THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE MARTIN GUITAR COMPANY • VOLUME 28 • JANUARY 2010

See Center Spread For Details

Introducing Martin’s NewPerforming Artist Series

Plus The NewLX Jimmy Buffett “Little Marlin,”

and Custom Artist Editions honoring Jorma Kaukonen, Steve Miller, Laurence Juber,Del McCoury and much more...

Chris Martin’s 55th BirthdayD-28 1955 CFMIV Limited Edition

plus:

Dear Sounding Board readers,That’s Dick Yuengling with me in the above photo. He heads up

Yuengling, the oldest surviving brewery in the United States. They areeven older than Martin, and 2009 marks their 180th Anniversary. Lastyear, a group from Martin had the pleasure of visiting and taking atour of their facility in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. our two companiesshare a common history. Like C. F. Martin, Sr., David G. Yuengling wasa German immigrant who sought a better life in America. In 1829, hefounded his business based on the assumption that if you make agreat product, people will buy it. He was right – so were we!

After our tour, we got into a discussion about making a Yuenglingguitar model. Lou romano and the marketing team at the breweryjumped on the opportunity and put together a great radio contestpromotion that invited Yuengling and Martin afficionados to write,record and submit Yuengling jingles. The submissions were amazingand more than fifty lucky winners now own a very special piece ofMartin/Yuengling Americana.

I must confess that in the process, I enjoyed more than my shareof cold fresh lager! We made a special customized model for DickYuengling and I presented it to him this past october. I suspect it willfind its deserved place in the Yuengling museum.

The reason I mention all of this is that in this tough currenteconomy, it is doubly important to focus on what you do best and beextra creative in finding efficient and cost effective ways to get theword out about your product. Perhaps some of you caught the lastfew minutes of MSNBC Nightly News back in october. They told ourstory very well and the phone calls and emails poured in.

We also depend upon you, our customers, to spread the wordabout what makes Martin guitars special and worth the price. Thereare no shortages of guitars out there, but like the folks at Yuenglingsay, there are many imitations, but only one original! Cheers,

C. F. Martin IV

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VOLUME 28 – JANUARY 2010PUBL I SH ED B Y

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

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

www.martinguitar.comED I TOR

dick boakeditor@martinguitar.com

CONTR I BU TORS

The Sounding Board™ is available forfree in limited quantities from your localauthorized Martin dealership. You willalso find recent Sounding Board issues onour website in downloadable PDF format.Typically, issues are published in Januaryand July of each year. If you wish to beassured of receiving future issues of TheSounding Board, we recommend that youconsider maintaining an activemembership in The Martin owners Club.You may request a complimentary copyof the Sounding Board or the Martincatalog by calling us at the phonenumber at the top of the masthead.

Printed On Recycled Paperin the USA

CHrIS’S CorNerCHrIS’S CorNer

© 2010 C. F. Martin & Co., Inc., Nazareth, PA17MM03 All rights reserved.

C. F. Martin IVScott FollweilerChris ThomasLen Jaffe

Bill & Cathy BushDon Hurley

Tim TeelMarshall Newman

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LETTERS

Dear Mr. Martin, No, you’re not seeing double. I’m the

very proud owner of two of the finestguitars ever made. The guitar on theright is a D-41, and the guitar on the leftis a HJ-38 Stefan Grossman. Both playand sound incredible! As you can see I’ma big fan of the amber sunburst finish.It’s always worth the wait to get the lookthat I want on my prized treasures. Nexton my wish list are an amber sunburstoM-42, and an HD-28. I’ve been visitingDietze Music here in Lincoln for the pastthirty years. I’ve always dreamed of oneday owning one or two of the beautifulMartin guitars that they carry. Latelysalesperson Doug Fenton has beenmaking those dreams come true. ThanksDoug, and thank you Mr. Martin!

Duane GriesLincoln, Nebraska

Dear Mr. Martin,Is it possible to be in love with a guitar?

I recently purchased an 0-28VS Sunburstand stood in awe as I gazed upon theexquisite beauty after opening the case, myeye perceiving every minute detail. even thesmell was like a fragrant, earthen perfumelying delicate and coquettish upon mysenses. I then gingerly picked up the guitarand cradled it in my lap. I began to play, andwhat I heard and felt filled my soul with areverberating peace that now echoesthroughout the cosmos. I approached myMartin with deference. The ubiquitous tonesit created would be gathered in the soul. It isthere that the ingredients would beblended and forged into immortality. eachnote is but a whisper that stands indifferent.The angels then harness what has been ledthrough the instrument, bringing themtogether while lifting them to staggeringheights of heavenly metamorphosis.Blended together the tones become wine.The music then begins to flow. I am led towitness the intoxication by creation. I am ledthrough golden corridors. The door isopened and I slip behind the ancient wall offantasia. It is there that I danced withcreation. I held it tightly as it wept throughthe next piece. I listened as it told me thestory of heartache and how it pined for anold lover. The moans of past experiencewere never quelled nor quieted becausemusic became the tragic fountain of lostyouth. As I strum my Martin guitar the sunrises and sets a thousand times as the moonchases it down by phases. The stars humand vibrate letting me know that all creationexists in harmony and that it is through themusic created on my Martin guitar that Iexperience this miracle. Throughout theages God has chosen prophets to deliver hismessage of peace. I believe that he choseMartin guitars as His instrument to deliverHis message through music, His message ofaesthetic beauty that has gracefully tip-toedacross time since 1833. Therefore, I dobelieve that one can be in love with a guitar.Not just because of a quality standard, butbecause of the mingling of souls that arefound within its chambers: the souls ofthose who create and those who play. Life islove and peace, never fortified because itdoes not have to be. It is given but nevertaken. It is the truth that hangs upon thestars, forever tranquil and vibrating uponthe strings of a Martin guitar. Thank youMartin!

Rod HayslettTwinsburg, ohio

Dear Mr. Martin,I am a Hershey,PA native and have

been to the plant for a tour, but never inthe 35 years since I began playing have Iowned a Martin instrument. on April 27,2009, my 55th birthday, even in themidst of this recession, I finally treatedmyself to a new 175th anniversary yearD-41 Special. It's the most beautiful pieceof art I possess and the sound is superb.It actually made me weep when I got ithome and sat down to play its firstchords.

The tone is simply astonishing. Thewoods perfect, the lacquer mirror-like.I 'm flat picking "Whiskey BeforeBreakfast" in the photo. Can you see myjoy? Many thanks to all at Martin,

Randy HuberNorth Port, Florida

Dear Mr. Martin,I received my Martin Dreadnought

guitar a couple of years back and sincehave been motivated to record andproduce lots of music, including my own.People always ask what I am playing andI always respond with: “It's a Martin,they're my favorite by far.” I love thetone, appearance, and playability ofMartin guitars. Keep it up!

Thomas “T.J.” LakasMorristown, Tennessee

Dear Mr. Martin, I just recently received the D-42

Yuengling Martin #13 guitar that waspart of a promotion put on by radiostation 105.5 FM in Charleston. I just hadto enter the contest! My wife and I havebeen trying to save money for a newguitar for me for some time, butunfortunately, she lost her job and wehad other more pressing needs. I neverdreamed that I would ever own anythinglike this. The guitar is outstanding all theway around. It has catapulted me backinto music writing again, and I find mypossibilities endless. I want to personallythank you for teaming up withYuengling Brewery and giving me backthe enthusiasm I had for music when Ifirst started playing. I will never have tobuy another acoustic guitar again! Thisopportunity has changed my life forever.

Jacob WoodMount Pleasant, South Carolina

The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum’s 8th Annual Gathering, August 1-3, 2009They came from all over the United States and Canada, and some flew in from europe. Most all of the attendees carried at least

one Martin guitar – re-strung, polished like new, and ready for action. Just as well, because this was the Unofficial Martin GuitarForum's 8th annual MartinFest weekend staged in Nazareth, PA! Where else? - in August. over 200 forum members, from teens toseniors, gathered to play, sing, jam together, renew old friendships and make new ones, but mostly to play and pay homage to Martinguitars and the company that makes them. As with prior years, the forum reserved the pavilion at Nazareth Boro Park for open-mikesessions over the weekend, when members entertain and impress each other with their musical skills as well as informal jams. Thehighlight for many this year was the appearance of several youngsters - some barely into their teens - who performed at the mike witha skill and confidence that quite belied their years. They are each already Martin devotees! The main feature of the weekend wasSaturday's “Martin on Main” when the UMGF took over Nazareth Town Square and hosted an afternoon during which more than thirtyForum musicians performed from the main stage. Celebrated Martin Clinician and UMGF member Kenny Sultan was the star guest anddelighted the huge crowd with a veritable guitar masterclass performance. Meanwhile, just off the Town Square, the Martin GuitarCompany and the town traders hosted a series of exhibitions/sales booths on Main Street. The atmosphere was relaxed, easy goingand much like a mini-carnival. The Martinfest weekend was best summed up by a forum administrator, Mark Stalwick, who coined thephrase - “Martins, because that is something everybody everywhere does in the same language....” . right about that, Mark! v

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Photo by

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Photo by

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Photo by Max Zug

by Don Hurley

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Scholars Meet To Study Newly Discovered Early Martin GuitarsAn unprecedented array of early Martin guitars and related archival material

that shed new light on the early development of Martin guitars has beendiscovered over the past year. In a related project, virtually every document inthe Martin archives from the first twenty years of the firm has now been digitallyreproduced, inspected and analyzed, resulting in a comprehensive database ofevery recorded Martin guitar from that period, between 1833 when C. F. Martinarrived in New York City and 1855 when standard guitar styles and sizes were set.twelve scholars of early American guitars met in Philadelphia in october for athree-day roundtable to review the newly discovered guitars and historicalmaterial in order to better understand this critical, creative period in Martin’shistory. Dimensions, construction and decorative elements of over 35 earlyMartin guitars were documented, substantially increasing the early Martin guitardatabase to now include over 70 significant instruments. Because theseunexpected discoveries have required significant research and analysis, aplanned larger conference on early Martin guitars has been postponed until thismaterial can be prepared for presentation to a broader audience. v

Early Martin Guitar Summit

Martin scholars Jim Baggett, Mark Silber, GreigHutton, Dick Boak, Tom Crandall, David Ganz,Steve Kovacak, Richard Johnston, DavidLaPlante, Fred Oster, Arian Sheets, Peter Szego,and Matt Umanov inspected and analyzed over35 recently discovered early Martin guitars.

