Martin 000-28EC

This is a follow-up from my previous review; the guitar does not have a lot of frills, but the aging toner sets it apart from so many others with that vintage look. I do like the simple inlays and the signature isn't obtrusive...Printed signature label but who cares? You're buying it for how it sounds!

I own many guitars of late, from the major manufacturers, and this Martin 000EC is definitely one of the best sounding guitars I have EVER owned. Played it at the open mic last night(with a K&K mini pickup) and they used it for the sound check. People came up to me and were amazed at the tone and volume, even when the mics were off! It does have this unique woody sound--more like a Gibson, but nothing like you would ever expect out of a small bodied guitar such as this!
One thing is for certain: Find the 00028EC that sounds the best, because they do NOT all sound alike(Taylors are more consistent in their sound from guitar to guitar). This EC has a rich, warm sound that makes you want to keep playing long into the night...

No adjustments needed.

It will be just fine, but I won't let it out of my sight! A very light instrument.

I realize why this guitar sells for the $3100(although I did not pay that)....Find the right one and it is worth the price. I would find another somehow if this was lost or stolen.
Somehow they got it right with this model!
And unfortunately, the price will probably go up soon with the economy the way it is now...

Features are well documented, so I won't go over them again. Mine is a 2007, has the micarta nut & saddle which was replaced by bone in the 2008 model. I wish it had bone, but probably negligible when it comes down to it. I would say they replaced it with bone to justify the price increase??? What I do like most about the features are the lack thereof. Other than the herringbone and aging toner, it's just a plain ole guitar and that's what makes it so beautiful. It commands a presence when you pull it out of the case! Less is more to me.

By and far the best sounding intrument I've ever owned, and this is my seventh Martin. I've had some nice ones, but this one is simply a cut above the other's I've owned. Maybe a few cuts above! It is so natural, woodsy sounding, yet the steel strings ring like a bell. It lacks a tad bit of volume when fingerpicking unless you really get agressive, but it will take agression. It will take all you can give it. But I can see where I am going to have to change strings more often to get a better cut when using fingers only. With a pick, watch out, don't try and slip in a few chords after bedtime cause you will wake the whole family up. This instrument has been the first high dollar guitar I bought that made me say, 'now I know why they pay that much for guitars'. I've played for years and played MANY guitars and this is different. This type of build is what you hear on your favorite recordings/songs. I'd say the only thing that would come close to matching this is a custom built guitar or just another high dollar Martin.

I've had to tweek every instrument I've ever purchased. Not this one! Perfect out of the box, measured close to exactly the way I set them up for me. The strings were a little taught feeling to me at first, but I've been playing a Taylor for a little while and got used to that slap happy string tension design. Now I'm back used to the way a guitar ought to be, and though I have to play it with more agression, it's worth every ounce of the extra energy I put out cause I get a whole lot more back. And really, now that I'm back up to full strength, it's EASY to play. The neck is PERFECT! There is not a hump, a bump, a rise, no frets are too wide, once you wrap your hand around this thing it's a a lot like and expensive glove. It just feels right! I love the short-scale and 1 3/4 sring spacing. Most short-scale guitars, unless you pay a lot of money of just get lucky, are a bit too slap happy and have a nasal sound. Not this thing! It's really hard to explain til you play it, but though you can tell it's a short-scale and take advantage of that, the strings are still taut enough to make some noise and a pick doesn't even begin to break this thing down. The Nitro finish is the best, best looking, best for tone, and in my opinion, more forgiving to little 'uh-ohs'. The Nitro is soft, so if you just ding it a bit it don't crack, rather is just sort of flexes. There may be a mark there, but it won't be through to the wood unless you really just ding it good.

I have to be fair here. I've found that Martins are about a 50/50 gamble when it comes to getting one that will or will not have a problem. You either get one built like a tank or you get one and the bridge or the finish or something falls off. But, to me that's because of the more hands on building process. So it's worth the risk (cause they'll take care of it if it breaks down) because of what you get to hear and play as a result of the more hands on construction process. Those guys are human, but let me say, they know how to build a guitar for sound and playability and if that means that now and then they are gonna put a little less glue than they should, well, I'd rather have too little as too much!!!

Martins are lightweight. Sometimes when you pick them up you think how is this 'balsa wood' gonna make any noise, and you wonder if you are going to drop it. Just pick it up and play it and you'll see why they make them light. I've owned several Martins, and other than my 50/50 analogy, believe me they are durable. This lightweight guitar is as solid as a rock. It's not about the weight, it's about the design.

