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North Carolina has rich musical legacies that are as diverse as its terrain. From the mountains in the west came bluegrass and folk. From the farms and fields in the center of the state came Piedmont Blues and country. Jazz greats John Coltrane, Max Roach and Thelonious Monk were born in the state. Singers Ben Folds, Randy Travis and James Taylor also hail from North Carolina.
And then there’s Seth Avett of the roots-based band The Avett Brothers. Seth has a deep relationship to North Carolina. He still lives in the town he grew up in. He tramps though the acres of fields around his home just as he did as a boy. His music is so connected to the land and its people, there’s dirt between the notes of his songs.
Seth’s life changed at age 13 when he spent a few days with music legend and fellow North Carolinian Doc Watson. The experience began a lifelong love of old-time music such as Piedmont Blues great Blind Boy Fuller, country music singer Charlie Poole, even the actor/musician Andy Griffith.
Of course, old-time music is equated with acoustic music. Seth loves playing acoustic music because it creates a closer, tighter connection to his audience — there’s nothing to hide behind. And for him, acoustic music is all about Martin Guitar.
"I've always seen a Martin dreadnought as the quintessential acoustic guitar; the blue-collar guitar, understated and solid in the hands of Jim Croce or Doc Watson or Ramblin' Jack Elliott," said Seth. "I've always leaned toward the warmth and strength of the D-35. I got my first one, a 1977 model, about twelve years ago, and I've been wearing them out, re-fretting them and wearing them out again ever since.”
Seth worked closely with Martin Guitar to create the Martin D-35 Seth Avett Custom Signature Edition. “I can't wait to find out what songs are waiting in this guitar, for me and anyone who decides to buy one,” said Seth.
You can be sure that whatever songs Seth Avett writes on his Signature Martin, his home state will find it’s way into the music.
There are very few people in the world who attend concerts and come away with a feeling about what to do with the rest of their lives. But that's exactly what happened to Hunter Hayes.
Growing up in Louisiana, Hunter started playing music at a young age and was inspired by attending live concerts. After seeing acts like Garth Brooks, Bryan White and Diamond Rio play live, Hunter knew that he was born to play music. He was also listening to John Mayer, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban. Those artists influenced his songwriting and, in his words, provided the "soundtrack to his life."
His signature sound is rooted in country music mixed with the bluesy influence of growing up in Louisiana. And the instrument that's central to that crafting that sound is his Martin Guitar.
Hunter's choice in acoustic guitars was influenced by a few big names he admires. "My OM-42 was the first guitar I actually saved up, went out and shopped for," he said. "I remember wanting an OM because I saw Eric Clapton and John Mayer playing them."
His collection of Martins continues to grow. He has a 00-Mahogany and a new 00-Custom. "Martin has always been the one brand that seemed to be synonymous with timeless acoustic guitars."
Hunter's Martin has a pick guard that reads, "For the love of music." There couldn't be a better summary of Hunter's career or why you should play a Martin guitar.
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