Background MusicDebbie Baer’s artwork goes hand in hand with her

husband Barry’s love of music and Martin guitars. Thepainting above featuring Barry ’s oM-28V is titled“Background Music of My Life.” That what Debbie tellseveryone when they ask her about Barry’s music! Hailingfrom Hunlock Creek, PA, Debbie recently completed apainting of Willie Nelson with a Martin guitar and she hasdonated a print that will be auctioned in support ofFarmAid at next year’s fundraiser. v

Die Martin GuitarreAccompanied by well known German guitarist and

author of music instruction books Peter Bursch, Martinguitar lovers from Germany visited the factory for a specialin-depth tour of the factory and museum. v

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Lightfoot’s Return To OrilliaLegendary Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot

took the stage in his hometown of orillia for back-to-back benefitconcerts on November 14-15, 2009 at the orillia opera House insupport of the venue that launched his career, and the hospitalthat saved his life. Honoring Lightfoot’s long relationship withMartin, the company donated a D-18 that Gordon signed, tunedand played. Afterwards, the guitar was returned for an auctionthat ran for ten days netting $7,400.00 for the orillia Soldier’sMemorial Hospital. v

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The “Sultans” Of Swing!Kenny Sultan (front and center with hands folded and holding the original 1936 000-18 that his model was based on) was able

to assemble this remarkable group of 000-18KS Kenny Sultan Signature model owners on the steps of the Courtyard Plaza of theSanta Barbara County Courthouse. All in all, there are twenty-eight Kenny Sultan Signature models in the photo, with many moreMartins in the wings. The ones that appear to be natural tops are in fact sunbursts reflecting in the daylight. A quick surveyrevealed that this group owns a total of 162 Martin guitars! Kenny was overwhelmed by the camaraderie, the surroundings, thepeople, and of course the guitars. It was 70° – perfect guitar weather! As thanks for the incredible assembly, Kenny ended uptaking everyone out for drinks. The photo was composed and taken by Kenny’s friend Mehosh Dziadzio (www.mehosh.com). v

Mehosh D

ziadzio Photography

MERPassion, discipline, raw energy, and focused talent are

what you'll encompass when you experience the music ofChicago based artist “Mer” (center), who rocked with hisMartin cutaway DC-16rGTe at US Cellular Field for the WhiteSox pre-game performance behind home plate, complete withthe national anthem, in April of 2009. He hopes to feature hisnew herringbone HD-28 on his upcoming recordings. Findmore at: www.merplay.com. v

Shane GambleSinger/songwriter Shane Gamble is shown above with his

Martin HJ-38 Stefan Grossman Signature model that’s beenmodified with a double pickguard. Following on the footstepsof “Behind The Blue,” Shane recently released a five-song ePentitled “one Balloon.” A self-titled full-length CD will bereleased in February of 2010. on both projects, Shane recordedusing his HJ-38, his D-16rGT, and his 000-1. For more info onthis provocative artist, go to: www.shanegamble.com. v

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BMI’s Songwriter of the Year Award2009 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Bobby Pinson (left)

shows off his new BMI signature Martin D-42 guitar at the BMICountry Awards, staged November 10 in Nashville. Presentingthe award is BMI's Clay Bradley. v

Photo by

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All The Way From ChinaLast year, a Chinese customer came into The Akustikken

Music Shop in Aarhus, Denmark. He bought a MartinBackpacker and explained that he would be bringing theBackpacker to Beijing, China for his friend.

Many months passed and in through the shop door camea family of six all the way from China. The father explainedthat he was the one for whom the Backpacker had beenpurchased. As the director of a Chinese Drama Group, he wasvisiting Copenhagen to do a performance about Kirkegaardand was absolutely thrilled to be in the Akustikken store. Inthe hours that followed, the entire family “went crazy” forMartin guitars.

The father, Zhang Guang Tian, bought an HD-28herringbone. The mother bought a Backpacker. Daughter #1fell in love with a D-28. Daughter #2 wanted the D-16GT andDaughter #3 like the comfortable size of the 00-15. So now,for this family af six, five of them now own and play Martinguitars. As you can see, the young son (#6) is eyeing up aukulele! v

Jacques StotzemThe musically prolific Jacques Stotzem flew over from

Belgium to Quebec in october of 2009 to do a series of Martinclinics. He is shown above on stage with an array of differentMartin guitar sizes and shapes that he played in an interactiveconcert to demonstrate the varied tonal range and texture ofeach model. As one of the foremost fingerstyle guitarists ineurope, Jacques is well-known in Canada and the shows werevery well attended.

After his time in Quebec, Jacques headed south to Nazarethwhere he entertained Martin employees with a performance inthe atrium (inset) of the factory during lunchtime breaks.

With his tenth album “Simple Pleasure” under his belt,Jacques has developed a highly refined style and sense ofharmony that is evident in all of his compositions, as is his oMCJacques Stotzem Custom Artist edition Martin guitar. v

Starting YoungTeja Gerken, editor of Acoustic Guitar Magazine, with his

finest composition to date – his daughter Sabine! Teja is anexcellent guitarist. You can preview performances with hisCustom Shop oMC-18 online at: www.tejagerken.com. v

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Bureman & O’RourkeTim o’rourke (left) and Bruce Bureman (right) are captured here

in a performance at the Wildwood Lodge in Steelville, Missouri. Timis playing his oMC Artinger 1 and Bruce is playing his Custom D-41.They opened for Brewer and Shipley and it was a great night.

Tim is finding the Artinger guitar very prolific. He has composedfive songs on it. During the summer, Tim and Bruce performed everyother Tuesday night at the raphael Hotel on the Plaza in Kansas City.It’s a great gig for singer-songwriters and a popular venue for liveacoustic music. v

Legends of Rock and RollDion is always up to something. He recently sent us photos of

his Martin 000C-16GTe that has been “slightly customized” by Dionhimself to include the history of rock and roll on the face of theguitar. Specifically, he has handwritten scores of silver embellishednames of musical legends that include: Johnny Cash, Bo Diddley,robert Johnson, Hank Williams, Jimmy reed, Del Shannon, ChuckBerry, roy orbison, elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Les Paul, Bill Haley,Lightnin’ Hopkins, Skip James, eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, ritchieValens, James Burton, Scotty Moore, Chet Atkins, Duane eddy, FatsDomino, Cliff Gallop, Luther Perkins, Paul Burlison, Nokie edwards, T.Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker, Don Wilson, The everly Brothers, LinkWray, Mickey “Guitar” Baker, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Burnette, DannyCodrone..... Let’s see, did Dion miss anyone? oh, yes. How aboutDion Dimucci? He’s played with them all. Yo! v

Don EdwardsGrammy nominated singer-guitarist Don edwards

continues to build a musical legacy that enriches ourvision of the American West. The quality of this cowboyballadeer's music stems from the fact that he is so muchmore than a singer. He is simply the best purveyor ofcowboy music in America today.

Don was drawn to the cowboy life by the books ofWill James and the B Westerns of the silver screen. Hetaught himself guitar at the age of ten and ever since, hehas been at the heart of the Western music scene. Withthe inception of the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in elko,Nevada, he achieved widespread recognition, and now hehas entertained throughout the world. In 1997, Donportrayed "Smokey" in robert redford's award-winningfilm “The Horse Whisperer,” and his “Cowboy Love Song” isincluded on the movie soundtrack.

In the fall of 2002, Western Jubilee released animportant special project: Don edwards and bluegrassicon Peter rowan teamed up on “High LonesomeCowboy.” The recording traces the roots of Western musicfrom Appalachia to Abilene and includes legendarymusicians, Norman Blake and Tony rice. High LonesomeCowboy was nominated for a Grammy award in 2002.

A longtime fan of Martin guitars, Don is shown abovewith his 1968 D12-20, a 1905 0-28, a 1921 00-45 (one ofonly 6 made), and his newest custom Martin, an 0-28VSwith an Adirondack spruce top. Check out Don’s websiteat: www.donedwardsmusic.com. v

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Jakob DylanGenerally seen playing a D-28 Martin Dreadnought once

played by his father, Jakob Dylan of the Grammy award-winning band The Wallflowers, performed at The Belly Up inAspen, Colorado on July 20th, 2009. rumor has it that Jakobrarely changes the strings on his Martin, as he likes the thickerand darker amplified sound of well-worn strings. v

Bob DylanNever pigeon-holed in any particular style, Dylan has

more recently abandoned guitar in favor of keyboards, butthroughout his long career, Martins have often appeared–here he is in 1993 with one if his favorite herringbone 28s. v

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Joan Baez – How Sweet The SoundIf you didn’t catch the fall PBS American Masters special:

“Joan Baez – How Sweet The Sound,” do yourself a favor andget the DVD. Her story is a great one, interwoven with the civilrights movement and with a steadfast commitment tospreading peace throughout the world. Joan’s 0-sized Martinguitars are all over the DVD, which is available atwww.pbs.com. You’ll also find other great PBS performancesfrom the American Masters Series. v

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Steve HoweSteve Howe has been out on tour with his two ground

breaking bands: “Yes” and “Asia.” Here he performs soloacoustic on his new MC-38 Custom Artist edition model at theSnoqualmie Casino in Snoqualmie, Washington in June of2009. In the introduction to the solo, Yes vocalist Jon Andersonhailed Steve as “the hardest working man in show business!” Asan eternal student of the instrument, Steve’s guitar stylingpossesses an individualistic and unparalleled character. v

© 2009 –

Jerry and Lois Levin

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They Might Be GiantsSouthpaw John Flansburgh proudly sports his Martin D-15L

upon winning yet another award at the 2009 Grammyceremonies. Formed in 1982, his band “They Might Be Giants”began as a duo with partner John Linnell. The band evolved toinclude Marty Beller, Dan Miller, and Danny Weinkauf. They arebest known for their unconventional and experimental style ofAmerican alternative rock music, though they have foundrecent success in composing theme music for TV and films. v

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My Back PagesIt was a special night when George Harrison and roger

McGuinn were joined by eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Neil Youngand many many more, performing “My Back Pages” at BobDylan's now legendary 30th Anniversary Celebration atMadison Square Garden in 1993. George is playing a MartinCustom Shop 000-18. The recording includes vocals fromMcGuinn, Petty, Young, Clapton, Dylan and George Harrison,along with guitar solos by eric Clapton and Neil Young. v

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Voices Of Freedomron Wood (with his 000-18), Bob Dylan (with his

Custom Dreadnought) and Keith richards (with his D-18)make a fine Martin trio. This photo was taken at the Live Aid

