Martin 000-28EC Eric Clapton

The Martin 000-28EC Eric Clapton has become one of Martin’s all-time classics. After Martin first introduced the strictly limited-edition 000-42EC in 1995, the 000-28EC followed in 1996 as the second Eric Clapton signature model. It was inspired by the historic Martin guitars that Eric Clapton played during his legendary MTV Unplugged concert. The 000-28EC quickly became one of Martin’s most successful signature models and is still in production today.

The guitar offered here dates from 1997 and thus comes from the very early production period of this model. It is precisely these early examples of the 000-28EC that are of particular interest to enthusiasts and collectors today. This instrument has now undergone nearly three decades of natural aging, which sets an early 000-28EC apart from a newer model in terms of tone as well.

Tonally, the guitar offers the classic character for which the 000-28EC is known. The combination of a Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood for the back and sides produces a full, warm tone rich in overtones, with beautiful depth and excellent balance across all strings. The compact 000 body shape responds very directly and offers clear string separation and plenty of dynamic range.

Combined with its short scale length of 632 mm, the guitar also offers a pleasantly smooth playing feel. It’s ideal for fingerstyle and picking, yet still produces enough low-end and volume for strumming. The Modified-V neck profile and 44.5 mm nut width provide ample space for the fretting hand and underscore the traditional character of this model.

What is particularly beautiful about this instrument is the exceptionally fine and very even grain of the spruce top. The closely spaced growth rings give the top—which has now darkened beautifully—a distinctly elegant appearance and highlight the fine wood selection of this early 000-28EC.

The classic details also contribute greatly to the model’s distinctive character. A fine herringbone inlay, the matching rosette, “Diamonds and Squares Long Pattern” inlays, and the Eric Clapton signature on the fretboard combine the traditional Style 28 look with the signature details of the Signature model. The open-back nickel tuners and the original Martin Geib-style case round out the classic features.

Considering its age, the guitar is in exceptionally good condition. It has been very well cared for and shows only a few signs of wear and use typical for its age. Overall, it is remarkable how well this instrument—now nearly 30 years old—has held up. It also plays exceptionally well.

We carefully set up every guitar. We adjust the neck radius and string action to ensure that the guitar plays cleanly, comfortably, and without buzzing across the entire fretboard.

The string action is 2.6 mm on the low E string and 2.2 mm on the high e string, measured at the 12th fret.

Specifications:

Model: Martin 000-28EC Eric Clapton
Year of manufacture: 1997
Serial Number: 595239
Body shape: 000, 14-fret
Scale length: 632 mm
Saddle width: 44.5 mm
Top: Sitka spruce, solid
Back and Sides: East Indian rosewood, solid
Neck: Mahogany
Neck profile: Modified V
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Bracing: Scalloped X-Bracing
Fretboard Inlays: Diamonds and Squares Long Pattern with Eric Clapton Signature
Rosette: Herringbone with Multi Stripe
Finish: Natural, High-Gloss
Tuning Mechanisms: Nickel Open Gear
Pickup: None
Case: Original Martin Geib-style case

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