From the Factory, Players | August 1, 2026
Martin Guitar Quarterly Recap (April–June 2026): Artist Highlights, Acoustic Cameos & Martin Moments
From late-night TV and award-show stages to Tiny Desk, KEXP, Nashville, London, and beyond, Martin guitars kept showing up in artists’ hands throughout spring and early summer.
Welcome back to the Martin Guitar Quarterly Recap, our ongoing look at standout Martin moments from the past few months.
For this April–June edition, we’re focusing on the artists, performances, and acoustic cameos that put Martin guitars in the spotlight throughout spring and early summer. From late-night TV and award-show stages to social media performances, vintage guitar stories, and special appearances around the world, Martin guitars kept showing up in memorable places.
To catch up on everything else Martin did during this part of the year—including new products, artist collaborations, factory stories, and behind-the-scenes features—explore the Martin Blog, follow us on social media, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Here’s a look back at some of the biggest Martin artist highlights and acoustic moments from April through June 2026.
April 2026 Artist Highlights
April brought Martin guitars to national TV, backstage tour moments, special recognition for songwriters, and plenty of acoustic performances shared across social media.
Martin Moments on Stage and Screen
Country superstar Morgan Wallen played a J-40 at the SiriusXM launch of Morgan Wallen Radio in Nashville before kicking off his 23-stadium U.S. tour.
Robert Plant and Saving Grace brought a D-28 to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for a performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On.”
Country singer-songwriter Ernest performed his new song “Boat Named After You” live on TODAY with his vintage D-35.
Martin Artist Showcase Class of 2024 artist Drayton Farley appeared on CBS Saturday Morning, performing with his 000-28 Modern Deluxe.
Hayley Williams closed out the last of three solo nights at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom with Martin Signature Artist Jason Isbell, joining him for a cover of “Cover Me Up” while he played his 000-28.
Backstage, Online, and On the Road
Martin Signature Artist Billy Strings was back on the road and back posting backstage photos with his pre-war D-28. He also gave fans a sneak peek at a unique Martin build, adding another unexpected chapter to one of the most exciting acoustic stories in music.
Fresh off a sold-out U.S. tour that included a visit to the Martin factory, Jesse Welles shared another new song on his vintage D-28, continuing a run of raw, direct performances built around his unmistakable acoustic sound.
Marielle Kraft shared a song inspired by the Artemis II mission around the Moon and astronaut Reid Wiseman naming a newly identified bright-spot crater after his late wife. She was accompanied by William Hinson on an OM-28.
Mary Spender continued to spotlight Martin guitars in April, covering the Eagles’ “Take It to the Limit” on her Custom Shop OM-42 with Chris Buck. She also shared two helpful string-changing videos filmed during her recent visit to the Martin factory, including one focused specifically on slotted headstocks.
A vintage 000-18 was also reportedly among the instruments used on Noah Kahan’s new album, according to a post from Carter Vintage in Nashville, which helped provide instruments for the project.
Songwriters With Martin Connections Recognized
April also brought major songwriter recognition for several artists with deep Martin connections. The New York Times included Lucinda Williams, Paul Simon, Dolly Parton, Brandy Clark, and Willie Nelson on its list of “The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters,” with Brandy Clark also giving her OMJM John Mayer a shoutout.
The list also included other legendary songwriters with notable Martin history, including Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.
May 2026 Artist Highlights
May kept the momentum going with Martin guitars appearing on Saturday Night Live, Tiny Desk, the ACM Awards, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more.
Paul McCartney’s D-28 Takes Center Stage
Paul McCartney brought his D-28 to several major moments in May. He played it for an intimate crowd at Abbey Road Studios during a special listening event, performed his new song “Days We Left Behind” with it on Saturday Night Live, and later used it on social media to show fans how to play the “wacky” chord progression that opens his new album.
National TV, Streaming, and Award-Show Highlights
Olivia Rodrigo’s guitarists played a 00-18 and 000-28 on Saturday Night Live for her performance of “begged.”
A D-X2E was featured in an exclusive look at the first season of Prime Video’s romantic drama series Off Campus.
Niall Horan played a D-18 for a performance of “Dinner Party,” the title track from his upcoming album, on Later... with Jools Holland.
Julia Cole performed “Day Late & A Buck Short” on The Kelly Clarkson Show with her 000-17E Black Smoke.
Martin guitars also had a strong presence at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. Album of the Year winner Parker McCollum played an HD-28, Thomas Rhett performed with a D-18, Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year winner Cody Johnson played a D-42, and Dan + Shay appeared with a D-35 Johnny Cash.