Concert on July 14, 1985 in Philadelphia. A CD by the trioentitled “Voices of Freedom” was later issued featuring

songs from prior days’ rehearsals in ron Wood’s basement. v

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David Crosby

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Dan Tyminski Shawn Colvin

At the 2009 International Bluegrass MusicAssociation’s FanFest and Awards Ceremony at theGrand ole opry in Nashville, Tennessee, Dan Tyminskitook top honors as Male Vocalist of the Year, and hisband won Album of The Year for their recent CD“Wheels.” Dan performed at the event with his newD-28 Dan Tyminski Custom Artist edition model. v

Emily

Boa

k Emily Boak

GrahamNash

Graham Nash played such a pivotol role inrecovering David Crosby ’s original stolen12-string Martin guitar that he was first in line toreceive a guitar from David. He’s shown herewith the #1 guitar from the edition. v

Shawn Colvin performs regularly with her 2002 M3SC Signature edition, amahogany “M” that is more tight-waisted and ergonomic than hermainstay D-28. The M3SC featured a three-piece back with mahoganywings and a rosewood center wedge, an abalone rosette, and tortoise-color bindings. In 2005, Shawn donated one of her M3SC prototypes fordisplay at the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota. She isshown above performing with her other prototype (#1 of 3). v

When the Crosby, Stills and Nash tour rolled into Bethlehem, Pennsylvania toperform at MusikFest in early August of 2009, it was a perfect opportunity todeliver a unique customized version of David Crosby’s 12-string. All of thespecial edition guitars combine a 14-fret Dreadnought body with a 12-fretneck, thereby extending the bridge downward for surprisingly clear tone. v

Larry Ba

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A Stained ReputationWoody Mann (left) and Geoff Muldaur met up during their July

2009 tour in Köveskál, Hungary. During a master class, they broughttheir respective Custom Artist Signature models out for acompetitive comparison. A wincing Muldaur liked the darker reddishcolor of Woody’s guitar better. “excuse me.” he exclaimed! until helearned that the stain is identical. Its the color of the mahoganyunderneath the stain that was the variable. v

Webb WilderWebb Wilder is an evangelist for real rock 'n' roll. As a singer,

guitarist, bandleader, film actor, songwriter and humorist, he is a truerenaissance man. His credo is: “Work hard, rock hard, eat hard, sleephard, grow big, wear glasses if you need ‘em.” The photo is from his2009 “She's Not romantic” video. Webb is holding his prized 1999oM-18V. The video was shot at the historic Comer House inSavannah, Georgia. You’ll find more at: webbwilder.com. v

Steffen Brandt & Julie MarieThe photo above features popular Danish performers

Steffen Brandt and Julie Marie who performed for the“Doctors Without Borders” benefit concert at KlejtrupMusikefterskole on May 18, 2009. It was a wonderful andwell-attended show receiving much press coverage. Theacoustic tone was especially pristine given that it was thepremiere for Steffen’s Custom Shop Signature model – ablack gloss herringbone with forward shifted bracing.only ten of these special Dreadnoughts have been made.Steffen is a Danish singer-songwriter and composer. Since1981, he has been lead singer of rock group TV-2 and in2003, he received the Modersmål language award for hiscontribution to music in the Danish language. v

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Allan TaylorThis two-disk Blueray and DVD set is the result of a

solo acoustic concert recorded by folk bluessinger/songwriter Allan Taylor. The concert was filmed atFelix-Sohie-Centrum in Hoeilaart, Belgium in July of 2007.Accompanied with his Martin guitars, Allan’s songs exhibitclean and delicate fingerstyle with gentle vocals. You’llfind it and more at: www.allantaylor.com. v

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MarkneukirchenBluesman and Martin signature artist

Kenny Sultan was touring europe with hismusical partner Tom Ball. one of theirweeks was spent at a teaching andplaying festival in Klingenthal, Germany.Kenny discovered that the valley theywere in was and remains a huge musicmaking area with many factories fromdecades back, some still in existence.Almost no one spoke english, but theyknew about Kenny’s signature modelMartin, and relayed to him that ChristianFrederick Martin, Sr. was from the town ofMarkneukirchen right next door. Therewere many locals offering to buy Kennysteins of lager, and soon, they drove himover to CF’s birthplace. Apparently, thetownspeople are very proud of theirnative son’s success. Kenny and Tomreport that they had a terrific time andthe beer was excellent as well! v

Mike ClaybergMike Clayberg plays his Martin HD-

28 with Washington, DC’s “Dead Men’sHollow.” A group specializing in severalmusical genres, Mike also owns andperforms with an older D-28 as well. Youcan find the group’s performances onlineat: www.deadmenshollow.com. v

Steve EarleIn May of 2009, Steve Earle kicked

off his “Townes” album/CD release inSeattle at rainy Day records. Steveplayed a great acoustic set for all of hisfaithful fans, then graciously engagedeveryone in conversation and signedeveryone’s gear. Mark Hight of olympia,Washington, who took the above photo,says: “Steve is definitely one of the lastgreat ‘Hard Core Troubadors!’ ” v

We’re interested in your letters,stories and photos. Email yourhigh resolution digital files to:editor@martinguitar.com

Norway’s Øystein SundeØystein Sunde – vocalist, guitarist,

composer, lyricist and cabaret artist –hails from odalen, a rural area outside ofoslo, Norway. After founding a popularbluegrass group, Øystein Sunde releasedhis first solo album in 1970, which set anew standard for the Norwegianrecording industry. His album “1001fnatt” was a massive hit, combining hisgreat humor and musicianship.

A 1937 Martin D-18 has been hisinstrument of choice for many years,both on stage and in the studio and thisis not his only Martin. His arsenal alsoincludes a J-40M and a J-45, both withCustom Shop 1 7/8” necks, plus a D-41Le,an HoM-35B, a Bellezza Nera and a 190200-45S.

Although he has mastered the ChetAtkins Nashville style of play withparticular finesse, the language barrierhas kept Sunde firmly anchored inNorway, where he has entertained hisfellow countrymen with records andshows for over 40 years. He has sold atotal of 1.2 million records in a countrywith a population about the size ofKentucky’s.

You can find him at Spinner records:www.spinner.no, or on the web at:www.myspace.com/oysteinsunde. v

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Dr. Brian MayQueen guitarist and astro-physicist Dr. Brian May (with guitar) is pictured here with J. r. Warner, the U.S. Affiliate for the ABC

Charitable Trust. J. r. commissioned this unique Custom Shop oval sound-holed double cutaway with solar system inlays and“Freddie” in mother-of-pearl surrounding the planet Mercury at the first fret. The guitar is, of course, an obvious and heartfelttribute to Queen’s vocalist Freddie Mercury. It is also a thankful gift to Brian May for his continuing efforts helping the Action forBrazil’s Children with its mission. J. r. has worked with Led Zeppelin’s guitarist Jimmy Page, his wife Jimena and many othermusicians, athletes and actors to provide support for street children and the most vulnerable young people of Brazil. v

Renaissance RevisitedAs the original guitarist for the legendary classical-rock band renaissance, Michael Dunford (left) composed much of the

instrumental music that blends so incredibly with Annie Haslam’s vocal mastery. renaissance recently reformed for a series of ninespecial concerts, with Michael Dunford playing his Martin J12-40e Grand Jumbo 12-string for the majority of the show. Don’t missthem when they go out on tour again in the spring of 2010. Stay tuned in at: www.anniehaslam.com. v

Paul Hammond (right) of thethe popular Led ZeppelinTribute band “Get The LedOut” contributed much tothe design of the Brian MayCustom MC2 guitar that isbased in part on an obscuredouble-cutaway M2C-28edition first offered in 1988.

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With the introduction of the new 1 Series last year, wemade legendary Martin quality and tone more affordable andirresistible than ever before. And now with the introduction ofthe D-1e and oM-1e, we've brought even greater value andversatility with advanced onboard electronics in classicDreadnought and oM sizes.

The D-1E features a solid Sitka spruce top, with scallopedhybrid Sitka bracing, is joined to solid sapele back and sides tocreate a resonant and powerful voice with excellent balance.The 14-fret Stratabond® neck is fast, slim and strong (25%stronger than mahogany), making the D-1e an ideal guitar for

D-1EDreadnought

OM-1EOrchestraModel

TwoNew

Acoustic Electric Additions To The

Affordable1 Series

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the road. Add to this superb Fishman Presys + preampelectronics (including volume, tone-shaping controls, built-indigital tuner and pop-up battery access) and you've got anacoustic/electric guitar that delivers a true acoustic sound inany venue.

The OM-1E is built with the same quality tonewoods,electronics and Martin craftsmanship as the D-1e, but in a14-fret orchestra-size model. The oM-1e is especially wellsuited to fingerpicking styles, with clear trebles and balancedbasses. Both models feature a satin finish and include a 3-plyhard shell case. v

The D-1E Dreadnought & OM-1E Orchestra Model

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With its Venetian cutaway, modified low oval neck androland AP-1 onboard electronics, the DC-16GTe offersexceptional playability, versatility and distinct “voice.”

In fact, the DC-16GTe model has been specially voiced atthe roland factory based upon the specific tonewoods andcutaway Dreadnought dimensions. The new roland AP-1onboard electronics system features three model-specific”Composite object Sound Modeling” (CoSM) tone variationsand includes programmable seven-band eQ, anti-feedbackcontrol, digital chromatic tuner, digital reverb and an LCDdisplay. The result is a beautiful natural acoustic tone –

DC-16GTEDreadnoughtCutaway

OMC-16GTEOrchestraModelCutaway

TwoNew

Acoustic Electric Additions To The

Solid Wood16 Series

plugged or unplugged. The oMC-16GTe shares identical features with the

DC-16GTe, including a solid Sitka spruce gloss top and Martin'spatented "Hybrid" X scalloped bracing, but in the acclaimedcutaway orchestra Model body size. The oMC-16GTe alsofeatures a wider 1 3/4” neck with wider string spacing forfingerstyle technique. The big advantage of the oMC, of course,is its excellent tonal balance, with crisp treble response, evenmid-range and powerful bass. With its roland AP-1 electronics,this guitar fits any playing venue, from live stage performanceto studio work. v

