From the Factory | December 8, 2025

Martin Wrapped: 2025 Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss 

From milestone guitars and global festivals to iconic cameos and groundbreaking sustainability efforts—here’s how Martin made 2025 one for the books.

Retro Plus Makes Its Debut 

We brought thermally aged spruce tops to the Road Series with the DE Retro Plus Mahogany and 000E Retro Plus Mahogany—each offering the warmth and resonance of an aged top and the classic look of an 18-style Martin, complete with Martin E1 electronics. 

Milestone Masterpieces 

The D-3 Millionth and limited D-300 celebrated nearly two centuries of craftsmanship, featuring precious materials and storytelling inlays that paid tribute to the workers behind every Martin. 

The Double-Neck Dream 

For the first time in more than a century, Martin introduced a double-neck acoustic-electric—the Grand J-28E DN—combining six- and twelve-string necks, custom Fishman® electronics, and endless sonic potential in one show-stopping Grand Jumbo body.

Centennial Celebration 

We marked 100 years of concert-sized ukuleles with two limited-edition models: the Centennial 1 Concert Uke, crafted from reclaimed sinker mahogany, and the Centennial Concert Uke, made from genuine mahogany in our Navojoa, Mexico factory—each a nod to Martin’s century-long ukulele legacy. 

The CEO-11 and Artistic Collaborations 

Designed by Martin President and CEO Thomas Ripsam, the CEO-11 made waves with its “New Horizons” blue burst finish and FSC®-certified construction. Artist collaborations also flourished: Robert Goetzl’s hand-painted D-Robert Goetzl 10 and Julie Heffernan’s limited-edition 00L Oliver blurred the line between fine art and acoustic design. 

Signature Spotlights 

Billy Strings’ wildly popular D-28 and D-X2E signature models brought his lightning-fast bluegrass tone to life. 

Two new limited-edition 000 models paid tribute to MTV Unplugged and 30 years of collaboration with the legendary Eric Clapton. 

Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy’s 00DB returned alongside his more accessible Junior Series signature model. 

Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt and his signature OM introduced a Low Profile Velocity neck to a traditional Martin build for the first time. 

Jason Isbell’s 0-17 and 0-10E Retro models—and his first-ever set of signature strings—let fans channel the sound of his latest album, Foxes in the Snow. 

Strings & Sustainability 

2025 also brought new sound and new purpose. We celebrated 20 years of Clapton’s Choice Strings with limited-edition packaging, giveaways, and a chance to win a 000-EC 30th Anniversary guitar—but the real breakthrough was the launch of Martin Era™ Strings, our most advanced string line yet. Featuring a Lifespan® treatment for corrosion resistance, a Flexible Core for comfort and tone, and silk-wrapped ball ends to protect your instrument, they set a new benchmark for acoustic performance. The line even launched with Jason Isbell’s very own signature set, voiced exactly to his specs. 

Meanwhile, the Inception™ Series expanded with glossy maple models, two X Series Ziricote Specials joined the family, and the SC-10E Spruce brought a classic take on Martin’s revolutionary SC design to the Road Series. 

On Earth Day, the D Biosphere® III debuted alongside Martin’s 2024 Impact Report, reaffirming our environmental leadership and commitment to responsible sourcing. From reclaimed tops and FSC-certified tonewoods to long-term conservation partnerships, Martin continues to prove that sustainability and craftsmanship can—and should—share the same stage. 

A Tribute to Chris Martin IV & the Folk Revival 

Two reclaimed spruce-topped models—the 000-18 1955 CFM IV 70th and D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th—honored Chairman of the Board Chris Martin IV’s 70th birthday and the folk era that shaped his early life. 

Project 91: A Numbered Legacy 

Capping the year, Martin announced Project 91, a faithful recreation of the coveted 91 pre-war D-45s built between 1933 and 1942. The first four guitars—each linked to its original counterpart by serial number—feature Brazilian rosewood, intricate pearl inlay, and authentic Golden Era specs. 

“The D-45 has always been the culmination of our best work,” said Chris Martin IV. “We made the 91 during what people consider one of our golden eras—I’d like to say today is another one.” 

