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NAMM 2020: Martin unveils huge guitar lineup for 2020, updates to existing series

New guitars include a limited-edition D-18E 2020 and an exclusive D-42 listed at $15,000.

martin namm 2020

From left: D-42 Purple Martin Flamed Myrtle, D-18E 2020 and 000C12-16E Nylon

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NAMM 2020: Martin Guitar has announced a big release of new guitars for Winter NAMM 2020, comprising limited-edition models, as well as updates to its Modern Deluxe and X series of guitars.

Limited Editions

D-18E 2020

A faithful re-creation of the 1934 14-fret D-18, this guitar is built with a Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, with an East Indian rosewood headplate, fretboard, binding and bridge. It comes with LR Baggs Anthem electronics, and is limited to 2,020 instruments.

D-42 Purple Martin Flamed Myrtle

The Purple Martin series is the brand’s homage to the native bird of Pennsylvania, Martin Guitar’s home state – and this is the line’s fourth model, and is limited to a mere 100 instruments.

This beauty is embellished with an ornate fretboard and pickguard inlays that depict a purple martin bird and mountain laurel flowers, which are Pennsylvania’s state flowers.

Besides its decorative elements, the D-42 Purple Martin has a heavy bearclaw Engelmann spruce top with a deep purple burst finish and flamed myrtle back and sides.

Lists for $14,999.

16 Series

000C12-16E Nylon

This 12-fret nylon guitar – part of Martin’s 16 Series – is among the highlights of Martin’s NAMM 2020 showcase. An auditorium-sized, six-string instrument, the 000C12-16E sports a Sitka spruce gloss top and satin-finished mahogany back and sides for “bright treble response and plenty of volume”, according to the brand. It ships with Fishman Matrix VT Enhance electronics.

Lists for $2,499.

GPC-16E and D-16E

martin GPC-16E
GPC-16E

Also part of the 16 Series, the GPC-16E and D-16E are, respectively, a grand performance-sized cutaway acoustic and dreadnought. Both come with glossy Sitka spruce tops, a 000 body depth, satin-finished mahogany back and sides, and a neck taper for playability. Like the 12-string model, these also feature Fishman Matrix VT Enhance electronics.

Lists for $2,049.

BC-16E

martin BC-16E Bass
BC-16E Bass

One for our bassist friends: the Martin BC-16E is a solid-topped four-string that also features East Indian rosewood back and sides and a forward-shifted scalloped bracing that the brand claims delivers “deep, thumping” tones. It ships with built-in Fishman electronics.

Lists for $2,399.

Modern Deluxe updates 

D-28E, 000-28E, OM-28E, D-18E

The Modern Deluxe Series was first introduced at Winter NAMM 2019 and featured modern elements like titanium truss rods. Taking a step further in that direction, the Modern Deluxe Series now comes in electronics-equipped models for greater tonal control.

martin om-28e
OM-28E

The D-28E, 000-28E, OM-28E, and D-18E now come with the all-new Fishman Aura VT Blend pickup system. This stage-ready Modern Deluxe Series also benefits from Fishman’s Aura HD Imaging, which allows for direct recording in live situations.

Check out our review of the 2019 Martin Modern Deluxe D-28 here.

X Series updates

The X Series debuted two decades ago as Martin’s foray into guitar-building through the use of alternative and sustainable materials. Upgrades to Martin’s 2020 collection of X Series guitars include new HPL patterns, scalloped bracing and a solid wood neck, fingerboard and bridge. Each X Series guitar will now also come with a padded, water-resistant gig bag.

More information at martinguitar.com.

Check out all NAMM 2020 news here.

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