and vocals on her newest release,“Love Never Ends“ which is available at her website,www.elisabethvontrapp.com. �

Photo by dick boak

John GreenawayPerforming and teaching since the late 1960s, John

Greenaway has the distinction of having taught guitar tomany of the Martin guitar employees as part of a companysponsored program at the factory. His performancebackground is extensive, having shared the stage with artistssuch as Poco, Pure Prairie League, The Nitty Gritty DirtBand, David Bromberg, The New Riders of the Purple Sageand Commander Cody, just to name a few. He and his band“Mission Statement” are known throughout the DelawareRiver basin for evolving a unique “River Music” sound. �

Jerry Jeff WalkerThe legendary “Jerry Jeff” of Mr. Bojangles fame popped

into the Austin NAMM Show in the driving rain to samplethe necks on some Marquis and Golden Era Martin guitarsprior to placing his custom order for a very special 0-sized14-fret guitar that he calls “The Little Jewel.” �

Blue MurderEquipped with his 000-18MC Signature Edition, Martin

Carthy and his recording band Blue Murder have releasedtheir new CD entitled “No One Stands Alone.” Left to right,the band consists of Barry Coope, Jim Boyes, Martin Carthy,Norma Waterson, Lester Simpson, Mike Waterson and ElizaCarthy (in front). Of course there is tremendous instrumentalfinesse, but the real purpose of the band is found in “the sheerjoy of singing and playing together in harmony.” �

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British singer and guitarist Billy Idol has been treatinghis fans to acoustic performances on his two Martin000-28EC Eric Clapton Signature models. This photowas taken at a 2005 Ventura, California show. �

Touring on the heels of his groundbreaking albumContinuum, John Mayer treats his audiences with bothelectric and acoustic guitar virtuosity. This photo wastaken on July 5th, 2007 at a concert in San Jose. �

Michael McKean (left, as lead singer “David St. Hubbins” with hisMartin M-38) appeared with Christopher Guest (right, as guitarist“Nigel Tufnel”) in a Spinal Tap/Mighty Wind performance at the“Concert For A Cause” benefit at The Avalon Theatre in Hollywood.The event was sponsored by the International Myeloma Foundation,whose mission it is to combat bone marrow cancer. The eveningincluded Harry Shearer (who opened the show with his Martinacoustic bass) and Jane Lynch, both of whom were original castmembers of “A Mighty WInd,” as well as many of the other hilariousChristopher Guest films. As a side note, Christopher Guest appearedface to face with his alter-ego Nigel Tufnel in a 1970s Martin ad (inset)at the height of the Spinal Tap phenomenon. They both played theirMartin J-40M models. Christopher exclaimed: “Nigel, turn the volumedown.” Nigel replied: “I can’t. It isn’t on!” �

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Tommy Roe (left) relishes his new Martin custom with West LAMusic sales manager Mark Spiwak. Tommy is a multifacetedinternational artist who wrote and recorded six top ten hitsbetween 1962 and 1969, more than any other singleartist/songwriter during this period. He earned four gold records,but is perhaps best known for two of his hits, “Sheila” and “Dizzy,”that topped the Billboard chart at #1. �

Tommy Roe

John Mayer

Billy Idol

Spinal Tap

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David Portal, performs in 2006 with Martin guitar andvocals for the band Pope Syndicate, a supertight post-grunge quartet with big fat guitar riffs, fierce throatyvocals, and sheer determination. �

KD Lang

Playing Martin guitars and swapping songs with country musiclegend Merle Haggard is the ultimate experience. Here Merle isjoined by his friend and local recording artist Michael Herndon ofQuincy, California. Michael, who has several great CDs to hiscredit, humbly admits to only two legends being present in thisphotograph: Merle Haggard and Martin Guitars! Don’t count himshort though, as Merle appears on Michael’s next release. �

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Barry McGuire (left) was an early member of The New ChristieMinstrels earning Gold Records for “Green Green” and “GreenBack Dollar,” before making it big with his hit song “Eve ofDestruction.” Barry was the lead singer in the original musicalproduction of “Hair” and was immortalized in the classic Mamasand Papas song “Creque Alley.” He’s pictured above with hisMartin D12-28 and of course his longtime friend and musical duopartner Terry Talbot, who is holding his Martin OMC-Aura. Terryhas an equally rich history in American music. Before his journeyinto Christian music, he was the founder of the country rock bandMason Proffit. For the past two decades, Terry has helped to shapethe Contemporary Christian Music genre and for the last sevenyears, he and Barry have toured extensively at Talbot McGuire,recording four CDs and producing a live video. �

Barry McGuire

TerryTalbot

Merle Haggard Portal

The prolif ic and exceptionally talented singer,songwriter and guitarist K. D. Lang performed with hernew Martin OM-42 at Humphrey's By The Bay in SanDiego, California during her ongoing 2007 tour. �

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Hildene – The Abraham Lincoln Family HomeThis exquisite Martin 00-45 (Serial #10760) with its original

embossed leather case was made in January of 1908. It waspurchased by the Lincoln family and was often played by PeggyLincoln Beckwith, daughter of Robert Todd Lincoln andgranddaughter of Abraham Lincoln. For many decades, the guitar hasbeen part of the collection at “Hildene,” the Lincoln Family Homeand Museum in Manchester, Vermont. The guitar found its way hometo Nazareth in early 2007 and after considerable refurbishment bythe Martin Repair Department, it has now been returned to Hildene,where it is proudly displayed as a significant icon of Americana. �

Lori McKennaSinger/songwriter Lori McKenna

borrowed her brother's D-18 eleven yearsago to perform at an open mike. Fromthat humble start, she has recently hadcountry music superstar Faith Hill recordthree of her songs. “I have lots of guitarsto choose from,” Lori points out, “but Ichoose Martin.” Her guitar of choicethese days is a 000-15 kept in DADGADtuning. You can check out Lori's musicalcomings and goings on the web at:www.lorimckenna.com. (Len Jaffe) �

Mike SeegerMike Seeger visited Martin to

refurbish his favorite Martin guitar, the12-fret 0-18 made in 1920 shown above.Check out Mike’s prolific folk career athttp://mikeseeger.info. �

Photo by dick boak

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Ian Anderson – Jethro TullTull front man Ian Anderson was captured for

posterit y playing one of his many modified0-16NY Martin guitars on stage during a JethroTull concert tour in 1979. Ian liked these specificmodels and typically modernized them with theaddition of a pickup and a swap for more currenttuning machines. �

Music History - Martin History

Mike CrossBased in the Chapel Hill, NC area, singer,

songwriter, musician, and humorist Mike Crosshas been using his Martin HD-28 (correctly) for acouple of decades now, and you can still see himin concert on a limited basis with his favorite 6-string acoustic guitar. Check out his website,www.mikecross.com, and pick up his newestalbum, “At Large In The World” directly fromhim. (Len Jaffe) �

C. F. Martin III with The Kingston TrioAlthough he doesn’t look tremendously comfortable, C. F. Martin III

(center) must have been awfully proud to join up with Dave Guard andBob Shane (left), and Nick Reynolds (right) of The Kingston Trio atPrinceton University on November 5, 1960. The short fellow with the capis their upright bass player David “Buckwheat” Wheat. Mr. Martin was asproud a graduate of Princeton as you could ever find, and the Trio’s hugepopularity certainly helped to sell a lot of Martin guitars! �

Elizabeth CottenPopular on the folk scene with her unique fingerpicking style,

Elizabeth Cotten is captured during a 1970 performance with her right-handed Martin 00-18 being played upside down. �

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In true country tradition, the top bears a unique,custom-designed oversized nitrate tortoise-coloredpickguard, based upon the unique and historic designsthat Porter developed in collaboration with Martinthroughout the years.

Scalloped hexagon abalone pearl position markersfrom the 1st to the 17th frets – previously offered on

the George Jones Signature Edition in 2000 – shineagainst the African black ebony fingerboard and arematched by wagon wheel inlays in mother of pearl onthe wings of the African black ebony belly bridge. “C. F.Martin” block letters are inlaid in abalone pearl on thepolished East Indian rosewood headplate, and the whiteStyle 45 bridge and end pins are topped with abalonepearl dots. Flawlessly finished in polished gloss lacquer,the D-41 Porter Wagoner Custom Edition displays astage charisma rivaled only by the man himself.

A native of Missouri, Porter Wagoner began hismusical career on radio, f irst on KWPM in hishometown of West Plains and later at KWTO inSpringfield. His first major success in country musiccame in 1953 as a songwriter, when “Trademark”became a hit single for Carl Smith. Wagoner had hisfirst “Top 10” hit in 1954 with “Company’s Coming”and soon after recorded “A Satisfied Mind,” whichstayed at “No. 1” for four weeks and remained on thecountry charts for more than eight months.

Among the first country stars to recognizethe power of television, Wagoner started

the syndicated “Porter Wagoner Show”in 1960. The show stayed on the air foran impressive 21 years, airing in nearly100 markets and popularizing countrymusic across the United States. The hitrecords kept coming, including thechart-topping “Misery Loves Company”in 1962, the soon-to-be-a-standard“Green, Green Grass of Home” in 1965and the “Top 10” hit “Cold Hard Factsof Life” in 1967. In 1967, Wagonerintroduced a new female duet

partner to his stage show: DollyParton. He and Dolly performedand recorded together well intothe 1970s and several of theirduets were hits. During this erahe also worked with theBlackwood Brothers, pickingup three Grammy awards forgospel music.

The 1970s brought moresolo hits. In 1976, Wagoner

retired from the road to devotehimself to his television show and to

produce records at his Fireside Studios.

“Wagonmaster” Custom Edition Dreadnought Honors Porter Wagoner’s Long Career And Legacy

For many, Porter Wagoner’s broad smile, flashystage costumes and distinctive voice have been theessence of country music stardom. Yet even thesedescriptors do not capture the importance of the“Thin Man from West Plains” to country music. Astaggering 81 singles on the country charts, a hugetelevision presence in the 1960s and 1970s, a superbwriter of country songs and a key role in launching DollyParton’s career have solidified Porter Wagoner’s position asone of the most influential and respected country artistsever. With his passing in late October of 2007, the Martinguitar he inspired serves as a f itting tribute to anirreplaceable performer and individual.

Up until the very end, he continued to play the musiche loved, having recently released Wagonmaster. Producedwith the encouragement of his good friend Marty Stuart,the 17-song disc showcases Wagoner’s gift for wrapping hisresonant voice around stirring narratives. In addition to bothnew and familiar songs, Wagonmaster features a track –“Committed to Parkview” – hand-picked for Porter nearly25 years ago by Johnny Cash (after having previously beenrecorded by Cash and with the Highwaymen). Presentedand paced like a stage show, Wagonmaster spins throughtales of extreme mental anguish (“Be a Little Quieter”),blind romantic ardor (“Who Knows Right from Wrong”),back hills hard times (“Eleven Cent Cotton”), powerfullydelivered spiritual messages (“A Place to Hang My Hat,”“Satan's River”) and, with the strikinglyoffbeat “Albert Erving” and a fine versionof the Wagoner-Dolly Partoncollaboration “My Many HurriedSouthern Trips,” some sharplyetched, rich glimpses of everyday life.

