The “love” of Eric Clapton and the Martin 000 series guitar began in the 1970s.
At the time, Clapton bought a large number of Martin guitars during his tour of the United States. And one of them, Clapton’s 1968 000-28 Martin was converted to Style 45 by Mike Longworth in the 1960s. In 1970, Clapton purchased the guitar at GTR (the predecessor of Gruhn Guitar) in Nashville. Later, Clapton used the guitar in the 1974 “461 Ocean Boulevard” album and the “Nothing but the Blues” tour from 1994 to 1995.
Martin 000-45EC “Crossroads” guitar did not re-enact Clapton’s own guitar. Instead, it adds several unique features to this new guitar. Notable features include the signature of Clapton between 19th and 20th fret and the Crossroad logo on the bridge. Each guitar is equipped with a sound hole label and an autographed certificate by Eric Clapton and C.F. Martin & Co. CEO Chris Martin IV.
The Martin 000-45EC “Crossroads” guitar is available in two versions: Madagascar rosewood and Brazilian rosewood. If the player pursues a pure retro sound, then the Brazilian rosewood version should be chosen. It offers gorgeous treble, beautiful overtones and rich resonance. The back and side panels made from Brazilian rosewood are designed for guitar players with recognition skills. Compared to the Rosewood version of Madagascar, the difference in tone between the two is very subtle. The Madagascar rosewood version offers a very warm midrange and a more prominent tone, making it ideal for playing chords with paddles.
These two different models of guitar provide excellent performance. The distance between the string pillow and the strings is also very suitable for fingering guitarists. And positive and sensitive dynamics can meet the requirements of any style guitarist.
The Martin 00-45EC “Crossroads” guitar is made in the 1934-’42 format. It includes 14-fret necklaces and snowflake fingerboard inlays; a solid head with the CF Martin logo and a raised bridge made of ebony. Martin also uses vintage leather to make this guitar. Many classic Martin fans believe that guitars made in this way are better than guitars in modern production. Each Martin 000-45EC “Crossroads” guitar comes with a custom case and guitar strap. Martin will also provide CITES documents for customers who purchase Brazilian Rosewood. (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) to facilitate overseas transportation or carrying.
Brazilian rosewood edition, priced at $49,999;
Madagascar Rosewood Edition, priced at $12,999.