From the Factory, Players | November 27, 2024
Recreating History: The Martin 000-45 Joe Bonamassa Signature Guitar
Few guitars capture the essence of a musical era quite like the limited-edition Martin 000-45 Joe Bonamassa. As a meticulous recreation of Joe’s prized 1941 000-45, this guitar is not only a tribute to a legendary instrument and player, but a masterclass in Martin’s renowned craftsmanship.
With only 45 of these guitars available, the 000-45 Joe Bonamassa is both a collector's dream and a musical masterpiece, with quite a story behind it. So, let’s dive into what makes this guitar truly special.
A Recreation of a Pre-War Guitar
Back in 1941, Joe's original pre-war 000-45 was sold for $225. The guitar – serial number 76993 – remained in pristine condition for over 80 years, passed down through three generations and living in Southern California for decades before Joe acquired it, helping save a woman’s home in the process.
“I don’t collect guitars, I collect stories,” says Joe. “I don’t collect instruments because I want a deal on them. I want to collect instruments because I want to help a family out of financial trouble, and they have this one item that could be sold for lots of money... It was the last thing of value that she had, so it saved her house, and I got a wonderful guitar and a hell of a story.”
Now, Joe has partnered with Martin to faithfully recreate every single detail of that guitar, from the classic tone to the vintage vibe.
Want to learn more about Joe’s 000-45? Watch the exclusive video below, where he shares the story behind his signature guitar inside our historic North Street factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania – the birthplace of his original pre-war guitar.
Authentic Golden Era Appointments
Martin’s team in Nazareth studied the original 000-45 down to the finest details, making sure this recreation is spot-on. The figured Adirondack spruce top, treated with Martin’s Vintage Tone System® (VTS), gives the guitar that unmistakable aged tone, like it’s been plucked and strummed for decades. Guatemalan rosewood back and sides provide a deep, balanced sound, while the period-correct snowflake inlays and gold enclosed tuners – a Martin exclusive – give it an elegant vintage look.
“The process in which my original guitar was scanned was so rigorous, it took two days,” says Joe. “I didn’t know that the inlays on the 45 series back in that era could differ, and so each guitar was unique.”
One of the coolest things about Joe’s original guitar is its neck. Martin worked closely with him to match the exact neck profile of his pre-war original, so you’re getting the real deal when it comes to Golden Era playability. The genuine mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard offer a smooth, familiar feel that’s a joy to play.
It even comes with a modern-day adjustable truss rod, so you can dial in your ideal setup without losing any of that vintage charm.
“I learned a lot about my instrument,” says Joe. “And I learned a lot about the process of building high-end acoustic guitars, because it really is so much handcrafted human work that goes into it. It's not a machine stamping it out.
“When I got the prototype, I didn't really have any notes. Again, because my original guitar sat here for two days, while a team of experts went over it forensically and did a great job. They know the process. I mean, you guys have done this for almost 200 years. You built a few of these before.”
A Blues Master Joins Forces with Martin
Joe Bonamassa isn’t just any guitarist – he’s a living legend with a multi-genre catalog and a collection of vintage guitars most of us can only dream about.
He started opening for B.B. King at just 12 years old and has been rocking the world ever since, releasing more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects: Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party. Joe is fresh off the release of two new albums that earned him his 27th and 28th No. 1s on the Billboard Blues Album Chart.
In addition to his illustrious music career, Joe runs Keeping The Blues Alive, his nonprofit that provides funds and resources to schools and artists in need. To date, it has positively impacted more than 100,000 students while raising over $2.7 million in donations.
His passion for preserving not only the blues, but guitar history, is what brought this collaboration with Martin to life. Joe’s signature guitar is both a reflection of his storied musical past and his love for high-quality craftsmanship and vintage sounds.
“For a guitar geek, this is top of the heap,” says Joe. “And it's really an honor of a lifetime. I can't stress this enough, how honored I am to have my name on a Martin guitar. It's surreal. Signing those [certificates of authenticity] yesterday, I was like, ‘Man, pretty cool that this is what I get to do.’”
Own a Piece of Guitar History
Only 265 pre-war 000-45s were ever built, and with only 45 of these guitars available, the Martin 000-45 Joe Bonamassa is more than just a guitar – it’s a musical treasure. Whether you’re a collector looking for something truly special or a player craving that warm vintage tone, this guitar won’t disappoint.
“It's really important to me that the new guitar stayed true to the old one because there's no other reason to do it,” says Joe. “It gives people an opportunity to feel what it's like to hold a Golden Era 000-45... I'm not redesigning a Martin guitar. I'm just sharing 45 times over a glimpse into a guitar that I own, that most people will never get to play, or see.”
Now’s your chance to grab a piece of history and bring that legendary pre-war sound to life. Contact your local Martin dealer to try and snag one for yourself.
“I think one piece of advice I would offer is, enjoy it,” says Joe. “That's what they're built for. Enjoy it and play it. Don't worry if you get a nick on it. Just play it and enjoy the thing. That's what we did this whole project for, so they can be enjoyed.”
More from Joe Bonamassa
For more information on Joe Bonamassa, including tour dates, new music releases, and news, visit his website, jbonamassa.com, and follow him on Instagram.
Thank you to Joe and his team for their time spent at North Street and their hard work and dedication in helping to create this special instrument.
Until next time, happy playing!