The DC-16GTE Dreadnought & OMC-16GTE Orchestra Model

OMCEMahoganyCutawayCertified WoodModel

OM Figured KoaOrchestraModel

NAMM ShowSpecial

Two Magnificent

NewOrchestraModels Debut

In AnaheimCertification Code:# SW-COC-000043The FSC Trademark

identifies products from well-managed forests

© 1996, FSC

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OM Figured Koa – NAMM Show SpecialNow this is a show stopper: a spectacular, highly figured

koa body joined to a scalloped-braced Adirondack top andbound in ivoroid and blue paua pearl. even the headstock isspecial – polished black ebony inlaid with a colorful blue paua"Flower Pot" design contrasted with gold Gotoh tuners. otherfeatures include African ebony fingerboard and 1930-stylebelly bridge, bone saddle, nut and bridge pins, polished andbeveled Delmar tortoise color pickguard. each guitar isnumbered in sequence and signed by C. F. Martin IV. Limitedto no more than 20 instruments, dealer orders must be placedin person at the Anaheim Winter NAMM Show 2010. v

OMCE Mahogany – Certified Wood ModelThe new oMCe Mahogany delivers incredible tone, superb

playability, and great stage looks – and is constructed with100% FSC™ Certified woods. The neck, back and sides arecrafted of certified mahogany, responsibly harvested from well-managed forests. The certified top, of prized european spruce,utilizes Martin's hybrid-scalloped bracing. The fingerboard andbridge are crafted from richlite, a ebony-colored compositewith excellent acoustic properties. even the electronics areenvironmentally friendly. The oMCe Mahogany is fitted with"Green Technology" – MiSi simple jack, battery-free, stage-readyamplification. Just charge up, plug in and start picking. v

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000-15MMahoganyAuditorium

000-15M Mahogany AuditoriumBuilt with the same premium materials, appointments,

lightness of construction, mortise and tenon neck joint, andfinish as the D-15M, the 000-15M exhibits the well-definedtreble response and tonal clarity for which 000 bodies arefavored. It also shares the easy action and playability of the 14-fret, modified low-oval neck contour. An alternatingblack/white inlaid wood fiber rosette is special to these 15Mmodels, as is the use of genuine bone for the nut andcompensated saddle. If you have never experienced an allmahogany guitar as only Martin can make one, you're in for avery pleasant surprise! v

D-15M Mahogany DreadnoughtThe D-15M offers a perfect blend of vintage features and

modern technology to create an instrument of exceptionaltone, playability and classic Martin good looks. Back, sides andtop are bookmatched from solid genuine mahogany, withA-frame Sitka spruce X-bracing and a traditional maple bridgeplate. The 14-fret neck, also of genuine mahogany, is joinedwith an east Indian rosewood fingerboard and headplate. Thetraditional rosewood belly bridge is fitted with a bone saddle,as is the nut. The D-15M features a dark mahogany stain andsatin lacquer finish. The end result is a instrument of beautyand simplicity with a warm, rich mahogany voice. v

D-15MMahogany

Dreadnought

SolidGenuine Mahogany15 SeriesModelsOffer

Enhanced Features

It ’s not often that a legend is born, but the newPerforming Artist Series from C. F. Martin & Co. comes veryclose to setting a new standard in acoustic/electric guitarsfor player comfort and performance.

The Performing Artist Series was conceived with theidea of combining legendary Martin tone andappointments with new player friendly features foroutstanding playability and tonal performance.

Three models make up the new series: TheDreadnought, orchestra Model, and a brand new GrandPerformance cutaway model. All share the same well-known Martin construction and materials, includingMartin’s mortise and tenon neck joint, hybridscalloped bracing, solid east Indianrosewood for back and side material,Sitka spruce soundboard, and ebonyheadplate, fingerboard and bridge.

But it’s the Performing ArtistSeries innovations that make itspecial – a faster neck profilewith a 1 3/4” nut width, alongwith a slimmer tapermeasuring 2 1/8” at the 12th fret,giving the guitar a more comfortablespacing in the first few frets and afaster feel for lead-work as youmove up the neck.

The bridge is totally new indesign. I t 's smaller than atraditional standard belly bridge, with lessweight on the guitar’s soundboard,adding greater tonal response.We've also increased the bridge pinwidth to 2 3/16" for greater righthand comfort when resting on thebridge (something fingerpickers willespecially appreciate). Bridge pin locations areparallel with the saddle which allows for consistentdownbearing pressure upon the under saddle pickup.

Aesthetically, the Performing Artist guitars arestunning. Solid ovangkol wood bindings adorn allexposed edges of the guitar. A thin ebony stripe runsalong the bottom of the fingerboard up into theheadstock. The Martin block-style logo is executed inpearl and inlaid into a black ebony headplate. Newfingerboard inlays use traditional squares in colorfulblue paua pearl flanked by arrow designs adding to theguitar’s sleek contemporary style. An elegant two-ringrosette borders the soundhole with a combination ofblue paua and wood fiber inlays. The pickguard usesrich tortoise-colored celluloid crafted into a modernsleek shape. Finely polished gloss lacquer highlights

C. F. Martin’s New “Performing Artist Series”Setting a New Standard in Acoustic/Electric Playability and Tonal Performance

the beauty of the body.Best of all, the Performing Artist Series guitars sound as

spectacular as they look, with newly designed Fishman F1Aura™ onboard electronics. Articulate, yet powerful, thisnew Fishman system delivers stunning realism andprojection in an easy-to-use onboard preamp system. Withonly two low profile knobs and a single LeD display, F1 Auraoffers advanced features in a minimalist design: digitalchromatic tuner, volume and blend controls, independent3-band eQ for both pickup and image signals, compressor,phase control and an automatic anti-feedback filter with up

to 3 notches.The genius of the F1 Aura is its

ability to replicate the sound of ninedifferent world-class studio

microphones. Here, Fishmanengineers have captured thedistinctive audio "image" that these

high-quality microphones "hear" andallow you to blend it in with the

legendary Gold Plus undersaddlepickup. The preamp utilizes low-noisecomponents, 32-bit internalprocessing and 24-bit audio

conversion for an incredibly clean andquiet output.

An integrated battery box andoutput jack maintain the guitar'sfundamental design; changingbatteries only takes a few seconds.

onstage performers will like theseparate 1/4” jack and strap button

that allows the player to remove thestrap without having to unplug theinstrument allowing for easy onstageswitching of guitars.

each model in the PerformingArtist Series offers its own distinctiveacoustic and plugged-in sound for thediscerning player. The DCPA1 offers thepower ful and resonant MartinDreadnought tone. The oMCPA1 is wellbalanced, offering warm bass responsewith crisp clear trebles. The new GPCPA1shares characteristics from the big richsound of the Dreadnought and the clarityof the orchestra model and combinesthem into a new sonic signature all of itsown.

To protect your investment, eachmodel in the Performing Artist Seriesincludes a brown hard-shell case. v

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DCPA1 Performing Artist Series

DreadnoughtCutaway

GPCPA1 Performing Artist Series Grand

PerformanceCutaway

OMCPA1 Performing Artist Series OrchestraModelCutaway

The Fishman F1 Aura is controlled with two lowprofile knobs and a single LED display offering quickand simple access to the impressive array ofprofessional features. The system includes a digitalchromatic tuner, volume and blend controls,independent 3-band EQ for both pickup and AuraImage signals, a compressor, a phase control andan automatic anti-feedback filter with up to 3notches. The 1/4” jack and strap button are separateallowing removal of the strap without unpluggingthe guitar. An integrated battery box locatedbetween the strap button and jack allows forinstantaneous changing of batteries.

1/4” Jack

Strap Button

Battery Box

21

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of east Indian rosewood for rich, warm bass and strongprojection. The 1 3/4” (at the nut) modified V neck

with diamond volute is carved from genuinemahogany. “As much as I love my Bromberg, my aging

hands need a somewhat wider neck, so I chose themodified V neck of the M-5, but in the 1 3/4” width. Itworks beautifully for my style of playing.”

In a career that has spanned five decades, JormaKaukonen has taken fingerstyle guitar from blues to rock

& roll and back. He began playing guitar while a teenagerin Washington, DC and – inspired by reverend Gary Davis– quickly gravitated to acoustic blues and roots music. Heeventually moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to attendcollege, where he taught guitar to support himself.

Invited to join a rock band that was coming togetherin San Francisco, Jorma went electric as the lead guitaristof Jefferson Airplane in 1965. The Airplane became one ofAmerica’s most popular bands of the era, helped definethe San Francisco Sound with hits like “Somebody toLove” and “White rabbit,” and had eight “top 20” albumsduring his seven-year tenure. He also first recorded hisfingerstyle classic, “embryonic Journey,” while with thegroup. Jorma was inducted into the rock & roll Hall ofFame as a member of Jefferson Airplane in 1996.

Before he left the Airplane, Jorma and longtimefriend (and Airplane bassist) Jack Casady joined forces ina side project: Hot Tuna. It began as a duo playing

acoustic blues and expanded to includeadditional musicians, different genres,

electric sets and original material. Morethan 35 years and 25+ albums later, HotTuna is still going strong, with Jorma,Jack and multi-instrumentalist BarryMitterhoff mixing acoustic andoccasional electric performances.

Jorma also recorded 13 albums onhis own, beginning with 1974’s Quah. In

2002, he released Blue Country Heart, analbum of traditional country blues that

received a Grammy Award nominationfor “Best Traditional Folk Album.”

Stars in My Crown and river ofTime, released in 2007 and 2009

respectively, combine Kaukonenoriginals with blues, countryand bluegrass standards in astyle both welcoming andinspiring. He tours as a solomusician and with Hot Tuna,often totaling more than 180

shows a year: In 2009, theyincluded shows in Italy and at

the rock & roll Hall of Fame, thelatter in conjunction with its tribute

to Jorma’s friend Janis Joplin. In 1998, Jorma and his wife Vanessa

Friends let friends play their Martin guitars. CreditDavid Bromberg for bringing fellow guitar wizardJorma Kaukonen back into the C. F. Martin fold andinspiring the impressive new Martin M-30 JormaKaukonen Custom Artist edition.

“Back in the 1980s, I bought a Martin MC-68,”Kaukonen recalls. “It was all maple, had a soft cutawayand of course I had a pickup on it. I loved that guitar,but in the 1990s, I sold it to finance my first ‘modern’desktop computer.”

Fast-forward to 2006. “I played a gig with DavidBromberg somewhere in New Jersey and he brought alongthe prototype of his Martin M-42 Signature edition. I playedthat guitar and immediately fell in love with it. ‘When thisguitar goes into production, I’ve got to have one,’ I told him.‘Done,’ he said.

