If you’re the kind of guitar player who can spot a Martin headstock from across the room—or if you’ve ever sat cross-legged trying to nail the intro to “Tears in Heaven”—then you already know the weight of this news. Martin Guitar and Eric Clapton just dropped not one, but two limited-edition guitars to celebrate 30 years of their legendary collaboration.
That’s three decades of acoustic magic, Clapton’s fingerprints all over the tonewood, and Martin’s craftsmanship taken to the next level. Let’s dig into why this is a big deal and why, if you’re a true acoustic fanatic, you’re going to want to know about these guitars—even if you can’t quite swing the five-figure price tag.
From MTV Unplugged to a Lifetime Partnership
It all started back in 1992. If you were around, you remember where you were when Clapton walked out on the MTV Unplugged stage, strapped on that vintage Martin, and made every kid in America want an acoustic guitar again. That performance didn’t just change acoustic music; it reignited a flame. By 1995, Martin and Clapton teamed up to release the first-ever Eric Clapton signature model: the 000-42EC.
The rest is history. For 30 years, the Clapton x Martin collaboration has produced some of the most sought-after signature guitars in existence—guitars that players drool over and collectors quietly hoard.
And now, they’re marking the anniversary with two new limited editions that are nothing short of tone wizardry.
The Big Boy: The 000-42EC 30th Anniversary
This is the crown jewel. The flagship. The one Clapton himself would probably have in every room of his house.
The 000-42EC 30th Anniversary is inspired by the 1939 000-42 Clapton played during his Unplugged set—the guitar that literally changed acoustic music in the ‘90s.
Specs at a Glance:
- Solid Adirondack spruce top with antique toner
- Solid Guatemalan rosewood back and sides
- Golden Era-inspired Adirondack X-bracing
- Authentic 1939 neck shape (1 11/16″ nut width)
- Golden Era 42-style snowflake inlays
- Waverly open-gear tuners
- Vintage gloss finish
And yeah, they didn’t stop there. Each of these is hand-signed by Slowhand himself and comes with a premium Harptone case, complete with an embroidered shroud.
Only 300 of these beauties exist. That’s it. So if you see one in the wild, you’re looking at a true collector’s piece. Oh, and the price tag? Just shy of $11,000. But can you really put a price on playing the guitar that inspired an entire generation?
The Everyday Player: The 000-EC 30th Anniversary
Now, if you’re not ready to refinance your house for a guitar, Martin didn’t leave you out.
The 000-EC 30th Anniversary model is designed for the players who want to channel Clapton’s tone without the ultra-rare, collector-grade price tag. This one’s going to be available through March 2026, giving players a little more time to get their hands on it.
Specs include:
- Solid spruce top
- Solid East Indian rosewood back and sides
- Authentic 1939 neck shape with 1 11/16″ nut width
- Herringbone-trimmed top
- Antique white binding
- Golden Era 42-style snowflake inlays
You’ll also get a premium embroidered case and a certificate of authenticity with Clapton’s pre-printed signature.
Price tag? Around $5,000. Still serious money, but a little more approachable for those who want a high-end guitar they’re actually going to play, not just display.
More Than Just a Signature Model—It’s a Legacy
This isn’t just a celebrity endorsement deal. Eric Clapton’s partnership with Martin is one of the longest-running and most musically significant collaborations in modern guitar history.
It started with the original 000-42EC in 1995, which sold out immediately and became a white whale for collectors. Then came the 000-28EC in 1996—still one of Martin’s best-selling guitars today. Clapton and Martin have continued working together ever since, including a trio of Dreadnoughts in 2023, which benefitted Clapton’s Crossroads Centre, a rehab facility he founded in 1998.
And if you want a little piece of Clapton’s sound without dropping thousands, you can always grab a set of Clapton’s Choice Signature Strings—the same strings he’s trusted on stage and in the studio for decades. Designed to resist corrosion and deliver the warmth and clarity Clapton’s acoustic tone is famous for, they’re available in light and medium gauges.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a collector, a serious player, or just someone who appreciates the craftsmanship of a well-made acoustic, this 30th-anniversary release is a big moment. It’s a testament to what happens when a guitar builder and a world-class musician keep pushing each other to raise the bar.
Here at Tone Tailors, we’re all about finding the right gear that fits you—whether that’s a $500 beginner acoustic or a $10,000 collector’s piece with Clapton’s signature on it. Music is about connection, inspiration, and yes… sometimes owning a piece of history.
If you want to learn more about the new Martin EC Anniversary guitars or any of the latest acoustic releases, swing by the shop or give us a call. We’d love to talk guitars with you and help you tailor your tone.