Like anything these days, customer support, in general, has fallen off. But that goes for anything. There are only so many people that can be there to answer our questions, fix our guitars, and so forth. No, it's not like it used to be where every company lays out the red carpet for their customers, and service in general is a little less personal, but in the end will they honor the warranty and fix your guitar? YES! By all means, and usually if you have a big problem Martin will do something to make it worth your trouble. I've dealt with them and argued and fussed but in the end I have always either gotten my guitar repaired or replaced.

I think I've gabbed enough, made my point. The only thing I would like to add is if this appx. 3000.00 guitar is this nice then I have to wonder what the 10,000.00 Clapton model would sound/play like. I'll just have to wonder, don't even want to pick one up cause I suspect it would blow me away and I know I would want it and I know I can't afford it......LOL. So I won't tempt myself.

I did compare it to other guitars, for about 10 minutes. I compared it to Taylors, Gibsons, and a Larivee. Sorry, but to me Taylors are nice and have their place in this world but it is not with me. I've been down that road, was impressed with the bright Taylor sound, which appeared to be volume but wasn't, and I tried a couple and like most every one else I sold them on Ebay. Maybe it's the type of music I play, maybe I just grew up before Taylors came around, but when people come to the studio and hear my Martins on playback they put their Taylors in the case and ask to borrow mine. Personally, I think Taylor makes an extra nice stage guitar. The Larivee was great, but honestly, the closest thing to this was the Gibson J-45.

Martin Eric Clapton 00028EC; gloss finish(even on the neck), select spruce top, 1 3/4 nut width, Waverly style tuners(they say 'Martin' but must be Waverlys) bought in 2008, but probably made in 2007, no electronics, rosewood back/sides, bone nut and saddle, made in USA. I'm giving it a '9' because they finally have a bone nut/saddle as standard.
Aged toner for top gives vintage look, Nitro finish. Beautifully bookmatched top.
Case included; Deluxe arched top case; I wish it was the green crushed velvet instead of plain brown interior. Clapton signature inlay where neck meet the body; subtle yet OK to have it there. Interior lable w/printed Clapton signature and CFMartin IV

My style is folk and the sound is wonderful, bell-like sustain in tone; smaller body but has a bass presence, but not overly so. Nice trebles and mid-range; very well balanced sound.
I am totally impressed at how the sustain is--tones ring out from this small instrument, and as one who has played many EC models as this, they don't all sound the same. You play chord, set the guitar down, and the tone keeps ringing! It's hard to put this guitar down!

Make sure you find 00028EC with the tone you want, because they don't all sound the same.

Set up was fine; no buzzing. Some kind of thin white line where neck meets the body(only on one side) where the finish didn't get on. For the price I paid, this should not be there, but I bought this for the tone it produced, not for cosmetic perfection! Tuners look just like Waverlys, they just say 'Martin' instead(they must have some kind of deal with Waverly to put 'Martin' on the back. Bone nut and saddle a plus. 1 1/34 nut width makes fingerstyle playing a breeze. Frets very smooth and polished well for playing.

This guitar will withstand live playing. The hardware will last, keeps the guitar in tune. Nitro finish is very thin, but that is part of why it has great tone--but it will ding and scratch easily. I never gig w/o a backup---who want to change a string onstage?
Weight-wise, a very light instrument.

Neck resets will be covered if you are the original owner.

Been playing for 30+ years; own Taylors, Gibsons, Martins. I love the EC's distinctive tone, as I have played Dreadnoughts for most of my life; this is my first 000 size guitar. Other 000's I've played have seemed too 'thin' in sound. This one has tone rich across the sound spectrum. I will put a K&K mini pickup in it soon and use it performing with a LRBaggs paracoustic DI. Wish it were less expensive, but life is short and I went for it, henceforth the '9' rating. Only bought it because of a one-day price break--$3100 as it is now is too high as the current price is.

Features are excellent. The woods used, finish, bracing type are all great.

The sound is unreal. I have played many guitars before buying this one. It took me several months before deciding on this guitar and I don't have one reqret. Each string contributes to the sound that sings to the heart. If you play it you won't want to put it down. It is that good. Try one and you'll see.

Action is great.. I have to tell you though. I ordered this from Martin and the first one that arrived I refused. I had it sent to Guitar Center and when I opened it the finish was terrible. It appeared to need a fine sanding and refinish. I had Guitar Center order me another and the next one that came a few weeks later was impeccable and could not have been better...Inspect carefully before walking out the door with it. It's your money.

This guitar is very durable. Its played for my own enjoyment but do recommend its reliabilty and durability.

