Clapton: “If I Could Choose What to Come Back As, it Would Be” This Guitar

January 16, 1992. Eric Clapton takes the stage at Bray Studios, England, to record what would become his MTV Unplugged television appearance and live album. This fruitful session included the iconic acoustic rendition of Layla (this is the one I remember from childhood, not the original—but I am a nineties kid), as well as a handful of Delta blues tunes from the likes of Robert Johnson (“Walking Blues”) and Muddy Waters (“Rollin’ and Tumblin’).

This was also the day that began Clapton’s public association with, not just acoustic guitars, but Martin acoustic guitars. It’s safe to say a minor acoustic guitar fever struck the blues-lawyer set upon the special’s release in August 1992—all thanks to Clapton and his 1939 Martin 000-42.

Three years later, in 1995, Clapton was awarded his first signature Martin guitar: the 000-42EC. Inspired by the 1939 model he made famous with his Unplugged performance, the 000-42EC was a hit—and now, 30 years later, Martin is bringing it back with the limited edition (only 300 instruments made!) 000-42EC 30th Anniversary.

Martin 000-42EC 30th Anniversary

The 000-42EC 30th Anniversary features all the bells and whistles worthy of a certified guitar god like Clapton (like him or not, this fact is indisputable!). A solid Adirondack Spruce top is treated with Antique Toner for vintage vibe, while solid Guatemalan rosewood back and sides bring the tone for days.

And, while I have harped on elsewhere about Martin’s scalloped X-bracing and the wonders it does for resonance and tone, I’ll say it again: Martin’s Golden Era-inspired Adirondack spruce secret-weapon bracing is here. And a genuine 1939 neck profile adds to this guitar’s authentic feel.

Finally, the 000-42EC is decked out with gorgeous Golden Era 42-style snowflake inlays and pearl inlay binding and soundhole filigree. Waverly Relic open-gear nickel tuning machines and a real bone saddle complete the package.

A cool $10,999 will get you this collector’s piece, complete with a certificate of authenticity bearing Clapton’s signature (printed. Can you imagine Clapton spending hours of his precious time sitting around doing autographs?)

Martin 000-EC 30th Anniversary

The more understated model of the two 30th anniversary Martins is the 000-EC. It’s got the same bracing construction and many of the same appointments as the 000-42EC, right down to the snowflake inlays, but with a plain spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides instead of the Guatemalan, a compensated bone saddle, and standard Martin tuning machines. 

Finally, the visual package is a bit less flashy overall, with herringbone trim and antique white binding instead of pearl inlays throughout. It’ll also only set you back about half as much as the other one: $4,999.

Both guitars come with a premium embroidered hardshell case.

Clapton has famously said, “If I could choose what to come back as, it would be a Martin OM-45.” But I do think he probably said that before these two 30th Anniversary models were released.

The Martin 000-42EC 30th Anniversary and 000-EC 30th Anniversary are now available at Sweetwater.

Get more info about the Eric Clapton 30th Anniversary Martin Guitars at Martinguitar.com.