Martin Guitar Unveils Four Unique New Models at Summer NAMM 2014 in Nashville Including the CEO-7

Nazareth, PA (NAMM, Booth 1300) – July 10, 2013 - C. F. Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) is ushering in summer with four unique new models to be unveiled at Summer NAMM at the Music City Center in Nashville July 11-13.  From a new addition to Martin’s acclaimed Road Series to a highly-anticipated new artist custom signature model from Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran to the outstanding new CEO-7 paying homage to Martin’s “Golden Era®” of guitars, Martin’s new models showcase the company’s continued exceptional craftsmanship and technical innovation.

“The latest CEO-7 model is a tribute to a time when flat top steel string acoustic guitar design was evolving very quickly, says CEO and Chairman Chris Martin. “The market was very competitive as demand for fourteen fret neck instruments was rapidly growing. At that time the Dreadnought was not yet the dominant shape and the smaller tight-waisted models influenced by the parlor guitars of the prior century were still quite popular.”

• CEO-7: Inspired by Martin’s successful "Golden Era®" 00 models that sparked guitar manufacturers to introduce their own models made popular by this body style, the CEO-7 features a sunburst finish, golden age tuners and authentic headplate lettering.  This new 14-fret short scale 00 "Sloped Shoulder" model features a solid Adirondack spruce top with solid genuine mahogany back and sides for complex tonality.  Retail price: $2999.00
• 000RS1: A great solid-wood Martin at an affordable price - the 000RS1 is the newest addition to the successful Road Series.  Constructed with solid sapele and equipped with Fishman Sonitone electronics, this stage-ready Auditorium model produces the perfect blend of volume and balance. Retail price: $999.00
• Grand J12-16GTE: Classic styling at an affordable price, the Grand J12-16GTE features a 17" grand jumbo body along with D-TAR Wave-Length Multi-Source electronics.  The powerful yet defined sound and easy playability makes this a great choice for any 12 string enthusiast. Retail price: $1999.00
• LX1E Ed Sheeran Signature Edition: Designed in collaboration with award-winning artist Ed Sheeran, this Signature Edition Little Martin® features unique personal laser etchings in the solid sapele top. Stage-ready, this model is small enough to take anywhere and comes equipped with Fishman Isys T electronics, Martin strings and a padded gig bag. A portion of proceeds from the sale of this model will go to the East Anglia Children’s Hospices (www.each.org.uk).  Retail price: $599.00

About Martin Guitar & Strings

C.F Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) has been creating the finest instruments in the world for 180 years.  It continues to innovate, introducing techniques and features that have become industry standards, including X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the “Dreadnought” size. One of the world’s leading acoustic instrument makers, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, who use a combination of new design and techniques along with those introduced by the company founder.

The company is also known for producing high-quality, popular acoustic guitar strings.  These include the Martin SP® LIFESPAN™ line, the fastest-growing treated string in the industry, and the Martin SP line, which uses an industry leading core wire to hold tunings better.

Martin guitars and Martin strings are the instruments and strings of choice for musicians around the world, from the icons of rock, country, folk and bluegrass to those just beginning their careers.  They can be seen across all segments of pop culture, from television (Glee, Psych, Raising Hope and American Idol) to the movies, on Broadway and in books, online, and gracing the covers of popular magazines on newsstands everywhere. Connect with Martin and Martin Strings on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and via www.martinguitar.com and www.martinstrings.com.