I called to ask about fretboard maitenance. Martin representative was nice and helpful. However, I did leave a message for the manager to follow up with a question that the Martin rep. could not answer and the manager never called back

If it were lost or stolen I would buy another. The sound is that good. Every string has something to offer and the sound is very well balanced. No string is to loud or harsh. The guitar sings. If you have the money and enjoy hearing every note sing than this is the guitar. Pick it up and the sound will speak for itself.

This guitar is built great. So so simple. Rosewood back and sides spruce top. You all know the specs. I love open geared tuners

The best sounding acoustic that I have ever came across. I have played Taylors for the last 10 years or more. Sounds better than anything

I bought used so action was set. No flaws. Finish is great aged toner.

I have no idea. It seems pretty well built. Its a Martin for Christ sake.

I called to ask a few questions and they answered on the spot

I will tell you. I bought a 2006 and liked it so much that I just added a 2007 to the collection. Yeah, I own 2 of 'em now. I wish it didn't have the signature. Who cares at the end of the day.

You Guys now all the specs by now. Rosewood body, Spruce top, Mahogony neck, etc. etc. The real kicker about this guitar is the 24.9 inch scale. This makes playing SOOOO Easy. On top of everything else, the guitar is truely gorgeous.

The sound is perfect. Just what I've always wanted my acoustic to sound like. Whether it's fingerpicking ( which is how I play most of the time, ) or flatpicking, it sounds amazing.

This is where this guitar really shines. I can't speak for those of you who already own one, but this guitar is the best playing guitar I've ever played. Mine is, really. I've played others before and since my purchase and none of them played or sounded as good as this one. I've been playing for 34 years so I do have the experience. I believe it was a good week at Martin when mine was built.

Everything on this guitar seems like it was built to last. For the money I paid, it better. More on that later. The Quality of the wood, tuners, construction, everything is top notch. Am I going to bring this to a club, No way. I've got other cheap guitars for that.

This is where it gets interesting. The store I brought it from had 20 Martins. All New. I try to register my NEW Guitar with Martin and they said NO WAY. I had all the original papers. Martin Claims that they were not the dealer that it was sent to. So they will NOT honor the warranty. The dealer has tried unsucessfully to rectify this problem with MArtin. They insist that they are an authorized dealer. Martin told me on the phone that they are not. The point is that I'm the customer that brought a New Martin. I've got the papers. It's not registered to anyone else and Martin won't honor the warranty. So this guitar is not under warranty to anyone. Martin doesn't care.

Overall the guitar is a dream come true as far as an instument goes. I own over 20 guitars myself. From moderately expensive to cheap. This is the most expensive guitar I own. Fenders, Epiphones, Epiphone masterbuilt, Larrivee, Takamine, Gretsch and Harmony to name a few. Will I buy another Martin? I'd have to really think about it. I'd probably go with another brand just because I'm pissed at Martin and they were kind of arrogant on the phone.

http://www.mguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=z&g=d&m=000-28EC
For full features

Lovely looking guitar, gleams, smells beautiful, just longs to be played. Reminds me of a top class classical guitar. John Williams would love this.

I've been playing folk/blues for years, recently on a Polychrome Resonator. The Martin's much too good to be restricted to blues. I've started playing again in modal tunings, and it sounds superb. It handles loud/soft pieces superbly. Lovely rich, full sound.

Action is fantastic. It makes my fingers run with pleasure.

It looks and sounds fantastic. I'd be loath to gig it as it's so expensive, but I would. If Martin Simpson fancies a duet, he can call me now!

Bought it online from Thomann - http://www.thomann.de/gb/index.html?sid=c06d4ab36e7c7ac9b16e7597714c36ff

Very impressed. Bought it at practically cost price.30 day trial period, so no worries.

Been playing since 1966. Have a National polychrome tricone which I love, a Simon & Patrick 12 sting which is ok, a Seagull Mosaic which is very disappointing and a Harley Benton resonator, which is garbage.

2004 Sunburst model with slightly wider modified V neck for fingerpicking. I bought this secondhand in excellent condition from a dealer of top of the range and vintage guitars. Housed in a beautiful Geib harcase with plush green lining.

I play blues and the guitar is perfect for this. It has so much clarity and separation and responds excellently to soft or hard playing. It has good volume for a smaller bodied guitar and a tone to die for. Each time I play it I marvel at the amazing sound that Martin has produced compared to other so called high end guitars. I have owned many guitars over my 40 years playing and I can honestly say this is the best.