Among Porter Wagoner’s mostcherished accolades was hisinduction into the Grand Ole Opry in1957. 2007 marked the 50th year thatPorter performed with the Grand OleOpry and with the assistance ofMart y Stuart, C. F. Martinembarked on the creation of a D-41 Porter Wagoner CustomEdition to mark the anniversaryand honor this fine man for hiscontributions to countrymusic.

As to be expected of aguitar honoring one ofcountry’s great entertainers,the D-41 Porter WagonerCustom Edition guitar ispristine and pure. Martin’s mostcolorful abalone pearl brightensthe St yle 41 rosette and theperimeter of the aging toner-hued top.

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He returned to touring in the 1980s and took a role in themovie “Honkytonk Man,” starring Clint Eastwood. In the1990s, though he essentially stopped recording, he appearedfrequently on the Nashville Network and became a mainstayat the Grand Ole Opry. In 2002, he was inducted into theCountry Music Hall of Fame.

Wagoner returned to the studio in the new millennium torecord two superb gospel albums. Then in 2005, with hismore recent singing partner Pam Gadd, he releasedSomething to Brag About, a fine album featuring newversions of classic country songs. That same year, he alsorecorded his “20 All Time Greatest Hits,” an album in whichhe revisited the songs for which he is most famous. Now,with Wagonmaster, his first album of original material in manyyears, Porter Wagoner has left a special departing gift for anew generation of country music fans.

While handsomely appointed, the D-41 Porter WagonerCustom Edition shows traditional Martin quality throughout.The premium solid tonewoods include a top of the finestEngelmann Spruce paired with forward shifted 5/16”scalloped bracing for rich, open tone, back and sides of EastIndian rosewood for deep, warm timbre and a low profile1 11/16” (at the nut) neck with diamond volute carved fromgenuine mahogany.

Back, sides and neck all are bound in elegant grainedivoroid, and are matched by grained ivoroid on the heelcapand endpiece, the latter bordered by black/white fine lineinlays. The headplate is bound in grained ivoroid inset with

fine black/white inlays, and is appointed with Gotoh goldopen-geared tuners with matching gold butterbean knobs. Thenut and compensated saddle are crafted from genuine bone.

Presented in a Geib vintage style hardshell case, eachMartin D-41 Porter Wagoner Custom Edition guitar features aspecial interior “Wagonmaster” label personally signed byPorter Wagoner prior to his passing. Marty Stuart, his friendand co-collaborator, has also personally signed the label, eachof which is numbered in sequence. Authorized C. F. Martindealers are now accepting orders for the D-41 Porter WagonerCustom Edition. Although the special Porter Wagonerpickguard is available on right-handed models only, either left-handed or right-handed models may be ordered with theoption of a standard Martin pickguard at no additional cost.

We are all tremendously saddened with Porter’s passing. Itis our hope that his music and his memory will be preservedand commemorated in each of the special guitars that bear hisname. �

In Memory OfPorter Wagoner

1927-2007

Honoring Porter Wagoner’s 50th Anniversary as a member ofthe Grand Ole Opry, longtime friend Marty Stuart joinedPorter on the Opry stage to celebrate Porter ’s hugecontribution to country music.

Wagonmaster “I will proudly strum the strings

of this fine guitar!”May 19, 2007

“I started playing Martin Guitars in the 1950's. Most of the songs that I wrote and performed on my television show, The Porter Wagoner Show, were on my D-28. That guitar was like an old friend. To have a Martin Guitar named after me is truly an honor. Thank you C. F. Martin & Co. for this wonderful tribute to me.”

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black/white inlays. The back is bisected with a Style 45multicolored mosaic marquetry strip. The nut andcompensated saddle are crafted from genuine bone.The polished and beveled tortoise-color pickguard andsubtle aging toner on the top suggest vintage patina.Martin’s flawless gloss lacquer finish on the body addsto the guitar’s beauty, and the neck’s satin finish

enhances player comfort.Like the Martin guitar that bears his name, Stefan

Grossman has blended timeless tradition and freshideas throughout his musical career. His blues journeybegan as a teenager in Brooklyn, sparked by a Big BillBroonzy record. Soon after acquiring a guitar, he begantraveling to Harlem on weekends to study with bluessinger/guitarist Reverend Gary Davis, a ritual that lastedfor three years. During the years he studied withReverend Davis, he met and learned from otheracoustic blues masters, including Mississippi John Hurt,Son House, Skip James and Mississippi Fred McDowell.He found additional musical influences in the old 78recordings of Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller, Blind LemonJefferson, Charley Patton and other legendary countrybluesmen.

Grossman was one of many musicians in the early1960s to play in Greenwich Village’s Washington Parkon Sunday afternoons and he joined forces withseveral of them – including John Sebastian, Maria

D’Amato (Muldaur), Joshua Rifkin, SteveKatz and David Grisman – in the Even

Dozen Jug Band. The group broke upafter one album, but his career path inmusic was set.

Beginning with “How to PlayBlues Guitar” in 1966, a record madewith an assist from friend and fellow

blues traveler Rory Block, Grossman hasreleased more than 30 albums. Notableamong his solo records are “Yazoo

Basin Boogie,” “Bottleneck Serenade,”“Shining Shadows” (a fine album of

original material) and – mostrecently – the two-CD set“These Pleasant Days – TheTransatlantic Anthology.” Healso has recorded several well-received collaborations withfamed British guitarist JohnRenbourn. Although he touredextensively for more than 35

years, a back problem curtailedlive performances in the 1980s

and 1990s. In recent years he hasreturned to the concert stage,

touring Japan, England, Italy, Franceand the United States.

