Martin Introduces New Models for 2021

David Gilmour signature models, a fully FSC-certified “Earth” guitar, and other great new guitars and ukuleles are being released during NAMM’s Believe in Music Week.

By: Teja Gerken

January 18, 2021

January would ordinarily be when musical instrument manufacturers, dealers, and musicians gather at the annual NAMM show in Anaheim, California, to unveil loads of new instruments, accessories, and other gear and to gather with colleagues and customers. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is happening online this year, in an event called Believe in Music Week (basic registration is free and open to anyone). While watching a virtual event is not the same as being able to check out new products in person, we’re looking forward to getting some of the new products into the Peghead Nation studio soon, so stay tuned for lots of new gear coverage to come!

A visit to Martin’s exhibit is always a highlight of visiting the NAMM show, and this week, the company is releasing its new models for 2021. For more on these releases, check out our recent discussion of the instruments with Martin’s Vice President of Product Management, Fred Greene!

D-35 David Gilmour six-string and 12-string.

D-35 David Gilmour
Martin has offered many signature models over the years, and this year, the company is releasing a pair of limited edition signature models for Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour. A nod to the 1969 Martin D-35 that Gilmour used for many years, the pair consists of a six-string and a 12-string, both built with sinker mahogany back and sides and Adirondack spruce tops that have received Martin’s Vintage Tone System treatment. Martin worked with Gilmour on a special neck shape, and each guitar’s label is hand signed by Gilmour himself. A portion of the instruments’ proceeds will support the David Gilmour Charitable Foundation. The list price is $5,499 for either model.

00L Earth
Martin has long pioneered and championed the use of sustainable materials and FSC certified woods. Now the company is releasing its 00L Earth, a guitar that is not only 100 percent FSC certified, but also 100 percent plastic-free. The guitar uses Martin’s slope shoulder 00 body, a Sitka spruce top, and sapele back and sides. Artist Robert Goetzl created the “earth” image emblazoned on the guitar’s top. The 00L Earth has a list price of $2,249.

Grand J-16E 12-String
The jumbo-size Grand body is one of Martin’s newest shapes. Previously available on several high-end models, this design has now found its way into a 12-string in Martin’s relatively affordable 16-series. Built with a Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, the Grand J-16E also features scalloped bracing and Fishman electronics. The guitar has a list price of $2,099.

GPC-13E and D-13E Ziricote
Available in Grand Performance or dreadnought sizes, a new pair of Road series guitars makes use of the highly-figured wood for their back and sides. Matched with a solid spruce top, the veneered ziricote offers a striking appearance. The Grand Performance GPC-13E Ziricote features a cutaway, while the D-13E Ziricote sticks to a traditional dreadnought format.

Both instruments include Fishman MX-T electronics with a built-in soundhole tuner. List prices are $1,299 (GPC-13E Ziricote) and $1,249 (D-13E Ziricote).

DJR-10E StreetMaster
Based on Martin’s reduced-size Dreadnought Junior body, the new DJR-10E StreetMaster uses the same distressed finish familiar from other StreetMaster models. Built with sapele top, back, and sides, the guitar has a short 24 inch scale and includes Fishman Sonitone electronics with USB output. List price is $699.

T1 StreetMaster Ukulele
The distressed StreetMaster look is now also used on a ukulele. The new T1 StreetMaster is a tenor-sized instrument that’s built with an all-mahogany body and an ultra-thin finish for a resonant sound. List price is $449.

0XK Ukulele
Part of Martin’s X-series, the new 0XK is a concert-size ukulele built with durable high-pressure laminate (HPL) for its top, back, and sides. Using a photo-finish of figured Hawaiian koa, the instrument offers high-end looks despite being Martin’s least expensive ukulele. List price is $299.

Concert Ukulele FSC
An addition to Martin’s high-end ukulele line, the Concert Ukulele FSC is a concert-size instrument built with 100 percent FSC certified, solid mahogany for its top, back and sides. The instrument also features a mahogany dovetail neck and Ratio tuning machines. List price is $2,399.

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