Limited Edition Clapton (000-28EC)

British guitarist Eric Clapton has profoundly influenced rock and acoustic blues playing throughout the world. From his early days in the Yardbirds, Cream, and Derek & The Dominos, through his work as a solo artist, Eric has continually redefined the art of the guitar. In 1992, after years of performing live on electric guitars, Clapton made a wildly successful history-making MTV Unplugged appearance playing a vintage Martin model that hadn’t been made in over half a century. Inspired by Clapton’s playing and by his dedication to Martins, Martin Guitar unveiled its first collaboration with Eric Clapton when the Limited Edition 000-42EC was introduced in 1995. Just 461 of these special guitars were offered, and the entire edition sold out within days of its introduction.

In recognition of Clapton’s unparalleled stature in the music industry, Martin announced an unprecedented second design collaboration with one performer. The 000-28EC, introduced in 1996, has become one of Martin’s most popular stock models. Eric calls his 000-28EC "utilitarian... in the very BEST sense of the word." The 000-28EC model draws its inspiration from the 000-42EC in body size, shape and tonewoods.

In February 2000, Martin and Clapton introduced their second limited edition collaboration with the 000-42ECB. This guitar marked the first time that Martin had honored an artist with two signature limited editions. Just 200 000-42ECB guitars, crafted with pre-C.I.T.E.S. certified solid Brazilian rosewood, were offered, and once again the edition sold out immediately.

Martin has since introduced their third limited edition signature Eric Clapton guitar and their fourth in a "suite" of Eric Clapton models. The 000-28ECB Signature Edition will be limited to no more than 500 special instruments.

The 000-28ECB is identical to the 000-42EC in body size and shape. The 000-42ECB has the smaller "000" body size that Clapton prefers and that is particularly popular among fingerstyle and blues guitarists who like a clear and balanced sound together with the string flexibility that the shorter 24.9" scale length allows. Crafted with solid woods throughout, the sides and back are constructed from solid Brazilian rosewood, and the top is bookmatched from select Sitka spruce for optimum tonal response.

The rosette is embellished with delicately inlaid herringbone pearl, and the body is bound with grained ivoroid. A genuine ebony fingerboard features abalone diamonds and squares bordered in mother of pearl. Eric Clapton’s signature is inlaid in mother of pearl between the 19th and 20th frets. Each 000-28ECB will bear an interior label, individually numbered in sequence with the edition total and personally signed by Eric Clapton and Martin Chairman and CEO C. F. Martin IV.

The 000-28ECB is tastefully appointed with a hand beveled and polished tortoise colored pickguard. Premium Waverly® nickel-plated open-geared tuning machines are equipped with vintage style "butterbean" knobs. The squared headstock bears Martin’s tasteful but elegant old-style decal logo.

A Deluxe Vintage Series Geib™ Hardshell Case is included with the purchase of each 000-28ECB instrument. These beautiful cases feature vintage shape, deep textured black exterior, 5-ply laminated wood shell, crushed velvet interior, antique white stitching, brass-plated hardware and a keyed lock.