New Herringbone Jumbo HJ-38 Custom EditionCelebrates Acoustic Blues Master Stefan Grossman

One of the world’s foremost authorities onacoustic blues, Stefan Grossman has performed,recorded, taught, produced, transcribed andarchived this classic American music for more than40 years. However, Grossman’s musical paletteextends well beyond the genre for which he is bestknown, as he noted in choosing Martin’s J (for Jumbo)body as the starting point for his namesake HJ-38Stefan Grossman Custom Edition guitar.

“I played a number of guitars at Martin and the onethat impressed me for all-around feel and sound was the Jmodel,” he said. “My music ranges from Reverend GaryDavis and Mississippi John Hurt to classic rags and jazzarrangements. The “J” model allows me to play a diversevariety of musical styles.”

Carefully selected premium tonewoods enhance theHJ-38 Stefan Grossman Custom Edition’s big, versatilesound. Back and sides of beautiful Madagascar rosewoodprovide definition and depth akin to the rarer but prizedBrazilian rosewood. The Sitka spruce top, matched to 1/4”width forward-shifted scalloped braces, contributes rich,smooth tone. Carved from genuine mahogany, the 1 3/4”(at the nut) modif ied “V” neck of fers comfortablechording and plenty of room for picking pyrotechnics.

The handsome appointments on the HJ-38 StefanGrossman Custom combine tradition with a bit ofpizzazz. The Style 45 rosette showcases a centerring of intensely colored paua abalone.The solid square tapered headstockfeatures a polished headplate ofMadagascar rosewood inlaid with“C. F. Martin” in Style 45 abaloneblock letters and fitted with goldWaverly® tuners. The black ebonyf ingerboard highlights the rare“Wurlitzer” pattern of posit ionmarkers in abalone pearl: Maltesecross at the 3rd fret, two slotteddiamonds at the 5th fret, slottedsquare at the 7th fret, two slotteddiamonds at the 9th fret, slottedsquare with cat’s eye inlays atthe 12th and 15th frets.White Style 45 bridge pinson the black ebony bridgeare topped with abalonepearl.

Fine herringbone purf-ling around the top, andfine black/white purf lingaround the sides and backare protected by grainedivoroid binding. Both the neckand headstock also are bound ingrained ivoroid and inset with fine

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In 1968, he co-founded (in partnership with Ed Denson)Kicking Mule Records, a label that showcased a range ofacoustic players, including Bob Brozman, Duck Baker, PeterFinger and Eric Thompson. Though the partnership dissolvedin the mid 1980s, he remained in the record businessworking for Shanachie Records well into the 1990s.

Ironically, Grossman may be as famous for teachingmusic as playing it. Stefan Grossman’s Guitar Workshopbegan in 1963 with guitar lessons on reel-to-reel audio tapeand – after offering record-and-tablature sets for those whowanted to learn to play – became one of the first companiesto embrace video as a teaching tool. Today the companyoffers an impressive array of instructional DVDs featuringtop musicians, (i.e. Chet Atkins, John Renbourn, LarryCoryell, Buster B. Jones, David Laibman, Fred Sokolow, ErnieHawkins and others) as well as CD/book audio lessons. OnDVD, his Vestapol Videos preserves and releases archivalf i lm material of famous musicians, and showcasescontemporary guitarists in concert and in the studio.

Each Martin HJ-38 Stefan Grossman Custom Editionguitar bears an interior label personally signed by StefanGrossman and numbered in sequence, and each comeswith a Geib® style hardshell case. Left-handed guitars maybe ordered at no additional charge. Factory installedelectronics are an extra-cost option. Authorized C. F. Martindealers now are taking orders for this open-ended CustomEdition and participating dealers will be posted on theMartin website, www.martinguitar.com. �

A proud Stefan Grossman holds #1 of his HJ-38 CustomSignature Edition. The model is based upon the Martin Jumbosize which combines the “M” or “0000” shape with the deepDreadnought depth. Combining a forward shifted scallopedbraced Sitka spruce soundboard with Madagascar rosewoodback and sides yields a powerfully open yet balanced tonalityperfect for Stefan’s influential acoustic blues style.

“Right out of the box, this guitar sounds like agreat old vintage Martin, and the craftsmanshipis spot on! Of course, aesthetically it’s verybeautiful, but the tone that the Madagascarrosewood lends is strong and full of complexity.I’m proud to have it bear my name!”

Stefan Grossman

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Photo by dick boak

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Laurence Juber has been on an incredible rollsince Martin introduced the OMC-28M LaurenceJuber Custom Edition – now one of the most popularguitars in the entire Custom Artist series – in thesummer of 2006. I've Got the World on Six Strings,the album featuring music by composer Harold Arlenhe had just completed, was released late in 2006 tosome of the best reviews of his career. During theremainder of 2006 and early 2007, he touredextensively, performing in United States, Asia and Europe.

He took time away from the road to record PCH (theinitials for Pacific Coast Highway), a new album featuringoriginals and a few covers, and completed twoinstructional DVDs, all three of which were released inlate 2007. He also finished a folio of pop/rock guitararrangements that will be published in early 2008. Hesomehow found time to do several studio sessions andget back together with fellow Wings members DennyLaine and Denny Seiwell for some shows in Las Vegas.Even for a guy whose career has included lead guitarduties with Paul McCartney's band Wings, two Grammyawards, lots of soundtrack work, and nearly 15 years ofconcerts and solo albums that have confirmed hisstanding as one of the masters of fingerstyle guitar (alldetailed in the January 2002, January 2004 and July 2006editions of Sounding Board, at www.martinguitar.com), ithas been a busy 18 months.