“A bit later, I was going to play my annual Thanksgivingshow near Philadelphia when David called and said, ‘I’ve gotyour M-42 and I am bringing it to your Philly gig!’ I got it, Iloved it and I still do.” So much so, in fact, he now playsMartin acoustic guitars exclusively.

of course, the path to a Martin Jorma Kaukonen CustomArtist edition had to have a twist. A few years after Jormabought his M-42 David Bromberg Signature edition, it gotdamaged. He sent it back to Martin for repair and while itwas in the shop, Director of Artist relations Dick Boak loanedhim a Martin Custom Shop M. Jorma really loved certainaspects of that particular M (he calls it the “M-5”)and decided to combine specifications fromit and the M-42 David Bromberg to createthe Martin M-30 Jorma KaukonenCustom Artist edition.

one can appreciate Jorma’sselection of Martin’s M body style( jumbo width, 000 depth and 25.4”scale) for his Custom Artist edition; ithandles everything from fingerpicking toflatpicking with ease. Like the BrombergSignature edition, the M-30 JormaKaukonen Custom Artist editionfeatures a top of rare Italian Alpinespruce and forward-shifted 5/16”scalloped braces for full, saturatedtone and impressive dynamicrange. Like the M-5, it has anenlarged 4 5/16” soundhole forenhanced midrange and trebleresponse. “I heard Tony riceplay the Clarence White D-28Martin – a very early exampleof the large soundhole - aroundthe same time I got the M-5 andloved the tonal ‘color’ of bothguitars, so I had to include it on myMartin.”

The top is paired with back and sides

The M-30 Jorma Kaukonen Custom Artist EditionA Friend’s Favor Culminates In A Perfect Guitar For Acoustic Fingerstyle Blues

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As lead guitarist for JeffersonAirplane and as a pioneer offingerstyle blues with HotTuna, Jorma Kaukonen is adeserving icon in the worldof acoustic music. He and hiswife Vanessa give a greatdeal back at their Fur PeaceRanch Guitar Camp whereall levels of guitarists flock toimmerse themselves in thestudy of six strings with themost inspired guitar playersof our generation.

“There is nothingabout this guitar I don'tlike. Acoustically as well asaesthetically it is simply thecat's meow!”

established Fur Peace ranch in the rolling foothills of southeastern ohio.Here guitarists of all styles and skill levels stay, play and learn atworkshops led by Jorma and an impressive roster of top musicians. FurPeace ranch also hosts a concert series throughout the year called “LiveFrom the Fur Peace ranch.” This series is broadcast on the ohioUniversity NPr affiliate, WoUB.

In complement to its unique design, the Martin M-30 JormaKaukonen Custom Artist edition showcases handsome vintage Style 30appointments, the first time they have been used with the M body styleand only the second time they have appeared on a modern Martin (theother being the oM-30DB Pat Donohue Custom edition in 2008). Thetop is bordered by intricate Style 30 multi-colored “parallelogram” woodmarquetry purfling, and the back is divided by a colorful and distinctiveStyle 30 wood marquetry backstrip. The body is bound in grainedivoroid binding and accented by black/white purfling around the backand black/white/black purfling along the sides. A Style 45 rosette inselect abalone pearl (with the inner ring eliminated) encircles the largesoundhole and a vintage-inspired polished and beveled Delmartortoise-color pickguard protects the top.

The polished east Indian rosewood headplate frames an abalonepearl version of the familiar “C. F. Martin” logo, which arches over aslightly modified Martin “torch” inlay, also in abalone pearl. NickelWaverly tuners with oval ivoroid buttons complete the headstock. TheAfrican black ebony fingerboard features rare Maltese “diamond andsquares” position markers in abalone pearl, with a Maltese cross at the3rd fret, two diamonds at the 5th fret, a square at the 7th fret, twodiamonds at the 9th fret, a square flanked by cat’s eyes at the 12th fretand a cat’s eye at the 15th fret, and culminating in his “Jorma” signature –no last name needed here - inlaid between the 19th and 20th frets. Boththe headstock and fingerboard are bound in grained ivoroid, and insetwith mitered black/white fine line inlays. Black/white fine line inlays alsoaccent the grained ivoroid heel cap and end piece.

The nut, compensated saddle, pearl dot-topped bridge pins andendpin are all crafted from bone. Aging toner on the top adds to theguitar’s vintage vibe, and Martin’s polished gloss lacquer finishhighlights the beauty of both its tonewoods and appointments.

each Martin M-30 Jorma Kaukonen Custom Artist edition guitar isdelivered in a vintage style Geib™ hardshell case, and bears an interiorlabel personally signed by Jorma Kaukonen and numbered in sequencewithout the total, and a second interior label depicting his Fur Peaceranch. Left-handed guitars may be ordered without additional chargeand factory-installed electronics are an extra cost option. Authorized C. F.Martin dealers will begin taking orders for the Jorma Kaukonen CustomArtist edition immediately and participating dealers will be listed on theC. F. Martin website, www.martinguitar.com. v

Jorma Kaukonen at Fur Peace Ranch with his M-30.

Steve Miller has eclectic tastes. It shows in hismusic, which – in a career that has spanned morethan four decades - has ranged from blues andpsychedelic to pop and rock, and back. And itshows in his Martin guitars. The Martin 00-37KSMand 00-37K2SM Steve Miller Signature editions from2000 highlighted classic 12-fret style and distinctive– engelmann spruce and flamed koa – tonewoods. TheMartin 000C Steve Miller Pegasus Signature edition from2005 paired a rounded cutaway with engelmann spruceand quilted mahogany. For more information on theseSignature editions, see Volumes 9 and 18 of The SoundingBoard at the Martin website: www.martinguitar.com.

Now comes the Martin 000C-Mr Steve Miller CustomArtist edition. Again featuring a rounded cutaway, thisone combines Adirondack spruce and Pacific bigleafmaple for brilliantly clear tone and impressive dynamicrange, but the appointment most will notice first is thecolor; highlighted by Martin’s polished lacquer finish,both the body and neck are rich Burgundy red.

Why a red guitar? “I’ve always been bothered by theneed to have blemish-free, ‘perfect’ looking spruce forguitar tops,” Miller commented. “It seems wasteful andI’ve found some of the less perfect-looking wood soundsbetter than perfect, fine-grained spruce. With thatthought in mind I wanted to choose a color for this guitarthat would mellow with age and become trulybeautiful to look at and play, and thatcolor is blood red.”

Miller was similarly forthrightregarding the tonewoods for his newCustom Artist edition. “I’ve had theopportunity to play guitars with avariety of different spruces and myfavorite sounding spruce isAdirondack. It has a tight, springy feelthat gathers a guitar’s tone together ina warm, energetic way that soundsgreat and projects evenly. It tookme a while to discover Adirondackspruce, since it isn’t consideredcosmetically desirable. When Ifinally played a guitar withAdirondack spruce, I wasknocked out by its properties.The maple back and sideswere chosen to give thisguitar a bright sound perfectfor country, blues and rock.”

Making music – and plentyof it – has been Steve Miller’s focusduring the last five years. In 2005, theSteve Miller Band toured for the first

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time in several years, with a stop in Los Angeles forSteve Miller ’s induction into the HollywoodrockWalk. A short tour in 2006 coincided withrelease of the Fly Like an Eagle (30th Anniversaryedition) CD/DVD, which includes three previouslyunreleased tracks and a recent concert. In 2007,2008 and 2009, the Steve Miller Band tackled

increasing long summer (and in 2009, winter andautumn) tours of the United States and (on a couple ofoccasions) Canada. In 2008, Steve Miller Band – Livefrom Chicago was released – a blistering three-DVD setthat captured the band at its fiery best. That year,Steve Miller also received the ASCAP “Gold NoteAward” for lifetime achievements. In addition totouring, the Steve Miller Band has been in the studioduring the last two years recording a new album;scheduled for release in 2010, its working title is APocket Full of Pics.

The 000C-Mr Steve Miller Custom Artist edition’sstylish appointments look spectacular against itsdeep red hue. A Style 45 rosette with a center ring ofselect abalone pearl is matched by a colorful Style 45wood mosaic back strip. Intricate multi-layeredblack/white fine line purfling encircles the top andblack/white/black fine line purfling accents the sidesand back; all are protected by grained ivoroidbinding.

The 1 3/4” (at the nut) modified lowoval two-piece maple neck is topped by a

polished ebony headplate thatfeatures the exquisite and rarelyoffered “alternative” torch inlay from1902 that has been featured on

every Steve Miller guitar edition todate, and nickel Gotoh open-back

tuners. The fingerboard also is ebonyand is absolutely plain – without

position markers or a signature. Bothheadstock and fingerboard are

bound in grained ivoroid, andelegantly accented by mitered

black/white fine line inlays.The ebony belly bridge is

fitted with a compensatedbone saddle. Pearl dot-topped black ebony bridgepins, a beveled and polishedblack pickguard, and a

chrome strap button completethe 000C-Mr Steve Miller

Custom Artist edition’s uniquelook. Befitting a guitar with

extraordinary stage charisma, the 000C-Mr

The Steve Miller 000C-MR Custom Artist EditionA Striking Burgundy Red Adirondack-Topped Stage Performance Guitar

25

Steve Miller Custom Artist edition is factory-equipped withFishman Matrix Infinity electronics. Featuring an advanced,“next generation” undersaddle transducer, soundholemounted controls and an internal endpin pre-amp, itproduces impressive, lifelike “plugged-in” sound for bothlive performance and studio recording.

Delivered in a vintage Geib™ style hardshell case, eachMartin 000C-Mr Steve Miller Custom Artist edition guitarbears a special red interior label personally signed by SteveMiller and C.F Martin Director of Artist relations Dick Boak,and numbered in sequence. Authorized C.F. Martin dealerswill begin accepting orders for the open-ended 000C-MrSteve Miller Custom Artist edition – including for left-handed instruments, which are available at no additionalcost – immediately and participating dealers will be listedon the Martin Guitar website, www.martinguitar.com. v For 34 years, Norton Buffalo was Steve Miller’s partner in harmony

and the principal soloist in The Steve Miller Band. In addition to hisunparalleled virtuosity on the harmonica, he also added vocals,percussion and accompaniment on a multitude of instruments.Steve Miller says it best: “Norton had a unique and wonderfulmusical voice. He gave more than he took and brightened theworld every time he played. This guitar is dedicated in lovingmemory of Norton Buffalo.”

In Memory ofNorton Buffalo1951-2009

After ordering a pair of special Custom Shop Martin guitars withAdirondack spruce tops, Steve was so inspired by the complexityand clarity of tone, that he wanted to explore the notion of anoptimized acoustic-electric stage guitar with a “blood red” glossfinish. Here is the dramatic result. Maple back, sides and neck addto the projection and power of this boldly beautiful instrument.

