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Martin Debuts $1,999 John Mayer Signature Acoustic Guitars

Martin's new OM-13E and OMC-13E John Mayer signature acoustics bring pro tonewoods and design touches to a $1,999 price point.

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Two Martin acoustic guitars side by side: OM-13E (left, traditional non-cutaway body with herringbone inlay) and OMC-13E (right, Venetian cutaway model), both in natural wood finish on black background

C.F. Martin & Co. has officially expanded its two-decade collaboration with seven-time GRAMMY® Award-winning guitarist John Mayer by launching his first-ever signature models in the accessible Road Series lineup. The new OM-13E John Mayer and OMC-13E John Mayer bring the artist's preferred tonewoods, neck profile, and aesthetic touches into an acoustic-electric format priced significantly below previous Mayer signature releases.

A Shift Toward Accessibility for Mayer Signature Acoustics

For acoustic guitar enthusiasts, John Mayer and Martin Guitars represent one of the most iconic artist partnerships in modern music history. Throughout his career, Mayer has rarely been seen performing with an acoustic instrument from any other builder. His personal arsenal with the Nazareth-based brand has included everything from one-off double-neck acoustics to small-bodied 12-string parlor models.

However, acquiring a Mayer-endorsed Martin signature model has historically carried a steep price tag:

  • 2018 D-45 John Mayer Signature: $14,999
  • Gray Sunburst Orchestra Acoustics: $18,499 (Limited Edition) and $3,999 (Standard Tier)

For example, even this Martin Custom OM-45 John Mayer Platinum 20th Anniversary model, with a £6k discount, is still an expensive guitar.

The arrival of the Road Series OM-13E and OMC-13E provides a far more accessible gateway for fans and working musicians. Listed at $1,999.99, these models sit at the pinnacle of Martin's Road Series price range—above signature instruments like Joe Bonamassa’s 00-10E Retro and Shawn Mendes’ 000-10E—while marking the most affordable Mayer signature acoustic guitars released to date.

Martin OM-13E John Mayer acoustic guitar, non-cutaway Orchestra Model body with solid Engelmann spruce top and black walnut back, shown from front three-quarter angle

Premium Specifications & Construction Highlights

Both instruments are built around an all-solid-tonewood foundation paired with Mayer’s custom design choices:

  • Solid Engelmann Spruce Top: Treated with an aging toner for a vintage aesthetic, Engelmann spruce delivers a soft, responsive acoustic character with rich nuance and tonal warmth.
  • Solid Black Walnut Back & Sides: Offers a balanced midrange presence, clarity, and striking natural wood grain.
  • Scalloped Spruce X-Bracing: 5/16-inch scalloped bracing allows the top to vibrate freely across dynamic strumming and fingerstyle playing.
  • Performing Artist Neck Profile: Standard taper neck with a 25.4-inch scale length and a 1 11/16-inch nut width for smooth fretboard navigation.
  • Signature Appointments: Features an ebony fingerboard and bridge, nickel open-gear tuners, antique white binding, a faux abalone rosette inspired by the OMJM, and Mayer’s signature inlay at the 12th fret alongside a pre-printed internal signature label.
  • Stage-Ready Electronics: Fitted with Martin E1 electronics featuring an integrated tuner, volume, and phase controls. Both models ship with an included softshell case.
Martin OMC-13E John Mayer acoustic guitar with Venetian cutaway, solid Engelmann spruce top and black walnut back, shown from front three-quarter angle

OM-13E vs. OMC-13E: Comparing the Two Models

While both guitars share identical acoustic engineering, neck dimensions, and tonewoods, they diverge in body style and cosmetic trim:

SpecificationMartin OM-13E John MayerMartin OMC-13E John Mayer
Body ShapeTraditional Orchestra Model (Non-Cutaway)14-Fret Venetian Cutaway
Top OrnamentationBold Herringbone Top InlayMulti-Stripe Top Trim
Target Playing StyleClassical body style for strumming and fingerpickingExtended upper-fret access for lead work
Price$1,999.99 USD$1,999.99 USD

Availability

The OM-13E John Mayer and OMC-13E John Mayer are available now through authorized Martin retailers and directly via martinguitar.com.

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Pros
  • +Solid tonewoods at accessible $1,999 price point
  • +Mayer's preferred neck profile and specs
  • +Martin E1 electronics with integrated tuner
  • +Cutaway option available for lead playing
  • +Includes softshell case
Body Style (OM-13E)Traditional Orchestra Model, non-cutaway
Body Style (OMC-13E)14-fret Venetian cutaway
TopSolid Engelmann spruce with aging toner
Back & SidesSolid black walnut
BracingScalloped spruce X-bracing, 5/16-inch
Neck ProfilePerforming Artist, 25.4-inch scale, 1 11/16-inch nut
FingerboardEbony
TunersNickel open-gear
ElectronicsMartin E1 with tuner, volume, phase controls
Price$1,999.99 USD each
CaseSoftshell included
What makes these John Mayer signature Martin guitars more affordable than his previous models?

The OM-13E and OMC-13E use solid tonewoods and Mayer's preferred specifications in Martin's Road Series lineup rather than premium Custom Shop builds. At $1,999 each, they undercut his 2018 D-45 ($14,999) and limited-edition Orchestra models ($3,999–$18,499).

What's the difference between the OM-13E and OMC-13E John Mayer?

Both share identical tonewoods, electronics, and specs. The OM-13E is a traditional non-cutaway Orchestra Model with herringbone inlay; the OMC-13E has a 14-fret Venetian cutaway and multi-stripe trim for upper-fret access.

What electronics and hardware do these guitars include?

Both feature Martin E1 electronics with integrated tuner, volume, and phase controls. Hardware includes ebony fingerboard and bridge, nickel open-gear tuners, antique white binding, and Mayer's signature inlay at the 12th fret.

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Jef Stone
Founder and editor of GuitarBomb. Jef has been writing about guitars, effects pedals, and music gear for over ten years, covering everything from breaking gear news and leaks to hands-on reviews.

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