Martin 000-28EC

Beautiful top, sides, and fretboard.

Unlike any other acoustic i have heard or played. very easy to play and sounds great.

Bought it new and directly off the martin line (pays to know someone high up at martin) Great set up, and also really easy to play with a sustain to die for.

haven't had anything go wrong with it, really solid guitar

Never had to deal with it

great value, great guitar, great sound, afterall it is a martin

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.

2004 Model / East Indian Rosewood

It's very versatile guitar, I think it suits a lot of styles. I did have a bone saddle installed, which opened up the guitar even more. Additionally, I have added a K&K Western Mini pickup.

Martin is known to send their guitars out with a somewhat higher action. I had my guitar setup properly by a professional. It was worth the money.

It's a very reliable instrument. However, I don't play live gigs and take care of it like it's a baby.

All I did was registering the guitar.

I'm playing for 40 yrs. I like the looks,feel & sound of this guitar. I compared it with Taylors, but Taylors are somewhat too sweet sounding. I like the darker sound of this guitar.

This is a fantastic guitar with a wider neck, great for fingerpicking, Vintage appointments. It is a fingerpickers dream.
There has already been a lot of other writeups as to its features.

Sound is fantastic. This is a real bright sounding guitar. It resonates. Its sound is different than a dreadnaught. Less bassy,
more mide range. It is a real porch picker bluesy cowboy fingerpicking type guitar.

Set up was perfect. Zero, and I mean Zero flaws.

I would use this guitar at any gig. Its such a great guitar. Fantastic on all counts.

No opinion as of yet. It has lifetime warranty

I've had lots of fine guitars. This is right up there with the best. It is so much better than anything else out there. I've had Gibsons (only recently do the make decent guitars), and others.
This is the best.

Instrument nomenclature: Made the same as all others reviewed so I won't bore anyone with that. I don't know when it was made; I don't really care. Overall it's a very beautiful instrument. I personally love the deep, aged finish of the top; no clue why, really.

I didn't buy it to play with a band just to play alone or with close friends. I don't play a particular style, just songs that I like. The sound is amazing. Deep, resonant and clear. Very few guitars I have ever heard sounded this good. The other 00028-EC's I have played over the years pale by comparison. I wasn't in the market for a new guitar when I bought this one. The guitar sold itself.

Action is a tad high but I understand that is normal for a Martin guitar. Beautifully bookmatched top and the back and sides were dark and rich. I never looked for little tiny flaws so your guess is as good as mine regarding that. To me, it looks great!

Seems very well made and the finish seems very beautiful to me. This guitar cost way too much for me to take it out to some bar or other venue; I play it every day but I doubt I will ever perform with it.

Called em on the phone ... very pleasant. I will be bringing my guitar up to them to ease up on the action a bit. We will see how they are when I get there.

Been playing for over 40 years. If lost or stolen my heart would be broken; it is irreplacable ... don't know if I would even try.

I love the way it sounds, I love the way it feels, and I love the way it looks. I can't find any real complaint. As I said I wasn't looking for a guitar when I came across this one. Something about it called to me and the next thing I knew I was at the checkout counter with axe in hand.

Criticism: Why use imitation Waverly tuners when the real things are available? For the price I paid they should have been the genuine thing. But, maybe the ones provided are just as good, who knows? I sure don't! In any event they work just fine so this is not really a legitimate criticism.

Thought to share: I wish it weren't an Eric Clapton model or that he'd placed his autograph somewhere it can't be seen unless you want to show it. I don't like the idea of being a walking billboard. Eric should be bigger than that; others have been.

It didn't stop me from buying the guitar but it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Still, it's a GREAT guitar!

I bought this second-hand from a collector who was cleaning up his inventory. This is a late 1995 model, placing it about 9 years old. The bridge was replaced by the seller with bone. The guitar has obviosly been well-cared for, with only a few minor "love-marks". I like the overall look of the guitar but agree with some other reviewers that the signature on the fretboard is a little gawdy. Overall, however, the guitar is not overly fancy in appearance, which for me was a plus. No pickup installed. Not too many frills besides being extremely well built. The woods that were selected are better than those that you'll find on the similar 000-28.

I play fingerstyle guitar. Blues, alternative, folk, indie. This is not a strumming machine, although it doesn't sound bad with a pick. It's just that there are better guitars for strumming out the rhythm section. I played about 50 high-end ($1200+) guitars in search of "the one" guitar, in one sitting at a local shop. If you are considering buying this guitar, you should compare it to a Taylor 514ce, which has a pickup in it, and is a little cheaper. Make sure that the extra sound you get from a Martin is worth it to you. It was to me, but sound is pretty subjective. The sound is very well rounded. I compared it to the aforementioned Taylor and really thought long and hard about it. The Taylor has a more bright sound that maybe better for live performance, whereas the 000-28ec has a more nuanced mid-range.