Events, Exhibits & Initiatives: Where We Showed Up and Gave Back 

The First-Ever Sustainability Summit 

Held at our solar-powered Commerce Lane facility, this October event gathered more than 100 artists, educators, and industry leaders to discuss real-world sustainability solutions. Keynotes, live performances, and a reclaimed-art ukulele demo by musician, comedian, and actress Kate Micucci made it an unforgettable day. 

Backstage Members Event at the Factory 

In August, we welcomed Martin Backstage members from across the country to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, for an unforgettable members-only event at the factory. Guests enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, Q&A sessions with Martin designers and artisans, and early access to upcoming product previews—including a sneak peek at fall releases. It was a day of music, community, and connection—celebrating the fans who make up the heart of the Martin family. 

Martin on the Move 

From NAMM 2025 and IBMA to Philadelphia Folk Fest, Guitar Summit in Germany, and “An Evening with Chris Martin” events at dealers around the world, Martin guitars were everywhere this year. 

A Museum Milestone 

The Martin Guitar Museum opened a new exhibit dedicated to Chris’ father, Frank Herbert Martin, highlighting his transformative leadership during the company’s mid-century expansion.

A Historic Reunion in London

Across the pond in London, Martin contributed archival pieces to the Royal College of Music’s Kurt Cobain Unplugged exhibit, which reunited Cobain’s iconic D-18E and cardigan for the first time in Europe, offering visitors a rare, up-close look at this milestone in music history.

Standing With Los Angeles 

Following devastating wildfires, we donated funds, guitars, and strings to the NAMM Foundation, MusiCares, the Guitar Center Foundation, the Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen—helping musicians and families rebuild. 

The Martin Artist Showcase Class of 2025 

Our second Artist Showcase class introduced nine remarkable musicians—Wyatt Flores, Karley Scott Collins, Kashus Culpepper, Madi Diaz, Wyatt Flores, Dylan Gossett, Braxton Keith, Michael Marcagi, and Michigander—each redefining what it means to make music with meaning. 

Cameos: Spotted Around the World from Stages to Screens 

From award stages to late-night sets and viral moments, Martins were everywhere this year—on screens, in hands, and across every genre imaginable. 

Billy Strings launched his signature models with a self-filmed video and played his pre-war and signature D-28s on tour (with a few backstage signature X Series cameos). He later graced Bluegrass Unlimited’s cover with Bryan Sutton, headlined IBMA, where he won Entertainer of the Year, and played his Grand J-28E Double Neck on stages around the world, including at the famed Royal Albert Hall. 

John Mayer played his Martins alongside Dave Matthews at the L.A. Wildfires Benefit Concert, where Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and Dawes also played our guitars. Later, Mayer shared a bill with Zach Bryan at Michigan Stadium—the largest ticketed U.S. concert in history—playing his OM-45 John Mayer 20th Anniversary. Showcase artist Wyatt Flores also took his Martin behind NPR’s Tiny Desk for a few songs. 

Jason Isbell recorded Foxes in the Snow entirely on his 1940 0-17, performed with his Super D on The Tonight Show, and played three songs on CBS Saturday Morning with his 000-28 Modern Deluxe. He and his guitars also appeared on Premier Guitar and Acoustic Guitar covers throughout the year. 

Jeff Tweedy played a vintage D-18 during his Substack livestream to celebrate the launch of Twilight Override, his latest triple album, and a mix of Martins—1930s 00-17 and a '50s 00-18E and D-18E—hit the road with both Wilco and his solo band, including a stop at the Ed Sullivan Theater for a spot on The Late Show. 

Molly Tuttle shined everywhere—from CBS Saturday Morning to her Guitarist Magazine feature, shouting out some of our Martin team members. She also played her custom Dreadnought, 1943 D-18, and Grand J-28E Double Neck throughout her tour—and her wartime Martin even starred alongside Molly in the music video for “Old Me (New Wig)" (watch the acoustic version below).

Neil Young returned to the road with his 1941 D-28 (once owned by Hank Williams), performing “Harvest Moon” beneath the real thing.