Tiny Desk, Signature Artists, and Acoustic Performances
Vince Gill brought two Martin guitars to his NPR Tiny Desk Concert, performing with a 000-28 and 000-18.
Martin Artist Showcase Class of 2026 artist Annahstasia also appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, playing her 2004 OMC-16RE and a 0012-28 Modern Deluxe.
Martin Signature Artist Molly Tuttle covered Joni Mitchell on her signature D-18 before her show in Milwaukee. She also broke out her Grand J-28E DN for a performance of “Everything Burns,” showing another side of her powerful acoustic voice.
Jake Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet showed off his Custom Shop 012-28 “Mirador” during a rig rundown with Sweetwater Soundcheck, while his Mirador bandmate, Chris Turpin, also discussed his Custom Shop 0012-28.
No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont played an OM-42 during the band’s performance of “Running” at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Marcus King appeared with a D-45 in a video promoting a late-May date at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. He also recently played the D-45 at Stagecoach and recorded his latest single with a vintage shade-top D-18.
Road Stories, Vintage Finds, and Family Moments
Drew Baldridge kicked off his On the Road series in collaboration with Martin, giving fans behind-the-scenes access to life on tour while featuring his Road Series DE Retro Plus Granadillo.
Mike Wolfe of American Pickers found a 1947 D-18 at a Nashville yard sale, sparking reactions from several major acoustic players.
And Billy Strings shared one of the sweetest Martin moments of the season: a photo with his son and his 1940 D-28.
June 2026 Artist Highlights
June rounded out the quarter with more Martin guitars on KEXP, in acoustic sessions, on social media, and in the hands of artists, teachers, collectors, and performers around the world.
KEXP, Acoustic Series, and Live Sessions
Martin Signature Artist Jeff Tweedy performed on Seattle’s KEXP with his vintage 0012-18 12-string and 00-18E.
Actress and singer-songwriter Maya Hawke and her guitarist each played vintage 000-18s for her performance on KEXP.
ACM’s acoustic storytelling and covers series, Our Country, featured Martin Artist Showcase artists Wyatt Flores and Kaitlin Butts. Wyatt covered The Fray’s “How to Save a Life,” and Kaitlin covered The Steeldrivers’ “If It Hadn’t Been for Love,” with both artists playing a D-18.
Jesse Welles returned with more outdoor videos on his vintage D-28, including performances of “Mountain Song” and “Everyone Who Hated Me Is Dead.”
Niall Horan returned with his D-18 in June, performing “Little More Time” with the BBC Concert Orchestra on Radio 2.
Nelson performed their number one hit “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” at Norman’s Rare Guitars on an early ’50s D-28 and a 1948 D-18.
Signature Artists, Lessons, and Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Mary Spender shared a rig rundown with Zach Myers of Shinedown, where he showed off his D-18 and D-41.
Paul McCartney played his D-28 at the Roundhouse in London during a special in-conversation event celebrating his latest number one album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane.
YouTube lesson favorite Marty Schwartz has been using his new D-28 to teach songs and skills to his audience of nearly 5 million subscribers.
Martin Signature Artist Joe Bonamassa shared a teaser of some upcoming signature 00 models alongside his original 1937 00-18.
Historic Guitars and Special Appearances
A guitarist from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band played a DVM Veterans Model on the South Lawn of the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 event.
Jake Eddy, bluegrass picker and founder of Home Run Vintage Guitars in West Virginia, shared the story of acquiring a mint-condition 1926 00-45.
And multiple artists with Martin connections made The New York Times readers’ choice list of the “100 Greatest Living American Songwriters,” including Paul Simon, Dolly Parton, James Taylor, Willie Nelson, Jason Isbell, Jeff Tweedy, and more.
Looking Back on April–June 2026
From late-night stages and award-show broadcasts to Tiny Desk, KEXP, social media performances, vintage guitar finds, and once-in-a-lifetime songwriter recognition, spring and early summer were full of memorable Martin moments.
Some came from longtime Martin Signature Artists. Others appeared in unexpected cameos, intimate acoustic performances, or behind-the-scenes posts that gave fans a closer look at the guitars behind the music. Together, they show how Martin guitars continue to be part of the songs, stories, and performances shaping music today.
Follow the Martin Blog, social channels, and YouTube for more artist stories, product news, factory features, and behind-the-scenes moments throughout the year.
Stay tuned for the next quarterly recap—and until next time, happy playing!