It was while in the studio working onPCH that Juber became inspired topropose a fourth Martin namesakeguitar. “Several of the tracks wererecorded with a small combo and -though I love my rosewood OMCs forsolo performances and recordings - mymahogany OMC-18VLJ SignatureEdition offered clarity better suited toensemble work. Since Martin producedonly 133 of that guitar, I thought wecould revisit the body st yle andtonewood combination, but makeenough changes to create anopen-ended, moderately pricedCustom Edition. We didprecisely that, and the newMartin OMC-18 LaurenceJuber Custom Edition iseverything I hoped it wouldbe.”

The OMC-18 LaurenceJuber Custom Edition featuresthe same long scale and roundedVenetian cutaway 000 body ofprevious Laurence Juber signatureguitars. Like the 2002's OMC-18VLJ, thisCustom Edition also combines an Adirondack

spruce top, 1/4” scalloped Adirondack spruce bracesand genuine mahogany back and sides. Andconsistent with the three previous Laurence Jubers, itdoesn't have a pickguard.

A style 28 rosette, in keeping with the diamondvolute on the back side of the neck, is blended withvintage tortoise-colored Style 18 top and backbindings with traditional St yle 18 black/whiteBoltaron® inlay lines.

In a departure from the previous mahogany Juber,the OMC-18 Laurence Juber Custom Edition's 1 3/4”(at the nut) modified V mahogany neck features adiamond volute. “Actually, my prototype of the OMC-18VLJ had the volute, but it was eliminated on theproduction version,” he noted. “I like the feel of it andasked to have it included on this guitar.” It also has atwo-way adjustable truss rod for precise reliefadjustment. The headplate of Madagascar rosewood(equal in beauty to the Brazilian rosewood of theOMC-18VLJ) provides the background for the OldStyle gold Martin logo decal. The headstock also isequipped with Gotoh® nickel tuners with butterbeanknobs.

The black ebony fingerboard bears elegantabalone pearl “Doppler dot” (i.e. sequentiallysmaller) position markers at the 5th, 7th and 9th frets,a feature both of the OMC-18VLJ and Style 18Martins from the early 1930s, but – in keeping with

the Laurence Juber guitars’ tradition ofelegance – no signature. The bellybridge is also black ebony, and the nutand compensated drop-in saddle arecrafted from genuine bone. Plainebony bridge and end pins enhance

the guitar's understated beauty, as doesthe natural, untinted top (a sunburst topmay be ordered as an extra costoption). The OMC-18 Laurence Juber

Custom Edition showcases Martin'sflawless high gloss lacquer finish

throughout, including the neckand headplate.

This Custom Edition isavailable – at extra cost – with arange of factory instal ledelectronics. A lef t handedguitar also may be ordered atno additional charge. Eachguitar is delivered in a Geib™

style vintage five-ply hardshellcase.

The Martin OMC-18 LaurenceJuber Custom Edition guitar bears an

interior label personally signed by LaurenceJuber and numbered in sequence. Authorized C. F. Martin

LJ Comes Full Circle With OMC-18 MahoganyLaurence Juber Custom Artist Edition

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dealers will begin taking orders for the open-ended OMC-18 Laurence Juber Custom Edition immediately andparticipating dealers will be listed on the Martin website,www.martinguitar.com. �

Adding to this popular series of professional performanceguitars, Laurence Juber is pictured above with his OMC-18 Custom Artist Edition model. The appointments areaustere, but with an Adirondack spruce soundboard, thetone is complex, brilliant and clean. Laurence oftendescribes the sound of mahogany as “Chardonnay,” ascompared to the “Cabernet” tonality of his more resonantrosewood OMC-28M model. Each has a special place inboth the recording and performance demands of thisuncompromising guitarist.

Laurence Juber – PCHRecorded at the historic Capitol Records Hollywood Studio

and featuring guest performances by Leland Sklar on bass, RussKunkel on drums and Jim Cox on keyboards, this is perhaps theultimate Laurence Juber recording. Bri l l iant acousticarrangements of concert favorites like “Layla” will please longtime fans and as a bonus, three of the ensemble numbers arepresented as acoustic guitar solo bonus tracks for the guitaristsin the audience who want their LJ unadulterated. �

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Big Water - In the GardenArtist Rob Selvaggio (a.k.a. Big Water)offers this solo acoustic project of reallife recordings. Blending an HD-28LSVwith his intricately woven vocalharmonies, Rob is quick to draw you inwith his uplifting lyrics. The passion inhis voice is haunting, the tone of hisguitar, unmistakable. Songs like “I CanClimb This Mountain” and “DreamsDo Come True” rally hope throughdetermination. �

Dion - Son Of Skip JamesThis self-produced follow-up to his 2006Grammy-nominated “Bronx in Blue”release continues the endless stream ofmusical brilliance from this living legend.With his 000C Dion model in hand andon the cover, his voice channels the soulof the early Blues masters. Authentic infeel, yet polished in tone, this collectionof mostly traditional blues standards alsooffers a few new Dion originals, heartfeltand super cool. Yo! �

Vusi Mahlasela - Guiding StarDave Matthews, Ladysmith BlackMambazo, Derek Trucks, and othermusical giants unite behind one ofAfrica’s most vibrant voices. The CDopens with Jabula (“happiness” inZulu), and sets the mood for 16 tracksof pure positive energy and reflection.It is a celebration of world instruments,native rhythms, joyful vocals and thegentle gentle strum of Vusi’s trustedDC-17E Martin guitar. �

Bo Lozoff & Friends - Whatever It TakesThe result of Bo Lozoff’s first foray intothe studio in nearly twenty years,Whatever It Takes is a thought fulcountry collection recorded on aMartin D-35. Lozoff donated all rightsto this CD to the Human KindnessFoundation, which plans to use themoney to help fund the opening ofone of the first biodiesel refineries inthe Southeastern United States. �

The Avett Brothers - EmotionalismNorth Carolina natives, The AvettBrothers, have hit the mark with theirnewest record, Emotionalism, perfectlyblending their bluegrass and punkinf luences with timeless popsongwriting sensibilities. Beautifulharmonies and catchy hooks make thisrecord shine, and Seth Avett’s Martinguitar has stood up well throughoutthe intense live performances that havebecome the Avett’s trademark. �

Marshall ArtzWith their Martin D-41 and D-28 models, the

cleverly named duo of Brad Marshall and Kevin Artzof fer up a beautiful array of acoustic albumscovering a wide range of styles. And if you’re in theVirginia/Washington D.C. area, you can catch theduo live, often performing at local clubs and fairs.www.marshallartz.net. �

Kim & Reggie Harris - Get On BoardGrammy nominated in the Traditional Folk

category for 2007, “Get On Board” is a rebirth of“Underground Railroad & Civil Rights FreedomSongs.” It’s brought to the studio in spiritual accordby a family of musical guests ranging from MartinSignature Artists Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, torapper Baby Jay. Kim and Reggie’s arrangements ofthese African American songs of spirit overcomingstruggle are memorable and brilliant. Find more at:www.kimandreggie.com �

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Jim Earp – Guitar UncoveredAs Jim says: “This CD is for lovers ofgreat popular music and instrumentalguitar.” So true! Jim Earp’s techniqueand experience possess a level of skilland dynamic that many players onlydream of. His instrument is a rareSP000C-16TR from 1997. Perhaps morerare is his ability to select only the finestsongs to cover and perform them withsuch passion. Yet another impeccableSolidAir Records production. �

Matt Reasor and the Madness - Pentecostal Pasta SaladFrom his pounding Martin guitarrhythm, indie vocals, and acousticshuffle and slide, Matt Reasor and theMadness exhibit a dynamic not foundin traditional Nashville bands. Withinspirations ranging from Little JimmyDickens to the New York Dolls, Matt’stechnique weaves with heavy, almosthumorous riffs. Willie Nelson says,“Pay attention to this one!” �

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M. J. Nelson - Heaven BoundM. J. Nelson channels the spirit ofHank Williams on his new album,performing nine songs penned by thecountry legend in addition to a few ofhis own originals. With the twang of his00 Martin, Nelson moves seamlesslybetween the lonesome country of“Heaven Bound” and the gritty bluesof “Angel of Death.” The clickity-clackrailroad beat of “I’m Gonna Sing” willhave you tapping your foot. �

Stephen Stills - Just Roll TapeLost for 40 years, this musical gem wasrecovered by fate and bears greattreasures. Soloing on his vintageMartin, Stills sketches out his newsongs with passion. Pre-CSN versionsof "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” ”HelplesslyHoping” and “Wooden Ships” are sureto be a vital part of any CSN(&Y)collection. Stephen says that “thesesongs now feel like great friends whenthey were really young!” �

Rory Block -The Lady and Mr. JohnsonPlaying her signature OM-40 RoryBlock Martin guitar and an OM-28V,the prolific Rory Block recreates thedelta blues of Robert Johnson as onlya faithful disciple could. Rory hasdevoted her life to the music of thelate blues legend and her passion hascertainly provided her with anauthority that lets her shine on thisspecial recording. �

Cole Younger BandJohn Pollard adds acoustic guitar and lead

vocals to The Cole Younger Band, a group that hasconsiderable exposure and popularity in Delawareand the surrounding mid-Atlantic states. A long timeMartin player, John is pictured with his D-76Bicentennial Edition guitar. The band has released apair of CDs: their first album “Ride On” and theirmore recent “Younger All The Time” (inset above).A consummate songwriter, John has released twosolo CDs: “Bethany” and “Winds of Time.” Find outmore at: www.coleyoungerband.com. �

Rory BlockStefan Grossman’s Guitar Workshop has

released this in-depth instructional DVD from thethe queen of country blues and slide. With her arrayof Martin OMs, this DVD goes beyond the typicalwith intimate vignettes about Rory’s life, her musicand the legendary bluesmen that have influencedher highly developed playing style. �

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“Clapton’s Choice” for Slack Key GuitarBobby Moderow Jr. plays in the

style of Ki Ho'alu or Slack-key guitar, anindigenous style of guitar playing inHawaii that pre-dates the blues. Theguitar’s arrival is a tale that includes theintroduction of cattle to Hawaii by JamesVancouver, a sea captain. As the cattlegrew in numbers, ranches were needed.Spanish cowboys (Vaqueros) fromCalifornia were commissioned to helpwith the set up. They brought theirguitars to entertain themselves at theend of their work days. The Hawaiianranch hands immediately took to theguitar as they had not yet seen or heardanything like it before.

Hawaiian history was passed downorally, through chants. This was howmany famil ies perpetuated anddocumented significant life events. Theguitar gave them a new way to add acompletely different melody to their oralhistory. When the Vaqueros left Hawaiito return to California, they left theirguitars with their new Hawaiian friends.However, the Hawaiians were not taughthow to play these new instruments. TheHawaiians, with their great ear, loosenedthe keys of the guitar to f ind opentunings which they thought pleasant.This is how Slack Key was born. TheHawaiians developed a style of guitarplaying that married both the bass andthe melody. With time, many familiesdeveloped their own unique style of KiHo’alu. These styles were so special, thatmany families did not openly share them

M A R T I N S T R I N G Swith any outsider.