David Gilmour released his concert film Live at the Circus Maximus, Rome—screened in IMAX theaters around the globe—with his signature Martins featured on “Wish You Were Here.” 

Eric Clapton’s Unplugged set was extended, remixed, and remastered, including his iconic stripped-down performance of “Layla,” reigniting the love for the 000-42 that birthed a decades-long partnership. 

Post Malone played Martins on tour, from wielding his D-50 CFM IV 50th Anniversary model inside a converted horse trailer to singing alongside Chris Stapleton with his trusty D-18. Māori artist Sam Mangakahia even gifted Posty a custom-engraved 000-16E StreetMaster®. 

Oasis guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs returned to the stage for the reunion of the year (if not the century) with his D-28 and D12-28 for acoustic sets, including “Talk Tonight” and “Cast No Shadow.” Fellow Brit John Power of Cast was also spotted sound-checking with his D-35 ahead of opening night. 

Actor Monica Barbaro, who portrays Joan Baez in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, went guitar shopping in London, gave Martin a shoutout, and played a 000-18—a fitting nod to Baez’s own history with Martin and to the enduring connection between Martin guitars and Dylan’s legacy. 

Glastonbury 2025 became a Martin love fest: Lewis Capaldi’s D-42, Brian Bell of Weezer’s D-18, Gracie Abrams’ D-15M StreetMaster, Danielle Haim of HAIM’s 000-28, Father John Misty’s D-28, and Olivia Rodrigo’s 000-28 (joined by The Cure’s Robert Smith) all made appearances. 

Actor, comedian, writer, and woodworker Nick Offerman shared the story of how he fell in love with Johnny Cash’s D-42 in the Martin Museum, later borrowing a D-35 Johnny Cash while filming in Budapest, Hungary. 

Jake Kiszka (Greta Van Fleet) and Chris Turpin (Ida Mae)—as Mirador—played their custom 0012s in Guitar World’s “roots and riffs” video, and Jake later talked about his “Pirate Guitar” on Guitar.com’s My Guitars & Me. 

Rise Against’s Tim McIlrath played his D-35 before a massive crowd at Vans Warped Tour. 

Robert Mizzell was accompanied by a DX1AE for the National Anthem, opening the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Dublin, Ireland. 

The late legendary Tom Petty’s YouTube channel shared a throwback, birds-eye rehearsal clip of “Wildflowers” with his D-18, celebrating the 30th anniversary of his landmark album of the same name. 

Viral singer-songwriter Jesse Welles played his 000-15SM throughout the seasons to his nearly 2 million Instagram followers. 

Conan Gray played his custom Robert Goetzl-painted “Wishbone” 000-17 on tour, while Mary Spender featured her custom OM-42 in a number of standout performances on her popular YouTube channel, including a cover of Martin signature artist Billy Strings below. 

Queens of the Stone Age took a BC-16E under the streets of Paris for their Alive in the Catacombs film—proving Martins can be played not only in outer space, but underground. 

Taylor Swift closed out one of the most talked-about moments of the year, borrowing Chase Rice’s D-18 for a surprise appearance at the “Tight Ends and Friends” concert hosted by Travis Kelce. Her stripped-down take on “Shake It Off” marked her first performance since the Eras Tour wrapped. Photos from the surprise performance racked up more than 360,000 likes in a single day. 

P.S. Backstage Has Its Perks 

Want early access, special events, member-only drops, and the inside track on new releases? Martin Backstage is your all-access pass to everything we’ve got coming in 2026—and beyond. 

Thank You for Making 2025 Unforgettable 

From the craftspeople in Nazareth and Navojoa who shape each guitar by hand, to the artists who take them on stage, to the fans who keep the Martin sound alive generation after generation—thank you. You’ve helped make 2025 one of the most inspiring years in our nearly two-century history. 

As we look to 2026, the music, innovation, and artistry on the horizon feel brighter than ever. New collaborations, sustainable breakthroughs, and unforgettable instruments are already in the works—and we can’t wait to share them with you. Here’s to another year of creating, performing, and celebrating the guitars that help us all unleash the artist within. 

Until next time, happy playing!