Eric Clapton's signature model in Martin's Road Series. Pre-order it now.
Pre-order natural · Pre-order burst
Clapton and Martin: a story that changed the acoustic guitar
Eric Clapton has helped define what a Martin signature model can be. The 000-13E Eric Clapton is the first Clapton signature model in Martin's Road Series.
In 1992, Eric Clapton took to the stage at MTV Unplugged with an acoustic guitar in his hands instead of an electric. He played, among other things, a Martin 000-42 from 1939 and a modified 000-28 from the 1960s. The concert and album made a huge impression, and according to Martin, people started calling to ask which guitars he played. Martin himself says that the concert brought new attention to acoustic music.
It was the start of a collaboration that is still going. In 1995 came the first Clapton signature model, the 000-42EC, in only 461 copies. The number is a nod to his album 461 Ocean Boulevard. It sold out immediately. The following year came the 000-28EC, which is still in production. According to Martin, the collaboration has produced more signature models than any other name in the company's history.
A full Clapton in the Road Series
The price is clearly lower than the earlier Clapton models, but it is still a full Clapton. It has the 000 body, the same size as the Martin guitars he played on Unplugged. The fretboard is ebony with Golden Era Style 42 snowflake inlays and his signature. The top is solid spruce with scalloped X-bracing, and the Martin E1 electronics make it ready for the stage.
Choose your Clapton
The guitars are identical in construction and specifications. The difference is the top finish. Both have a solid grand top and back and sides in ziricote veneer.
Natural
Antique Toner on a solid grand top. A warm, classic look.
Burst
1935 Sunburst on a solid grand top. Darker and more vintage.
The left-handed models have the same specifications. Current prices are on the product pages.
Specifications
- Body: 000 with 14-fret neck
- Top: solid spruce, gloss finish. Antique Toner (natural) or 1935 Sunburst (burst)
- Back and sides: ziricote veneer, gloss finish
- Neck: select hardwood, satin, Performing Artist profile
- Fretboard: ebony with Golden Era Style 42 snowflake inlays and Eric Clapton signature
- Scale length 24.9″, 20 frets, nut width 1 11/16″
- Tuners: nickel, closed
- Nut: ebony. Nut insert: white TUSQ
- Bracing: scalloped X
- Electronics: Martin E1
- Case: softshell
- Recommended strings: Clapton’s Choice Light (MEC12)
Pre-order your Clapton
The guitar has been launched by Martin, and we have ordered it in. We expect delivery in late November 2026.
Questions? Write to us, or drop by in Aarhus or Copenhagen. Also read about Martin's series.