Kim M

iller

of all the artists for whom C.F. Martin & Co. hasbuilt Signature or Custom Artist edition guitars,perhaps none plays such a range of settings asguitarist extraordinaire Laurence Juber. In just the pasttwo years, he wrote and recorded (using his various “LJ”Martins) his new, all solo album Wooden Horses, playedscores of television, movie and album sessions thatranged from solo guitar and small combos to big bandsand full orchestras, and performed dozens of concerts.

Such a variety of experience spurred Juber – whosecareer path has evolved from lead guitarist for PaulMcCartney and Wings to composer, arranger and world-classfingerstyle guitar virtuoso - in the development of hisprevious Martin guitars (for information on them and onJuber himself, see Volumes 12, 16, 18 and 24 of The SoundingBoard at www.martinguitar.com), so it is no surprise that itwould inspire his new oMC-LJ Pro Laurence Juber CustomArtist edition guitar, which features big leaf maple as itsprimary tonewood.

“The initial inspiration came when I was playing a moviescoring session and contemplating the dozens of maple-bodied instruments in the orchestra string section,” Juberrecalled. “I became curious as to why maple is sofundamental to that family and yet less common in the flat-top guitar world. With its clarity and projection, maplecreates a quite different sonic palette than rosewood andmahogany.

“For my new Custom Artist edition, I choseflamed big leaf maple to provide ‘presence’rather than ‘brightness.’ It also looksgreat. The Adirondack spruce topprovides the full bottom I associatewith vintage Martin tone, but pairedwith maple, the bass is much moredefined and the midrange moreprominent and complex. Plus there is asmooth, almost burnished quality to thehigh end. I also opted for a two-piecemaple neck, like that on many archtopguitars, which contributes generoussustain.”

Impressive tone andunderstated elegance haveexemplified previous LaurenceJuber Signature and CustomArtist editions, and the oMC-LJPro continues that tradition.The traditional oM body – likeprevious LJ oMs - features agraceful rounded cutaway, andscalloped 1/4” Adirondackspruce top braces combine withthe 25.4” oM scale to assureimpressive resonance and dynamicrange. The Adirondack spruce top andflamed big leaf maple back and sides are deftly

accented by a Style 28 wood fiber rosette, fine herringbonetop inlay, fine black/white wood fiber back inlay, HD-stylezigzag center strip purfling, and grained ivoroid binding.The grained ivoroid endpiece is framed by fine black/whitewood fiber inlay. The ebony belly bridge is fitted with acompensated saddle

The maple neck features a “Modified V” profile,generous 1 3/4” width at the bone nut and a diamond

volute at the base of the headstock. The handsome blackebony headplate bears the classic old Style gold “C. F.Martin & Co.” decal and nickel Waverly tuners withbutterbean knobs. The ebony fingerboard is unadorned –with no position markers. A grained ivoroid heelcap andchrome strap button complete the neck.

The belly bridge is fitted with a compensated bonesaddle. The bridge pins are crafted from genuine ebony.In the fingerstyle guitar tradition, this Custom Artistedition doesn’t have a pickguard. Aging toner on the bodyand neck, and Martin’s polished lacquer finish give thisguitar unique, vintage-style patina.

The oMC-LJ Pro Laurence Juber Custom Artist editioncomes factory-equipped with D-TAr Wavelengthelectronics. “It provides all the dynamic headroom I needand captures the natural sound of the guitar really well,”he commented. As for the guitar itself, “I didn’t set out todesign a killer stage guitar, but the oMC-LJ Pro has turnedout to be exactly that. The sound doesn’t embrace theplayer, but rather projects to the audience and offers a

clean palette for the artist to shape his or her sound.Its transparent tone also makes it an easy

guitar to record.”one would think Juber’s recording

and touring schedule should have takenall of his time during the last two years,

but apparently not so. In addition to thepreviously mentioned accomplishments,

he wrote music for the up-coming videogame “Diablo III,” served as producer and

musical director for two stageproductions, including “It ’s the

Housewives,” a musical he co-wrotewith his wife Hope, and produced

Al Stewart’s latest album.Delivered in a hardshell case,

each Martin oMC-LJ ProLaurence Juber Custom Artistedition guitar bears an interiorlabel personally signed byLaurence Juber and numbered insequence. Authorized C. F. Martin

& Co. dealers will take orders forthe currently open-ended oMC-LJ

Pro Laurence Juber Custom Artistedition beginning immediately and

participating dealers will be listed at theMartin website: www.martinguitar.com. v

The OMC-LJ Pro Laurence Juber Custom Artist EditionExploring The Dynamic Parameters Of Optimum Tonewood And Playability

26

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All of the Laurence Juber Signature models seek a professional performance tonality and all succeed intheir own distinct way. Laurence found the vintner’s language useful in describing his guitars. The

mahogany OMC-18 was clear and crystalline like a fine chardonnay. The East Indianrosewood OMC-28 is darker and deeper like a seasoned merlot. The Brazilian

rosewood OMC-28B and Madagascar cousin, the OMC-28M, are complex andwoody like an estate cabernet. But LJs new flamed maple OMC-LJ Pro

defies such categorization. It is powerful, projective, responsive andbalanced – to LJ’s ears, the ideal stage performance guitar.

The title of Laurence Juber’s new CD “Wooden Horses” has two differentmeanings. As LJ explains: “The tune itself is a ragtime bit that took on thecharacter of carousel music and developed into a fun, fingerstyle romp.The other perspective is that of my guitars as workhorses.” Andworkhorses they are! This is Laurence’s 14th CD. (Actually, he’s lost track!)His varied projects have enabled him to evolve through interpretation,carefully dissecting complex phrases and translating them into his ownmusical language. Surprisingly, there have been six Martin modelsdeveloped in collaboration with Laurence, each exploring the dynamicparameters of an array of optimum tonewoods, but in the same breath,each tightly confined to the format of an “OM” Orchestra Model longscale cutaway with an Adirondack red spruce soundboard. All in all, aremarkably successful tonal experiment with an extraordinary guitarist!

"Lightweight, with eye-catching flame figuration andexcellent acoustic/electricheadroom, this Maple OMC-LJ Pro has become my first-call stage guitar as well as a dynamicstudio instrument.I'm excited to have Martin offer it as the latestincarnation of my signatureseries."

Laurence Juber

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Martin” logo, the windswept palm from the twoJimmy Buffett Signature edition guitars and areproduction of Jimmy Buffett’s signature.

How Jimmy Buffett found the time to provideinput on the Martin LX Jimmy Buffett is a minormiracle; the man has been incredibly busy duringthe last seven years. In 2003, he won a CountryMusic Award for “It’s Five o’clock Somewhere,” his

hit single (#1 on the country chart) collaborationwith Alan Jackson.

That same year, he released a two-disccompilation Meet Me in Margaritaville and in 2004followed it up with License to Chill, which toppedthe Billboard album chart during its first week ofrelease. His bestselling novel, A Salty Piece of Land,was published in 2004 and he followed it up withyet another novel, Swine Not, in 2008.

He was inducted into the Nashville SongwritersHall of Fame in 2006, the same year he released hisalbum Take the Weather with You. In 2007 he wasnominated for the Country Music Association’s“Musical event of the Year” Award for the single“Hey, Good Lookin’ Live” with Alan Jackson andGeorge Strait.

He and the Coral reefer Band also went out ona U.S. tour – with an occasional detour to London orParis - every summer, as they have since 1972. Inrecent years these tours have included several

well-known ball parks and stadiums, andmany of these concerts are documented

on CDs and DVDs released by Buffett’slabel, Mailboat records. He beganbroadcasting “radio Margaritaville”on Sirius radio (now Sirius XM) in2005 and now includes concert

replays and live broadcasts from theMargaritaville Café in orlando, Floridaamong its offerings. In 2009, he opened

his newest restaurant, Jimmy Buffett’sat the Beachcomber on Waikiki

Beach, which includes the newHonolulu Surfing Museum. He

has also continued his ongoingcharity work with severalbenefits.

Delivered in a fitted gigbag, each Martin LX JimmyBuffett guitar bears aninterior label with Jimmy

Buffett’s facsimile signature.The LX Jimmy Buffett will be

limited to no more than 300special instruments that will begin

to become available from authorizedC. F. Martin dealers early in 2010. v

For Jimmy Buffett, life is a beach. or rather, abeach party, with tropical sunshine, palm trees,cold libations and lots of music. And everyone isinvited to join in the fun. Based on the popularity ofBuffett’s concerts, albums and books with legions ofParrot Heads – as his devoted fans are known – thisbeach party may never end.

Jimmy Buffett has played Martin guitars fordecades – it’s already been some party - and C.F. Martin& Co. has acknowledged his loyalty twice: in 1998 with theMartin HD-18JB Jimmy Buffett Signature edition, a classicstage/studio guitar offered in an edition of 424 that soldout immediately, and in 2003 with the Martin 000-JBSJimmy Buffett Shellback and 000-JBP Jimmy BuffettPollywog Signature editions, “off-shore” (as in sailboat-ready) guitars that totaled 168 and 305, respectively (forinformation on these guitars, see Volumes 4 and 14 of TheSounding Board at www.martinguitar.com).

As Buffett recently pointed out, the one namesakeguitar Martin hadn’t yet built for him was a “beach” guitar, asmall, sturdy guitar to play at the beach with friends andone that would bring that fun, carefree “beach” spiritwherever it went. So under Jimmy’s guidance – Nazareth,Pennsylvania isn’t exactly a tropical paradise and he is thebeach expert – we created one. Martin is pleased tointroduce the LX Jimmy Buffett.

The Martin LX Jimmy Buffett guitar features the same“go everywhere” design and materials as the popularand fine sounding LXM “Little Martin:” amodified 0 14-fret shape and short 23”scale, with an HPL (high pressurelaminate) body matched to Sitka sprucetop bracing, a modified low oval 111/16” (at the nut) Stratabond neck, anda richlite® fingerboard and belly bridge.Like its cousin, the LX Jimmy Buffett isfitted with chrome tuners, a Corian nutand a compensated Tusq saddle.

But it ’s the eye-catchingappointments that give the Martin LXJimmy Buffett beach credentials. Koawood pattern back and sides arereminiscent of Martin’s earlyHawaiian guitars and ukuleles.With graphic artwork created byartist/designer and JimmyBuffett’s friend Dan rizzie, thetop’s handsome dark brown-to-light bronze sunburstsilhouettes a tropical islandwaterfront scene of palm trees,gentle swells, a moored sailboatand a seaplane heading home atsunset. on the headstock, the black HPLheadplate highlights the familiar “C. F.

Vintage Stenciling Inspires LX Jimmy Buffett “Little Marlin”Ahoy, Aloha, Arrrr or All Aboard – This Little Martin Is Ready To Get Going!

