From the Factory | September 3, 2025

Season of Sound: A Look Back at Martin’s Summer 2025 Lineup

From vintage tributes to bold new builds, these summer releases are ready for wherever the music takes you next.

Summer might be winding down, but the rhythm of the year is far from over. At Martin, we’ve been busy launching a fresh wave of guitars, gear, and lifestyle essentials to inspire players at every level. Whether you spent the season on stage, at home, or somewhere off the beaten path, our summer lineup has something new to offer—from once-in-a-lifetime vintage tributes to forward-thinking designs built for modern musicians. 

So, as the days get shorter and the weather starts to shift, now’s the perfect time to reset your musical goals, refresh your setup, or finally pick up the guitar that’s been calling your name. Here’s a closer look at the new arrivals making waves. 

Honoring a Legacy: The D-18 & 000-18 1955 CFM IV 70th 

This July, we celebrated a major milestone—Chris Martin IV’s 70th birthday—with the release of two limited-edition guitars that honor both his legacy and the roots of American acoustic music. Inspired by vintage Martin guitars from 1955, the D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th and 000-18 1955 CFM IV 70th capture the character, feel, and voice of a pivotal era in acoustic history, with an attention to detail you can hear and feel. 

The tops are made from reclaimed old-growth Alaskan spruce—sourced from wind-felled trees, dismantled log bridges, and historic barge ramps—and printed to reflect decades of wear and tear, just like the originals. It’s the first time Martin has ever used this specific, sustainably sourced spruce, and it brings both tone and story to the table. 

With only 70 of each model available, these guitars are more than just special editions—they’re heirlooms in the making. Whether you gravitate toward the bold projection of the Dreadnought or the balanced, intimate voice of the 000, these instruments are built to last a lifetime and then some. 

Read more about these guitars here. 

A New Era for the Inception™ Series 

If you’ve been following the evolution of the Inception Series, you already know it’s one of our boldest steps toward sustainable design and modern tone shaping. This summer, we added two new voices to the family: the newly refreshed GPCE Inception Maple and the all-new GPE Inception Maple, our first Inception model without a cutaway. 

Both guitars now feature a striking gloss finish that enhances the depth and beauty of their FSC®-certified European spruce tops and flamed maple back and sides, all brought to life in a dramatic amber fade sunburst. We’ve also upgraded both models with FSC-certified ebony fingerboards and bridges, adding even more tonal richness and a premium feel under your hands. 

At the core is our innovative skeletonized bracing and sonic channeling technology, designed specifically to complement these tonewoods. Together, these elements deliver quick response, increased sustain, and powerful projection—without compromising the integrity of the wood or the design. 

The GPCE model offers stage-ready playability with its cutaway design, while the GPE introduces a clean, uninterrupted body shape for players who prefer that classic, full look. Both come equipped with LR Baggs Anthem electronics, giving you natural, high-fidelity tone whenever you're plugged in. They pair sustainability with unmistakable Martin tone and feel—wrapped in a refreshed aesthetic that looks as bold as it sounds.

The SC-10E Spruce: Built for Players Who Push Boundaries  

The SC-10E Spruce is the latest addition to our Road Series, and it’s proof that comfort, innovation, and tone can all coexist in one beautifully built instrument. Featuring Martin’s patented Sure Align® neck system and a Low Profile Velocity neck barrel, the SC-10E gives you unrestricted access to every fret.

Its solid spruce top and solid sapele back and sides offer clarity, warmth, and balance, making it a versatile choice for just about any genre. Whether you’re fingerpicking, strumming, or soloing, this guitar delivers a responsive, articulate sound with a smooth, effortless feel. 

When it’s time to plug in, the Martin E1 electronics make it easy to shape your tone and stay in tune with onboard volume, tone, and phase controls, plus a built-in tuner. If you're a player who doesn’t want to be boxed in by tradition, this is your guitar.

Fresh Takes in the X Series: Ziricote Specials 

We also gave our X Series lineup a bold new twist this summer with the limited-edition OMC-X2E and GP-X2E Ziricote Specials. These models combine striking good looks with everyday durability, making them perfect for players who want a guitar they can count on no matter where or how they play. 

Both guitars feature solid sapele tops paired with ziricote-pattern high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides—a combination that delivers a warm, punchy tone with visual flair to match. The OMC includes a cutaway for easy upper-fret access, while the GP model sticks with a sleek, full-body design. 

Whether you’re jamming with friends, recording in your bedroom, or performing on the go, these guitars are made to move with you—and look good doing it. 

Don’t Forget the Gear 

Of course, no new season would be complete without the right accessories to go with it. This summer, we also launched a wide range of new lifestyle items, replacement parts, and essential gear—including apparel, picks, straps, humidifiers, string tools, and more. Whether you’re tweaking your setup, refreshing your wardrobe, or just looking for the perfect gift, these pieces add the finishing touch to any Martin experience. 

Find Your Fit 

With so many new guitars and gear to explore, there’s never been a better time to pick up something new—or rediscover what made you fall in love with playing in the first place. Whether you’re after vintage character, cutting-edge innovation, or a dependable companion for daily practice, there’s a Martin for you in this summer’s lineup. 

Explore the full collection on our website or stop by your local authorized Martin dealer to see—and hear—the difference for yourself. Wherever your music is headed this fall, we’ve got the tools to help you get there. 

Until next time, happy playing!