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Martin OM-ECHF Navy Blues

Martin Guitars, Eric Clapton and Hiroshi Fujiwara collaborate for the third time to create the OM-ECHF Navy Blues.

Martin OM-ECHF Navy Blues

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Instead of the usual short-scale Triple-0 design that is easier to bend, this new model features a longer 25.4″ scale. This means that strings are stretched further, which results in improved projection while sacrificing some bendability.

The top of the guitar is made from European spruce, and is supported by standard X scalloped solid sitka spruce bracings. The back and sides are made from Solid East Indian Rosewood in compliance to the wishes of the collaborating artists.

According to Dick Boak, Director of Museums, Archives and Special Projects for Martin Guitars, the first prototype had a royal blue finish, referring to the royal honors that Eric Clapton has received. Clapton however preferred a darker color, and so the guitar ended up with a darker polished gloss navy blue finish.

The neck of the guitar is made of solid mahogany and features a modified V shape with a solid black ebony fretboard. The guitar has 20 frets with a bone nut that measures 1.75″ wide. Traditional Martin solid diamond square taper headstock is used, carrying chrome enclosed tuners w/ small buttons.

What makes this guitar distinct from all the other Eric Clapton signature models is that it features a long-scale OM design, a stark contrast to his favorite blues-friendly short scale models.

Clapton and Fujiwara’s rosette designed is retained, featuring two rings with small mother of pearl squares set in black corian. Other features include fine herringbone with style 18 black fiber strips for the back purfling, grained ivoroid binding, fine herringbone top inlay, Black/White/Black Boltaron side and back inlays, solid black ebony bridge with 16″ radius compensated bone saddle and black with abalone pearl dots bridge pins.

Only 181 of this guitar will be made, with the inside label numbered in sequence and feature the signatures of Chris Martin IV, Eric Clapton, Hiroshi Fujiwara, and Dick Boak. The current price tag is $6,999. Visit Martin Guitar for further details.

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