Four-time Grammy winner Jason Isbell has teamed up with Martin Guitars for a major new release, unveiling two signature acoustic guitars and a companion guitar string set. The launch centers on the meticulous recreation of Isbell’s personal and treasured 1940 Martin 0-17 acoustic, an instrument so vital to his sound that it features on every track of his latest album, Foxes in the Snow.
The project was clearly a labor of love, with Isbell praising the legendary manufacturer’s dedication to historical accuracy. “The fact that Martin was able and willing to do that for these guitars makes me really happy,” Isbell noted, referring to the use of rare materials and precise specifications.
The Flagship: Martin 0-17 Jason Isbell Acoustic
The premium, limited-edition Martin 0-17 Jason Isbell ($4,999) is designed to capture the “magic of pre-war Martins.”
Limited to just 50 units, this collector’s model features an all-solid sinker mahogany body paired with Adirondack spruce Golden Era scalloped X-bracing, promising a “warm, expressive voice.”
- Key Features:
- Body: All-solid Sinker Mahogany
- Bracing: Adirondack Spruce Golden Era Scalloped X-Bracing
- Fingerboard/Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood (a highlight Isbell specifically championed)
- Aesthetics: 17-style appointments, dovetail neck joint, Waverly Nickel open back tuners.
- Neck Profile: Identical to Isbell’s original 1940 0-17.
“The neck on this one is pretty identical in shape to the original guitar,” Isbell confirmed. “It’s a very simple guitar to look at and to play, but certainly not simple to put together.”
Available at Thomann, right-handed €6499 and left-handed €6499
The Workhorse: 0-10E Retro Jason Isbell Acoustic
For musicians seeking the Isbell tone at a more accessible price point, the 0-10E Retro Jason Isbell ($1,049) offers a stage-ready option. Drawing on Martin’s popular Road Series, this model provides an affordable, all-mahogany alternative built for performance.
- Key Features:
- Build: Satin-finished, all-mahogany 0 14-fret body.
- Bracing: Scalloped spruce X-bracing.
- Electronics: Martin E1 electronics with a built-in tuner for “plug-and-play performance.”
- Affordability: Designed to be a quality instrument that encourages beginner players.
Isbell stressed the importance of quality and playability for all musicians. “This guitar meets the artist’s criteria that the instrument can’t be the challenge,” he stated. “I could take this guitar and make a living with it.”
Available at Andertons, priced £1069
Available at Sweetwater, priced $1049
Available at Thomann, right-handed €1349 and left-handed €1349
Custom-Voiced Tone: Jason Isbell Signature Strings
Completing the trio of releases is the Jason Isbell Signature String Set ($17.99), part of Martin’s new Era strings line. Custom-voiced for Isbell’s studio and touring preferences, these 12-54 gauge strings are designed for “strength, balance, and consistency,” and feature red silk-wrapped ball ends for a distinct look.
The set includes Martin’s latest technology, such as the patented Lifespan treatment for corrosion resistance and Flexible Core tech for enhanced comfort and playability, ensuring “Isbell-inspired warmth” for any acoustic guitar.
More Information
#Martin Guitars #Jason Isbell
This article may contain affiliate links to Andertons, DeathCloud, Fender, Gear4Music, Sweetwater, and Thomann that help finance the running costs of GuitarBomb. We will receive a small commission if you buy something through these links. Don’t worry; you pay the same price, and it costs you no extra to use these affiliate links for your purchases.
