From the Factory, Players | October 30, 2025
Jason Isbell and Martin Launch New Signature Guitars and Strings
From the intimate 0-17 limited edition to the road-ready 0-10E Retro and his first signature string set, Jason brings his voice to a new era of Martin instruments.
Few artists embody the raw honesty of American songwriting like Jason Isbell. From his work with The 400 Unit to his deeply personal solo records, Jason has long relied on acoustic guitars as vessels for truth, tone, and timeless storytelling.
Now, in partnership with Martin Guitar, he’s releasing two new signature instruments and his first-ever signature set of strings—gear built to match his uncompromising standards for performance and authenticity.
The 0-17 Jason Isbell: A Limited-Edition Tribute
At the heart of this launch is the 0-17 Jason Isbell, a limited-edition signature model inspired by the 1940 0-17 he used to record his latest solo album, Foxes in the Snow. Only 50 of these instruments will be made, and each one is designed to capture the intimate, stripped-down sound that defined those sessions.
“The way this thing was designed is to replicate the 1940 0-17 that I used on Foxes in the Snow,” Jason explains. “The pickguard is a little bit larger than it would have been on an original 0-17… so it’s more accurate to that particular guitar, that exact guitar.”
The 0-17 Jason Isbell features a solid sinker mahogany body with Adirondack spruce Golden Era scalloped X-bracing, a sinker mahogany 1930s-style V neck, and a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. “The Brazilian [rosewood] for the bridge and the fingerboard is a really special thing,” Jason notes. “The fact that Martin was able and willing to do that for these guitars makes me really, really happy. And the price point… it’s certainly one of the least expensive acoustics you can get with Brazilian rosewood on it.”
Beyond tonewoods, what makes this guitar special is its feel. “The neck is fairly small, but the nut is wide enough where I don’t flub chords,” Jason says. “It’s quick. It’s easy to get around on. When I’m writing a song, I’ll reach for something like this because it’s quick. It’s easy to play. Small and lightweight. And sonically, this one really excels in the studio.”
The 0-10E Retro Jason Isbell: A Road-Ready Option
For those seeking a more accessible signature model, Martin and Jason collaborated on the 0-10E Retro Jason Isbell, part of the Road Series. With a satin all-mahogany body, scalloped spruce X-bracing, and Martin E1 electronics, it’s a soulful yet affordable option designed for live performance and everyday songwriting.
“This guitar meets the artist's criteria that the instrument can't be the challenge,” Jason says. “The quality of the instrument should not be the challenge. What the guitar should be is, to me, an extension of your own physical self… I feel like these guitars are perfect for that because they’re well made, they're easy to play, they sound good, and they don't scream, ‘Look at me.’”
Built for players at every stage, Jason praises its versatility: “You could take this to your local bar, or you could take it into the Bluebird or the Ryman or anywhere and play it. Nobody would think any different… It looks fantastic. It plays really well and it sounds really good. At this price point, a whole lot of people are gonna have access to it—and that’s great because it encourages beginner guitar players and singer-songwriters to have something that is quality.”
Jason Isbell Signature Strings: A New Era of Tone
Alongside the guitars, Martin and Jason are releasing the Martin Era™ Treated Acoustic Guitar Strings – Jason Isbell Signature Set. These custom-voiced phosphor bronze strings are designed to hold up under both touring and studio conditions.
“This is a big deal for me,” Jason says. “I have used Martin strings, phosphor bronze Martin strings, for a long time—12-54 on almost all of my acoustics. I know how they’re gonna react, I know how many shows I can get out of them, I know they don’t take long to break in. You stretch them right when you put them on, they won’t go out of tune. This is a really big honor for me.”
Durability and tone were key to the collaboration. “I don’t have to worry about being fragile, being gentle with the strings,” Jason explains. “They sound good for a long time, I don’t have to change every show, which my tech loves, and I love also.”
Based on Martin Lifespan® strings but finished with red silk-wrapped ends, the set offers both reliability and a signature aesthetic. As Jason puts it: “Really like any other piece of gear or equipment, to me, eventually you forget that you’re using it because it’s not causing you any problems—and that’s the best possible outcome. I think these strings are great for that.”
About Jason Isbell
Jason Isbell is one of the most respected singer-songwriters of his generation. The North Alabama native has built a career on lyrical honesty, poetic storytelling, and a deep connection to the human experience. A six-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Jason’s songs blend the grit of Southern rock with the intimacy of folk and Americana, earning him fans across genres and generations.
Beyond his work with his band, The 400 Unit, Jason has carved out a powerful solo career that highlights his voice, guitar playing, and unflinching songwriting. His latest album, Foxes in the Snow—recorded entirely on that 1940 0-17—strips everything down to its bare essentials: just voice and guitar. The record reflects Jason’s evolving artistry and his ability to find beauty in simplicity, making his collaboration with Martin a natural next step.
Whether onstage at the Ryman, writing at home, or in the studio at Electric Lady in New York City, Jason continues to define what authenticity sounds like in modern music. These new signature guitars and strings build on that foundation—designed to capture the same honesty, balance, and expressive power that mark his songs.
The Next Chapter in a Legendary Career
For Jason, these collaborations represent more than just new gear—they’re a way to inspire the next generation of players. “It makes me really happy because I think it’s going to be more accessible for younger players or people who aren’t necessarily collectors, which is great,” he says.
Whether you’re chasing the intimate tones of Foxes in the Snow, stepping onto the stage at your local venue, or simply searching for strings that won’t let you down, these releases reflect the same ethos that drives Jason’s music: instruments and tools built to support the song above all else.
To check out these guitars and strings for yourself, visit your local Martin dealer and learn more here.
Until next time, happy playing!