Enter, Bobby Moderow Jr., who isnot of Hawaiian descent and has nofamily members who played Slack Key.These two factors made it very difficultfor him to find someone to teach himSlack Key. He bought a Martin D-37K2with hopes of learning “Ki Ho’alu.”Purchasing the guitar was the easy part.Then, he met one of the last gurus of thistraditional style. His name is RaymondKaleoalohapo’ina’oleohelemanu Kane –a true Hawaiian on every level who waswilling to teach “an eager, crazy, young,seventeen year-old kid the ropes of SlackKey.” The music that Raymond sharedwith Bobby was gospel and “the gates ofheaven” opened every time he taughthim a new song. Bobby studied with“Uncle Ray” for 3 years. With hisblessings, Bobby then began playing onhis own and eventually formed the bandMaunalua (CD below).

Bobby relayed to us the reasons whythe Martin “Clapton’s Choice” stringswork so well for the Slack Key playingstyle. During a typical performance, hegenerally uses anywhere from six to eightdifferent tunings – from Low C to High Cand everything in between. The stringsreally hold together in the lowfrequencies and he says the sustain hegets from them is “awesome!” Almostpiano like chimes jump off his guitarnow. He likes the medium gauged setbecause the range accommodates abroad spectrum of colors. “They are theperfect strings on my OMC-16E” – thenewest addition to Bobby’s ‘ohana(family) of Martin guitars. �

In addition to our story at left aboutBobby Moderow, Jr. and his bandMaunalua, the other many great“kings” of Hawaiian Slack Key styleinclude Cyril Pahinui (two of his CDsabove), Ledward Kaapana, GeorgeKahamoku, Jr., Ozzie Kotani, KeoliKahumoku, and Daniel Ho (included onthe compendium below). This is a greatgenre, deserving of your attention.

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Martin FX Flexible CoreStrings Pass The Test!Don Parsons is a luthier in the mid-

Hudson Valley of New York State. He’sbeen playing guitar for 40 years andenjoys mostly country, folk, bluegrass,blues and solo fingerstyle. He oftenplays at Hoot and Open Mike nightsthroughout New England and herecently had the opportunity to try thenew Martin FX strings in 80/20 Bronze –Light & Light/Medium and the PhosphorBronze in Light/Medium. Here’s whatDon has to say:

“I guess my playing is about 70%fingerstyle and 30% flatpicking. It hasbeen difficult over the years to find astring that sounds good when playedeither way. Martin’s Light/Mediums haveprovided a nice compromise for me.(The best of both worlds you might say!)Then along came the Martin FX strings –thinner core, more flexible, makes sense.They are very comfortable to fingerpick.For me, the real treat with the FX stringsis how great they play & sound with apick. Hammer-ons, pull-offs and bendsare a breeze.”

Don recently took a few sets to hislocal guitar shop (they hadn’t receivedtheir FX shipment yet) and he asked ifthey would put them on guitars indifferent price ranges. Don played theseguitars with the original strings on them,making sure the strings weren’t dead,then he played the guitars with the FXstrings on them. Don was surprised athow much these strings enhanced thetonal qualities in each of these guitars.After all, isn’t that what we look for in aguitar string? In Don’s opinion: “TheseFX strings from Martin are the best all-around strings on the market today!” �

We’d love to hear your string story! Send your stories and pictures to:

editor@martinguitar.comSubject line: “String Stories.”

Don Parsons playing his 1936 00-17with Martin FX Strings.

How do you increase stringflexibility without decreasing

tension on the FX sets? Our Martin FX strings have basically

the same tensions as our Martin SP andMartin Strings in the respective gauges.We specifically designed the strings todeliver the same tension as our otherstring products yet provide a more flexibleand responsive string. This combination ofsimilar tension and increased flexibilitydelivers a new generation of strings fortoday’s musician. The increased flexibilitydecreases finger fatigue and increasesstring response and control. Martin FX isappropriate for master f ingerst yleperformers given its brilliant attack andincreased string control. Beginning playerswill appreciate the comfort, reducedfatigue and quick response.

We are often asked how we keep thetension the same while increasingflexibility. Tension of a guitar string is afunction of the mass of the string, thescale length and the frequency. When weset out to build the FX line, we started withthe concept of maintaining the currenttension on a standard set. We then used athinner wire as the core and built up thewrap dimension to achieve the mass perunit length necessary at each frequency.This results in the same tension. We reportour tension based on a 25.4” scale length.

We noted several other positiveresults in the development of the FX string.The mass of the string was built withdenser materials which result in differenttonal properties. The FX strings deliver animproved fundamental tone and slightlyless harmonic overtone, providing a greatstring for studio recording and fingerstyleapplications.

Use of a plated core wire increasesthe tensile property of the string, creatinga stronger and more durable string. In thisregard, the FX string delivers the samedurability as our popular Martin SP string:you can stay in tune and play longer. Wehave chosen zinc plating for the FX seriesto brighten up the attack for fingerstyleplayers. Look for our new 12 string FXFlexible Core set in early 2008. Designedto reduce fatigue and increase playability!

Ask For These FX And OtherMartin Acoustic String Sets At Your Local Authorized C. F. Martin Dealership

Martin Acoustic FX 80/20Available in Medium, Medium/Light,

Light and Custom Light Gauges

Martin FX Phosphor Bronze 92/8Available in Medium, Medium/Light,

Light and Custom Light Gauges,plus a Custom 12-String Set.