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Origins DreadnoughtThis unique X Series Dreadnought pays homage to the heart and soul of

the Martin company – the skilled craftspersons who meticulously build theworld-famous Martin guitars. You may recognize some of them if you haveever taken our factory tour. They are: Gregory Dilliard (top left – band sawingneck billets), Carol Bond (center left – rosetting, hands only), Joel Toth(center left – neck shaping), Larry Fehnel (bottom left – side bending), JoeSilvius (top right – resawing mahogany sides), George Savercool (centerright – color matching rosewood backs and sides), Karen Kuntzman (bottomright – joining backs). Their combined experience totals over 118 years.Below the bridge, the facade of the new Martin Museum & Visitor’s Center isdepicted. The artwork, created by Chris Martin’s cousin and artistextraordinaire, robert Goetzl, is carefully imbedded into the HPL material ofthe guitar top, closely replicating Goetzl’s original hand-painted watercolor.The guitar, by the way, sounds as beautiful as the painting looks. v

OXK UkuleleMartin has long been renowned for its

ukuleles, but this is the first uke we've offered inthe X-Series. The Soprano-size body is fashionedfrom HPL (high pressure wood laminate) in a Koa-like finish as is the one-piece top. Featuresinclude Sitka spruce bracing, Mahogany endblocks, cedar ribbons, Morado fingerboard andbridge, bone nut and saddle, Grover tuningmachines and a new dove tail joint similar to thatused in traditional Martin uke construction. Withits strong Stratabond neck and durable HPL body,the 0XK-Uke is perfect for moonlight serenadingon the beach. Comes with a handy carrying bag,too. Aloha. v

The “Origins” DreadnoughtAn Artistic Homage To Martin Craftsmanship

The New OXK UkuleleAn Affordable HPL Soprano Uke

rockabilly, they brought their D-28s with them. elvis Presley,ricky Nelson, Sonny James, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins,Johnny Horton and Charlie Feathers (to name a few) wereall D-28 players.

The emergence of the Kingston Trio in 1958 (who playedMartin guitars exclusively) really opened the floodgates forD-28 demand among folk musicians, making it the mostsought after Martin model ever, and, ultimately, the most

imitated style of guitar in modern history. Today, the D-28 isstill the proud icon of the C. F. Martin & Co. line.

In designing the CFM IV 1955 D-28, great care was takento replicate the original 1955 specs as closely as possible.Premium straight-grained Madagascar rosewood backs andsides are expertly bookmatched and profiled toapproximate the look and tone of the original Brazilianrosewood version.

The top is crafted of high-grade Sitka spruce, and bracedin the original rear-shifted, non-scalloped pattern (alsousing quartersawn Sitka). The soundhole rosette is the sameclassic style 28 “4-9-5” black & white lines configuration. Apolished and beveled Delmar tortoise pickguard, withperiod-correct squared bottom, is carefully fitted on top ofthe polished lacquer finish.

The body is bound in grained ivoroid and Boltaron®; thetwo-piece back is joined with the traditional “checkered”marquetry backstrip, all in the 28 style. Genuine mahogany

blocks, small maple bridgeplate, Spanish cedar linings,and cloth side strips complete the body.

The adjustable, 14-fret, modified “V” neckis carved of genuine mahogany with theclassic diamond volute. rounded edgesare typical of mid-50s Martin headstocks,the result of gradual wearing down of thetemplate over years of use. Forauthenticity, we've duplicated this touchalong with a period-correct C. F. Martin &Co. decal, as well as Kluson nickel-plated,“waffle” covered tuners with oval buttons.

Fingerboard and belly bridge (withlong drop-in bone saddle) are crafted of

prized black ebony. The body isfinished in highly polished

nitrocellulose lacquer with agingtoner.

only 55 of these magnificentinstruments will be offered,sequentially numbered andpersonally signed by Chris Martin.

each guitar is delivered in our finestCabernet plush, 5-ply, hard shell

case. If you are a Martin devotee, the“D-28 1955 CFM IV” guitar is a must. Not

simply for the person it celebrates, but thehistory it embodies. This could, indeed, be one

the most collectible D-28s yet! v

In 1955, approximately 5,984 Martins were producedhere in Nazareth, including a very special, one-of-a-kindedition – Christian Frederick "Chris" Martin IV, born onJuly 8th.

This year, Chris Martin turns 55 years old, many ofwhich have been devoted to guiding the company thatbears his name and heritage. Succeeding hisgrandfather, C. F. Martin III, as President and Ceo in 1986,Chris led Martin into a new era of modernization that hasincluded computer-assisted production, utilization ofsustainable tone woods and alternate materials, developmentof new body styles, new processes, artist and limited editions,unlimited custom options and, above all, a newcompetitiveness that has reaffirmed – and reinforced –Martin's position as the world's premier steel-string acousticguitar maker.

At the same time, Chris has kept close watch over thetraditional Martin principles of quality, craftsmanship andpersonal integrity that have sustained the company for over175 years, mostly learned at the side of his grandfather, C. F.Martin III, to whom he was extremely close.

“There is a successful formula for doing business in thiscompany that’s really about honesty and integrity andconsideration and trust,” says Chris. “My grandfather lived likethat and worked like that. That is still our culture, and Iencourage it.”

“Chris has always been willing to try things tomake our guitars better,” says Dick Boak,Martin's Director of Artist relations. “He’sgutsy, bold, forward thinking. If Chrishadn’t embraced technology, we wouldhave been left in the dust.”

For all of these things, and tocommemorate Chris’ birthday and thesignificant contributions he continues tomake through his stewardship, Martin isproud to present the “D-28 1955 CFM IV“Dreadnought.

That we chose to replicate a 1955D-28 is symbolic in itself. In manyways, 1955 was a crossroads forchanging musical tastes, notablythe emergence of rock n' roll, and,a short three years later, theresurgence of folk music in the“Great Folk revival.” The D-28would play an important and, insome instances, pivotal role inboth movements.

First developed in 1916, andintroduced to the Martin line in1931, the D-28 quickly became theguitar of choice for numerous country &western and bluegrass artists. In the mid-1950's, when many of these artists shifted to

The D-28 1955 CFM IV Limited Edition55 Years Inspires 1955 Styled Edition of 55

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Martin District Sales Manager Larry Barnwell (left) not onlyorchestrated the Del McCoury 50th Anniversary Edition project,but also made the special presentation to Del at the 2009 IBMAevent in Nashville. Following the emotional presentation, Delplayed the guitar on stage and brought the house down, as healways does!

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Chris Martin was not only born in 1955, but he’s turning 55 in2010. Here he is with the vintage Martin D-28 (Serial #146148)made in 1955 that provided the inspiration and basicspecification for the D-28 1955 CFM IV Birthday Edition thatcoincidentally is limited to just 55 special guitars.

Photo by

John

Sterling

Ruth

D-28Serial #146148

1955

D-28 1955 CFM IVLimited Edition

2010

1958 2008

Scottish musician Sammy Horner is credited for being the first gospelpioneer to blend Celtic music with contemporary worship music. With severalCeltic Praise albums, five children’s albums, producer credits on a Celtic technoalbum, and two children’s books under his belt, Sammy is a man of diversecreativity. He sits here in Sandy Valley desert on the California/Nevada borderwith his Martin DXM for a photo shoot to promote his new release,“International Desert Songs.” v

Hailing from White Bear Lake, Minnesota,and now living in Chicago, you can findsinger/songwriter Alice Peacock just aboutanywhere in the country where great acousticmusic is heard, along with her Martin D-35(pictured) and D-16. She has four terrificalbums to her credit, and all of her informationis available at www.alicepeacock.com. v

Brad Skistimas of Five Time August performed with his band at “TheStudio” at Webster Hall, New York City in August of 2009. Webster Hall hasbecome a primary venue for independent bands. Brad has gravitated to aMartin 000-18 for his acoustic performances that have aired nationally on MTVto ABC and Lifetime, among others. More at www.fivetimesaugust.com. v

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© Colum

bia Records© Tho

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eastchester, New York’s Bill Hall bought hisMartin D-35 in 1975, and, although he had aThinline © pickup professionally installed later,he thinks it sounds better than everacoustically. He started playing guitar at age13, performed in a number of rock ‘n’ roll bandsalong the way, and now per forms theoccasional house concert and cancer researchfund raisers for "Survivors and Friends" everychance he gets. You can find out all about himat www.billhall.us. v

© Jean H

all

With 24 albums to his credit, production experience(the Monkees’ Peter Tork and the Moody Blues’ MikePinder) , and a musical in the works, James Lee Stanley(www.jamesleestanley.com) counts on his 1993 MartinHD-28 to get it all “out there”. originally fromPhiladelphia, PA, James is constantly on the road, andcould turn up as a soloist or as part of a duo just aboutanytime, so keep your eyes wide open…and listen tothat Martin! v

Maine’s own David Mallett released his first album of newmaterial in six years last August, and “Alright Now” has been met withgreat reviews. David continues to tour the country with his newestMartin to date, a D-18 Special edition, which he calls “the best guitarI’ve ever owned, period!” More information about David is available atwww.davidmallett.com. v

Lexington, Kentucky’s Jamie Oberst makes commercial signs fora living, and in his off hours, he enjoys playing for the local folks incoffee bars and other small venues around town. He loves the GreatAmerican Songbook and Tin Pan Alley tunes, and keeps them alivewhen he sings and plays “Griselda,” his refurbished Martin D12-35 12-string guitar with inlay Jamie applied himself using his sign makingmachinery. v

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Greg Greenway uses a well-traveled 1973 D-28 onstage and in the recording studio. The popularsinger/songwriter, a richmond, Virginia native, makes hishome in Cape Cod, Massachusetts these days, but seemsto be on the road almost all the time…and always withthat great Martin! Keep up with his schedule andrecordings at www.greggreenway.com. v

© © Bret G

illiam© Duff F

ergu

son

© Jam

ie Oberst

recently retired as sheriff ofrappahanock County, Virginia, LarrySherertz is getting back to his musicalroots with his two Martin guitars, a newlyacquired D-42, as well as his vintageBrazilian rosewood D-28. A veteran of theWashington, DC coffeehouse circuit offorty years ago, Larry hopes to get outand perform locally close to his home inLittle Washington, Virginia for many yearsto come. v

Hailing from Charlottesville, Virginia,singer/songwriter David M. Baileyperforms and records with a 12-fretVintage Series Martin HD-28VS, and youcan hear just how good it sounds on hislatest album, “Love – Still The Greatest.”You can find it and all of his otherrecordings and touring information onwww.davidmbailey.com. v

© “M

ia”

After a thirty year career as a photographer for the Smithsonian Institution inWashington, DC, Laurel, Maryland’s Joe Goulait has returned to his passion ofperforming music again with “The Janglebachs”. The band specializes in the popularmusic of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, and Joe’s 39-year-old D-28 plays a prominent part in theband’s instrumentation. Catch up with their events at www.janglebachs.com. v

Demetrios Liadis of Manassas,Virginia relies on his Martin JC-16GTe forlive performance at private and publicevents. “Having that Martin sound isessential,” says Liadis, “because I ampassionate about maintaining theintegrity of each song, vocally andinstrumentally.”

