Martin and Joe Bonamassa Unveil Two New Signature Acoustic Models Inspired by a Rare 1937 Pre-War Classic
Martin unveils two Joe Bonamassa signature acoustics inspired by his rare 1937 pre-war classic. Flagship 00-18 and affordable 00-10E Retro now available.
C. F. Martin & Co. has officially announced its second major collaboration with blues-rock superstar and renowned vintage guitar collector Joe Bonamassa: the 00-18 Joe Bonamassa and the 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa.
Both instruments are designed to recreate the distinct look, feel, and character of Bonamassa’s personal and prized 1937 Martin 00-18 shade-top. By bridging historical craftsmanship with modern manufacturing, the new signature line offers players two distinct tiers to experience a piece of pre-war guitar history.
Reflecting on the milestone, Bonamassa shared, "If you told me when I was a kid that I'd be sitting here in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, with not one, but two signature guitars, I'd be like, 'You're out of your mind.'"
The Flagship: 00-18 Joe Bonamassa
Handcrafted at Martin’s historic headquarters in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, the flagship 00-18 model pairs a solid spruce top with genuine mahogany back and sides. Built for a warm, clear, and responsive voice, its compact 00 body offers a balanced tone tailored for blues, folk, fingerstyle playing, and songwriting.
- Aesthetic Details: Features a custom 1937-style sunburst, faux tortoise binding, and meticulously replicated top wear that mirrors the decades of use on Bonamassa's original instrument.
- Under the Hood: Equipped with Golden Era scalloped X-bracing for an open, dynamic response.
- Playability: Designed with a Golden Era Modified Low Oval neck profile and a standard taper for a vintage-inspired feel.
The premium craftsmanship of the Nazareth build even surprised the artist's inner circle. Bonamassa brought an early prototype straight into the recording studio to test it side by side with his authentic 1937 Martin. "When we put the mic in front of it, my producer said, 'I like that one better,'" Bonamassa recalled.
Each 00-18 Joe Bonamassa ships complete with a custom hardshell case.
The Accessible Alternative: 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa
Crafted at Martin’s facility in Navojoa, Mexico, the 00-10E Retro brings the spirit and aesthetic of Bonamassa's pre-war classic to a wider audience of working musicians.
- Materials: Combines a solid spruce top with solid sapele back and sides, delivering balanced warmth and focused projection, complete with the same custom 1937-style sunburst and replicated top wear.
- Performance Ready: Features responsive scalloped spruce X-bracing and a modern Performing Artist neck with a high-performance taper for smooth, approachable playability.
- Electronics: Outfitted with Martin E1 electronics, offering onboard volume, tone, and phase controls alongside a built-in chromatic tuner. Bonamassa personally road-tested the electronics in live performance settings before approving the final model.
Each 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa includes a protective softshell case.
Availability
Both signature models are now available through authorized Martin dealers and directly on the official Martin Guitar website.
- +Inspired by Bonamassa's prized 1937 Martin with replicated vintage aesthetics
- +Two tiers offer choice between premium handcrafted and accessible alternative
- +00-10E includes onboard electronics with tuner for live performance
- +Both feature responsive scalloped bracing and warm tone
- +Artist-approved design after direct studio and live testing
What makes the Martin 00-18 Joe Bonamassa different from the 00-10E Retro?
The 00-18 is handcrafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania with solid mahogany back and sides and golden era scalloped X-bracing, offering premium tone. The 00-10E Retro is made in Mexico with sapele back and sides, includes Martin E1 electronics, and costs less, making it more accessible for working musicians.
Did Joe Bonamassa test these guitars before release?
Yes. Bonamassa brought an early 00-18 prototype into the recording studio and compared it directly to his original 1937 Martin. His producer preferred the new prototype's tone. He also personally road-tested the 00-10E's electronics in live performance before approving the final model.
What electronics are included on the 00-10E Retro?
The 00-10E Retro is equipped with Martin E1 electronics, offering onboard volume, tone, and phase controls alongside a built-in chromatic tuner for live and studio use.