The action on most Martins is set too high for fingerpicking but this one had obviously been professionally set up because it need no alteration at all. The build quality is excellent as you would expect and the finish is a beautiful sunburst complemented by the herringbone inlay. I happen to think the signature on the fretboard blends in very well and isn't gawdy at all.
Sometimes I just open the case and look at its beauty.

Obviously it is too soon to know but from the look of it I would think it will last a lifetime.

I emailed customer support to try to find out some history of the guitar and they responded very quickly and professionally.

I have been playing for 40 years and as I previously stated I have owned and played many guitars. It is only now (with the wife's permission) that I have been able to justify paying so much for a guitar. I tried a Martin D42 about 27 years ago which had a profound V neck and I didn't like it so I was a bit aprehensive about the modified V neck adopted for this model. Maybe others didn't like it too hence the modification and Martin have done an excellent job. It is so comfortable and easy to play and I have relatively small hands. This guitar in my opinion is perfection.

2005 model, with case. Indian rosewood body, ebony and mahogany neck, sitka spruce top.

Wow. I compared five 000-28ECs and a Bellezza Nera in four stores to find this one. It had the most dings and scratches, but the wood grain and the TONE was all there. Deep low bass, nice scoop in the mids, fat melody notes, and a body that resonated noticeably more than any of the other Claptons I tried out.

Neck has too much relief and I'm having difficulty finding a truss rod wrench that reaches. May have to take it to a shop to adjust it. The pickguard has none of that dot matrix pattern you see in the newer Clapton's. Action a bit high. Has several dings and scratches, but that's from the store not from Martin.

Can't tell at this point, but the guitar seems reasonably solid. I bought it for studio recording so I'm not too worried about it.

Martin was friendly on the phone. Lifetime warranty.

Playing for 30 years. Also own a Taylor Big Baby, a Fender '62 Vintage reissue strat, Ibanez AF-105F jazz guitar, and an Ibanez RG-540.

I checking back in after owning this guitar for 3.5 years. Refer to my original posting of 6/12/03 for comparison. Label #6500 from late 2002. Features are listed elsewhere and at Martin's website. Mine is still stock and I would not change much except to go with bone for the nut and saddle (especially the saddle).

In the past 3.5 years I have compared my particular axe to many other acoustics and other 000-28EC's. This one just has IT as far as my personal tone perfection goes. A solid 10 then and it has only gotten better over time. Open, big but not boomy bass. Complex, articulate midrange. Clear on top. Mine is not at all bright like an OM. More bell-like. Still my favorite, and the gold standard that I compare all others too.

Replaced the bridge and saddle with bone both for sound and to lower the action which was too high from the factory and to correct a problem with string spacing at the nut. The action is VERY stable and does not change much even between winter dry season and summer humid season here in Ohio. The top has not bellied at all and I don't forsee needing a neck reset for a long-long time. The fretwire is wearing well and it should be another 4-5 years before I need some professional attention here. The 8 rating is after professional set-up work and bone nut & saddle. Not a higher rating because I find the v-neck a little deep for my shorter fingers.

I still would not regularly gig with this guitar, although I have used it for special performances. It has held up very well with the only issue being a minor center seam separation between the bridge and tailblock when I neglected to humidify the guitar during an especially dry winter heating season. When the guitar was rapidly humidified to swell the top prior to regluing some checking of the lacquer occurred between the pickguard and the purfling at the side. It is very minor and kinda adds to the vintage vibe IMHO. Have gotten some minor dings and pick stratches but the guitar is holding up very well. Very well built guitar.

I have not really had any customer support issues with Martin directly. I guess thats a good thing ;-) My local Martin repair facility is kind of hit-or-miss. If they are busy the quality of their work suffers and it takes a long time to get something back. If they are not overly busy the work is great. They did an OK job on my top separation. They reglued the top just fine, and the repair has help up well but they "forced" the humidification and checked the finish to get the job done faster.

Like I said earlier, this is a long-term report. Too many of the reviews here are from folks who have just gotten their guitars and you don't get a feel for how the guitars hold-up over time or how the player's experience changes. I still love the sound and the look of this guitar. I really have only come across several other guitars that sound better (and they were custom builder - very pricey), and few that sound even as good, as this particular guitar. My 000-28EC is interestingly from the same lot as one in which two guitars went to EC himself for the George Harrison tribute concert at Royal Albert Hall and is within 30 serial numbers of the 000-28EC actioned at the Crossroads II Guitar Action at Christies in 6/04. Maybe Martin paid more attention to the build of this lot... I don't know but it is a fantastic guitar.