From the Factory, Players | May 28, 2025

Eric Clapton's 000-28EC Prototype: A Signature Sound That Still Resonates

The Martin Museum adds a key piece of Clapton history to its legendary collection

In our ongoing series celebrating legendary artist guitars on display in the Martin Museum, we’ve looked at icons like Les Paul, Joan Baez, Kurt Cobain, and Johnny Cash. Today, we turn our focus to a guitar that played a major role in the resurgence of acoustic music in the 1990s—and the artist who helped make it happen: Eric Clapton. 

And now, thanks to a recent auction acquisition, the Martin Museum is home to a key piece of that history—the original prototype of the 000-28EC, Eric's second Martin signature model and one of our most enduring artist collaborations. 

From Unplugged to Unstoppable 

In the wake of Eric's legendary MTV Unplugged performance in 1992, the acoustic guitar world was never quite the same. With a 1939 Martin 000-42 in hand and a raw, heartfelt setlist that included acoustic renditions of “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven,” Eric reignited global interest in the acoustic guitar—and in Martin specifically. 

“Clapton’s Unplugged set was huge,” says Martin Archives and Museum Manager Jason Ahner. “Not just for us, but for acoustic music in general. That stripped-down version of ‘Layla’ became just as iconic as the original. Some people even prefer it.” 

Following the performance, Martin was inundated with requests about the guitars Eric used. That interest led to Martin’s first signature model for him in 1995—the 000-42EC, a luxurious, limited run of 461 guitars, matching the title of his 461 Ocean Boulevard album. It sold out almost immediately at The NAMM Show. 

Recognizing the demand, Martin set out to create a more affordable follow-up, capturing the essence of the 000-42EC but at a lower price point. The result was the 000-28EC—and the prototype now on display in the museum is the one Eric received and personally played. 

“When he got it, he said it was pretty much the best acoustic guitar he ever played,” Jason says. “And I imagine he played it a lot, because when we saw it come up at auction last year, we went after it. We didn’t have anything from Clapton in the museum yet, and this was the one.” 

Specs Straight from Slowhand 

The prototype 000-28EC is everything you’d expect from an Eric Clapton signature model: elegant, understated, and incredibly playable. It features a solid Sitka spruce top with East Indian rosewood back and sides, producing the kind of rich, balanced tone players love in a 000 body. But what really sets it apart is the neck. 

“It’s a Modified V, which Clapton prefers—even on his electrics,” Jason explains. “It’s got a 1 ¾-inch nut width and 2 ¼-inch spacing at the bridge, so it’s more of a Golden Era neck spec with slightly wider string spacing, which a lot of players really like.” 

This particular guitar is finished in a striking sunburst, accented by herringbone top trim and a traditional zig-zag backstrip. It’s a blend of modern craftsmanship and vintage flair. “It’s cool because, for a while, the Standard Series 000-28 didn’t even have herringbone trim,” Jason notes. “But now, it does—so in a way, this signature model helped bring some of that vintage style back into the fold.” 

And yes, there’s even a photo of Eric playing this very guitar during a tour of the Martin factory—adding another layer of authenticity and personal connection. 

A Guitar Comes Home 

When the prototype 000-28EC appeared at auction, Martin saw an opportunity to finally bring a piece of Eric's legacy into the museum’s permanent collection. 

“We’re always looking for instruments that tell a story,” Jason says. “And when it’s somebody like Eric Clapton—one of the most influential guitarists of all time—that just adds so much to the experience for our visitors. People come in and see guitars owned by Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, Kurt Cobain... and now Clapton. That’s powerful.” 

The museum’s acquisition also adds a full-circle dimension to the ongoing partnership between Martin and Eric. From the success of the 000-42EC to the continued popularity of the 000-28EC in Martin’s current lineup, this collaboration has stood the test of time. 

“We’ve done more signature models with Clapton than with any other artist,” Jason adds. “From Brazilian and Madagascar rosewood versions to the Bellezza Bianca and Nera and Navy Blues models. But this guitar—the one he called the best he ever played—this is where it really started.” 

Celebrating 30 Years of Signature Sound 

This year marks three decades since Martin and Eric launched their first signature model together. To celebrate, Martin introduced two special 30th anniversary guitars: the 000-42EC 30th Anniversary and the 000-EC 30th Anniversary. 

Both models pay tribute to Eric's Unplugged legacy and continue his tradition of expressive tone and refined feel. The 000-42EC 30th is limited to just 300 guitars and features Guatemalan rosewood back and sides, an Adirondack spruce top, and full 42-style appointments. The 000-EC 30th, available through March 2026, offers a more subtle nod with traditional rosewood and spruce construction and vintage-inspired detailing. 

And of course, both are strung with Clapton’s Choice Strings—the same strings he uses in the studio and on stage. 

A Guitar God’s Acoustic Gospel 

Eric Clapton’s influence spans decades, genres, and generations. He’s the only person inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame three times. From The Yardbirds and Cream to his solo work and unforgettable Unplugged set, his playing has consistently pushed musical boundaries—often with a Martin in his hands. 

Thanks to the recent addition of his 000-28EC prototype, that legacy now lives on inside the Martin Museum. It’s more than a signature model. It’s a guitar that shaped an era. 

So, if you find yourself in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, stop in and see it for yourself. The strings might be silent now, but the story they tell still resonates. 

More from Martin 

To learn more about the artist guitars that helped shape popular music, check out past posts in our museum blog series, including spotlights on Les Paul’s 0-18K, Kurt Cobain’s D-18E, Joan Baez’s 0-40, and more. 

Stay tuned for more incredible instruments and the stories behind them—only at the Martin Guitar Museum. 

Until next time, happy playing!