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Canoeing Algonquin ParkRon Beneteau, from Windsor, Ontario, has been all over the

world with his Martin Backpacker®. In the past eight years, the guitarhas accompanied him on trips to India, Brazil, Germany, England,Mexico, and even just across the border into the United States. Hesays it has never let him down, especially in countries where Englishis not the spoken language. “It has been the instrument to bondfriendships where words will not work,” he writes. His Backpacker ispictured above at camp, two days into an annual canoe trip throughOntario’s beautiful Algonquin Park. �

Backpacker Stories

Rocking On The RockKen Cagle, Jr. (below left) is the son of longtime Martin

District Sales Manager Ken Cagle. Recently, he took a groupof friends camping in one of his favorite locations, thePisgah National Forest. They pitched their tents at thebase of Looking Glass Rock (above) near the DavidsonRiver located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Brevard,North Carolina.

Below right is Ken’s friend Tillman Cuttino – aptlynicknamed “Sixstringer.” Tillman is a very talented guitarplayer and, rarely without an instrument, he trekked hisBackpacker® into the base camp where the whole groupplayed and sang songs all night long around the campfire.The next day they climbed to the top of Looking GlassRock. This area is the birthplace of forest conservation inAmerica – f itt ing given Martin’s concern for andinvolvement with sustainable forestry.

As the birthplace of forest conservation, The Cradleof Forestry in America is the site of The Biltmore ForestSchool – the first forestry school in the USA – founded in1898 by Dr. Carl Schenck, the chief forester for theBiltmore Estate. The Cradle of Forestry in AmericaInterpretive Association (CFIA) was founded in 1972 by agroup of conservationists to help the USDA ForestService tell the story of forest conservation in America,and to help people better understand both forests and thebenefits of forest management. �

LXMs In IraqThis page typically highlights Martin Backpacker® guitars and

the stories that their owners relay to us about their uniquemusical travels. Lately, we’ve been hearing from many owners ofLXM “Little Martin” guitars, as this size is also extremely viable forunusual travel situations. Case in point is Army Sergeant JoshuaMcGoveran (above). Joshua is plenty busy with his armyresponsibilities, but when he does have a moment of free time,playing the guitar really helps to provide some peace from thedaily reality of being in a war zone. He’s not alone, as manyLXMs have found their way into the hands of our servicemen(and women) deployed in Iraq. �

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C. F. Martin Juvenile DormitoryPedro Barraza, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Casa

Hogar (center) joined Lourdes Laborín de Bours, the President ofthe Department of Infants and Families (DIF) of Sonora, Mexico(right), in laying the first stone for what will be the new C. F. MartinJuvenile Dormitory, a part of the Casa Hogar initiative. The ultimategoal of the project is to foster the dreams and hopes ofunderprivileged boys. The new facility will allow the children to stayat Casa Hogar through the age of eighteen. Currently, youth areonly accommodated through age twelve.

The Board of Directors of Casa Hogar, the children of the home,the Mayor Onésimo Maiscales Delgadillo and his wife AuceliaGarcía de Mariscales (the President of DIF in Navojoa, Mexico) andMs. Laborín de Bours all praised the hard work of the Board overthe last 8 years, who have dedicated themselves to care forabandoned and impoverished children.

As part of the event, Pedro Barraza, Chairman of the Board ofDirectors for Casa Hogar, acknowledged C. F. Martin & Co.’sdonation of $24,570 which was presented to the Board by Martin’sDirector of International Manufacturing, Bill Hall.

Laborín de Bours highlighted the fact that Martin genuinelywished to return something to the local community, especially giventhe success of Martin’s Navojoa operation.

García de Mariscales congratulated the Board of Directors ofCasa Hogar for their united, selfless and humanitarian effortsupported by Lourdes Laborín de Bours and companies like C. F.Martin. It is hoped that donations such as Martin’s will continue toinitiate projects for the organization that is so worthy of support andrecognition.

Casa Hogar is run by the Sisters of Mercy in conjunction withthe DIF Sonora Board and a team of volunteers. It was founded in1999 to house abandoned and impoverished boys with the goal ofhelping them become better persons and separating them from thefallout of broken families. In light of the growing number of boys,Casa Hogar desperately needed additional space. The addition of anew center with dormitories and a mental health center willaccommodate up to thirty boys. �

Martin Clinic In Sweden Martin clinician Diane Ponzio (in blue) is joined by

Lasse Nilsson (left) and Felix Halmén (right), whohandle guitar sales for Halmén Musik in Helsingborg,Sweden. Martin’s International Sales Manager forScandinavia, Chrissy Rinaldi, joined Diane for a terrificclinic and training session at the store. Diane toursEurope extensively, where she enjoys tremendouspopularity, treating diverse audiences to her uniqueand original blendings of New York pop and jazz. �

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Charles Underwood Charles Underwood was Elvis Presley’s personal

friend and he holds the great distinction of havingdesigned and created artwork for the hand-tooled leatherguitar cover that Elvis used in the early era of hislegendary career. Charles is shown here at the Gene AutryMuseum of Western Heritage with one of his Elvis Presleyleather guitar cover designs.

The covers that grace the D-28M Elvis PresleyCommemorative Edition (See page 14) are beingexclusively fabricated for the project by Long HollowLeather of Franklin, Tennessee and are based uponCharles Underwood’s original artwork and design. �

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C. F. Martin Custom Shop “Sushi” Guitarmade for T. Kurosawa & Co., Ltd., Martin’s distributor in Japan.

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