You can hear samples of his music at:www.myspace.com/demetriosjam. v

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© Am

y Doerring

© Larry Sherertz

© 200

9 Joyce M. G

oulait

Jim Clare fell victim to the “great folk scare” of the early ‘60’s andhe’s been playing music on his sweet Martin D-18 ever since. Jimmakes his home in the Finger Lakes region of New York, wherehomemade music still thrives. His brand new album is called “oldempty Hall,” and you can check out what Jim is up to atwww.jimclare.org. v

Forty years ago, Christopher Zell (pictured on the left), wasperforming acoustic music with the late Gary Lee Walker in thepopular Washington, DC based duo, “St. John’s Churchyard.” Living inthe Denver, Colorado area today, Chris, who owns a vintage D-18that once belonged to the late John Herald, is seen with three othergenerations of his family, all of them Martin Guitar players. Hismother, Jeanne Rustad Zell, (in the middle, seated on the hassock)plays a SPD12-16r, and has taught the same “Carter Family” pickinglicks she learned in North Dakota during the Great Depression toeach generation of her family. Jeanne’s grandson, Joseph Procopio(on the right) plays a 1969 D-28. Jeanne’s ten-year old great-grandson, Joey Procopio (foreground) loves to play his dad’sHD-28V every chance he gets, and he has been promised that assoon as he learns to play “Down In The Valley” Zell Family-Carter-style, he will get to keep that guitar… someday. v

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Four Generations Of The Zell Family & Martin Guitars © Joanne Zell

© June M

orrison

Ithaca, New York-based performer and songwriter JoeCrookston (www.joecrookston.com) entertains hisdaughter, Josanna rae, with his Martin oM-28V, which heused exclusively to record his most recent album, “AbleBaker Charlie & Dog.” The International Folk Allianceawarded him Album of the Year in 2009, and you can besure Joe plans to repeat next time around using thatMartin! v

© Jim Bos

jolie

Artist profile text. v

Formerly from Texas, Washington DC’s up and comingsinger/songwriter Tiffany Thompson picked out herMartin JC-16rGTe with her grandfather when she was stillin high school, and almost a decade later she still uses itevery time she sings in public. You can catch up with all ofher musical activities, including her first commercialrecording, at www.tiffanythompsonmusic.com. v

© M

att M

ende

lsoh

n

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American Sunshine – Colin HayThis is Colin Hay’s tenth solo albumsince his stint as the front man for “MenAt Work.” A one-man songwriting forcewho has never relented, Colin’sdistinctive voice and poetic brillianceyield instantly likeable melodies like ‘ohCalifornia’ and ‘Baby Can I See YouTonight.’ Colin used his Martin D-18Authentic, as well as his Arts and Craftsmodel which is featured prominently inthe album artwork. v

Beneath The Big Sky • Jim SalestromFrom the up and coming guitar playerwho picked with John Denver and DollyParton, to the seasoned multi-instrumentalist who performed forpresidents at the White House, JimSalestrom has been playing music all ofhis l ife. A gifted Martin picker andvocalist, Jim’s positive message and toetapping rhythm channel the feel goodmusic of the 70’s. Hear more of Jim at:www.jimsalestrom.com. v

Addicted To Black • Don McLeanThere are few voices as recognizableand passionate for the craft as that ofthe legendary singer/songwriter DonMcLean. He forges onward in 2009 withhis timeless sound accompanied withhis signature model D-40DM, recallingthe day that his epic “American Pie” hitthe airwaves and took the nation bystorm. Don McLean remains a nationaltreasure and long time lover of Martinguitars. v

Letting Go • Catherine BacqueToronto songwriter Catherine Bacquehas released “Letting Go,” her first CD, a5-song limited edition eP. Playing hercherished 1985 Martin D-41, Catherineis joined by virtuoso bassist Alain Caron,pianist Jack Gelbloom, drummer DougCotton, guitarist Tim Bovaconti andmulti-instrumentalist Alan Hardiman.The songs on the CD reveal her rock,country and jazz influences. For moreinfo, visit: www.catbacque.com. v

Blood of Man • Mason Jenningsrecently signed to Jack Johnson’sBrushfire records label and armed withhis new Martin D-28, Minneapolis-basedfolksinger Mason Jennings has beenquietly carrying the torch of musicalgenius since 1997. This fresh and edgyproduction offers unforgettable songslike “Pittsburgh” and “Black WindBlowing” that will generate a new waveof Mason Jennings fans. There’s more at:www.masonjennings.com. v

Martin and Meby Zac Brown (Zac Brown Band)© 2009 Zac Brown. All Rights Reserved.

He was born in the woodsTorn from his homeHe was naked and destinedTo be out on his own

He waited in darkness hoping someone might seeFrom something so rough,What a treasure he’d be

ChorusStronger than steel and woodSeen me through the bad and goodWhen I’m hanging by a stringEvery little thing is understoodBetween Martin and Me.

He’s hollow in the middleFrom the shape that he’s inHe’s either filled up with musicOr locked in his shell again

It takes some fine tuningTo make him come aroundHe’s a huge piece of me And I’ll never put him down

Chorus

Dear Martin!, When I play this song, many

people come by and tell me theyhave a friend “just like mine” inthe song. Cheers,

Zac Brown

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The List – Rosanne Cash36 years ago, Johnny Cash made a list of100 essential songs he thoughtrosanne should know before venturinginto the professional world of countrymusic. She has distilled the list to 12beautiful covers with guest vocals byBruce Springsteen, elvis Costello , rufusWainwright and Jeff Tweedy. The albumcover shows rosanne, eyes raisedthankfully, holding her oM-28MSignature edition Martin guitar. v

Stephen Stills – Live At Shepherd’s Bushrecorded live in London, this CD/DVDspans every facet of the legendarymusician’s stunning career: from theBuffalo Springfield to CSN to his earlyand later solo releases. In addition to hismuscular, fat-toned electric lead guitar,fans are also treated to a riveting soloacoustic set that highlights Stil ls’trademark finger-style playing on hisMartin D-45. Stills’ rock-solid guitarplaying has never sounded better. v

Reverie • Jann KloseBorn in Germany and raised in Africa,Jann Klose’s multicultural background isevident on reverie. With his SPDC-16rand powerfully emotive voice, Janncreates a dozen different tracks, eachwith his unique and soulful flavoring.Martin Guitar employees will rememberhis stunning performance at the 175thAnniversary concert, and those hearinghim for the first time will be instantfans. More at www.jannklose.com. v

Key • Marshall ArtzThis Martin guitar yielding duo forgesrock, jazz, and blues into a blend alltheir own. This, their third  release,features Brad Marshall’s slide and sologuitar mastery with Kevin Artz ’ssmooth rhythm and harmonica playing.Having opened for major acts such asTracy Chapman and Dave Mason, it isclear to see and hear why this dynamicduo is a driving force in the modernworld of acoustic music.  v

Nancy GriffithNancy Griffith returns to her folk roots on her

most recent release “The Loving Kind.” It’s nice to seeher personal and political concerns meld togetheronce again in a call for social change. The CD covershows her writing with a vintage Martin D-18,beautifully customized with floral pearl inlays. v

Jan

n K

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Geoff Muldaur and the Texas Sheiksrecorded with his 00 12-fret CustomArtist model, Geoff produced thisirresistible collection of traditional rootsmusic. He also plays banjo and kazoo!From classic blues to jug band, theTexas Sheiks swing effortlessly drawingfrom the spirit of an old-time stringband. An impressive line up includesStephen Bruton, Cindy Cashdollar, JimKweskin and more – a vital addition toany music lover’s collection. v

Gabrielle Louise’s dedication to ecological issues led herto purchase an SWoMGT Sustainable Wood Seriesmodel that she has used to record her new CDentitled “Cigarettes for Sentiments.” v

Nancy Josephson’s Shimmering JewelNancy Josephson is an incredible artist and musician. In between gigs with her notorious “Angel Band,” she visited the Martin

factory with her equally notorious husband, David Bromberg. After the tour, she asked if there might be a guitar that she could“embellish,” since her unusual sculptural pieces are profusely decorated with intricate patterns of rhinestones, sequins, beads andjewels. A Martin D-15 with shipping damage was loaned to Nancy on the premise that she would return it to Martin for possibledisplay. We never imagined what she might do until we saw the incredible shimmering result. The guitar is now proudly displayedin the Martin museum, and although it is obviously no longer “a player’s instrument,” it is certainly a shining jewel of a guitar and agreat transformation of an otherwise ill-fated guitar. The stunning piece will eventually be auctioned for charity. v

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Al Shelton’s Leather LegacyPerhaps the finest leather artist alive, Al Shelton has

been creating exquisite works of western leather art formore nearly seven decades. Having crafted Gene Autry’slegendary saddles, and boots for most all of theHollywood western stars, Al turned his attention to music

and guitars. Leather guitar covers were popularized by elvisPresley, and while they don’t contribute much to tone, it ispossible that elvis’s covers enabled the percussive tonalitythat he was seeking, especially given that he had a very

talented backup band to fill in the instrumental flavor.ricky Nelson was inspired by elvis, and Al rose to the

challenge in his Hollywood studio, creating severalcovers that surely gave elvis a run for his money!

After creating a replica of the ricky Nelsonleather cover for the Martin Museum, Al wished toleave a lasting legacy by creating what he termedhis masterpiece guitar cover. The museumcommissioned the project and Al spent nearlyseven years working on one of the most ornateand ambitious projects of his career. Assisted byChuck Smith, Greg Atkins and many other friends,

Al completed the project in June of 2009. His selfportrait adorns the center of the back and a special

strap was crafted to match the floral motif. Al is slatedto be honored at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage

in the Hollywood hills for his 90th birthday. This guitar willbe present for the festivities! Here’s to you, Al. v

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P. o. Box 329, Nazareth, PA 18064-0329(610) 759-2837 • www.martinguitar.com

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