Bought 2nd hand, so I don't know how it was set up at the factory. Get light gauge 80/20s on it and it sings. There appears to be some small finish separation occurring at the neck, but the finish hasn't cracked...plus guitars are meant to be played. The action is a fingerstylists dream, but again, I didn't get this from the factory and it likely has been professionally set up since 1995. The frets are perfect and the ebony fingerboard both add to the playability. The neck is V-shaped and helps if you have big hands like me. I personally like the 000 body for long sessions. Dreadnoughts can get tiring.

I wouldn't ever gig with this. I think guitars are meant for playing, but this guitar is not really a good live instrument for most of us. For one, it's too expensive to risk some drunk spilling his beer on while asking you to play freebird. Secondly, no pickup and the small body size means miking it--there are better alternatives for gigging.
It is a durable instrument. It's lasted 9 years with proper care. And it's aged brilliantly. As long as you properly humidify and store your Martin, it will not only last long enough for your grandchildren to pass it on, but it's value will increase as well.
It's a great studio instrument and Martins are Martins. They're worth every penny.

Haven't ever used them.

My best guitar. Seasoned guitarists can be found drooling over this guitar at your local music store. If I ever lost it, I'd cry. If it were ever stolen, I'd buy a gun instead of the guitar and use the money to hire a lawyer for my insanity defense. I compared this to a crapload of guitars and for fingerstyle, you're gonna have to pay an extra grand to top this guitar. I mean, Brazilian Rosewood would be required to sound better. The best comparisons to AB this guitar against are the Taylor 514 and the Martin OM28V guitars. Both are comparably priced and sound close enough that you can decide for yourself which of the three toots your horn. After a month of playing my 000-28ec, I doubt if either of the other guitars would have been a better choice. I would go ahead and upgrade the bridge and maybe even the bridge pins. But the tone is amazing. Tone mongers beware: If you pick this instrument up, GAS will strike you down where you stand and you'll end up dipping into your 401K to make room for your newest obsession. I rate it a 9 because there are those sickeningly amazing sounds that come out of Collings and Santa Cruz guitars.

2004 model. Bought brand new. 000 size solid rosewood body, solid spruce top, ebony fboard with 'diamond' inlays, V-shaped neck. Eric Clapton signature inlaid at 20th fret. Very elegant butterbean tuners. Martin hardshell Geib case with plush green interior lining. Not exactly loads of features but what do you expect from a staightforward handmade acoustic? 500 amp models and effects????

I've had this this guitar for over a month now and wanted to wait before posting a review out of 'new guitar infatuation'. Well what can I say.....one month on and still infatuated!!!! This has to be one of Martin's best sounding guitars. I mainly play fingerstyle blues and rock, both fingerstyle and with a flatpick. This guitar responds amazingly to my playing style. It has an extremely well-balanced sound and resonates like hell!!! What I really love about this guitar is the way it articulates each and every note and the dynamics of your playing. When being aggressive the notes really snap off the fingerboard. Unlike many acoustics the sound does not get mushy when played hard but each note rings out with a toothy clarity. When playing softly it really reponds well and sings out each note tenderly with beautiful sustain and warmth. The rosewood body really adds richness to the overall tone. People always say these are fingerpickers guitars and they are obviously perfect for that. But what I found great with the 000-28ec was the way it responds to strumming and rhythm playing as well. The shorter, Gibson-like scale-length makes it a joy to strum and it sounds great with chords. It is not as loud as some other acoustics but the tone is unsurpassable for me.

Straight out of the factory the guitar was set up very well. Medium action, no buzzing....just TONE! The woods certainly seem to be of very high quality. All dead straight grain and clean looking. No flaws. EC signature at the 20th fret is very tastefully done. The top of the guitar has a honey/tan-coloured vintage toner applied. This does a good job of making the guitar look like a genuine vintage martin from the 1930s/40s rather than a brand new white top. Ebony fingerboard has a very smooth feel as well. I find the V-profile of the neck very comfortable and easy to play.

Seems extremely well built so I expect it to last a lifetime. You can feel it is a solid guitar as soon as you hold it.

Guitar is under warranty. Have emailed Martin just to get some information and they responded very quickly and were polite and helpful.

I've been playing for 13 years now and this is the best sounding acoustic I've heard or played. I have been shifting between Gibsons and Martins before (Hummingbird, D28, J-200) but I know I'm going to settle on this one. I was lucky and got a keeper but with acoustics it is essential to try as many of the same model as possible. I tried other 000-28ec's in different shops before going for this one and they all sounded different. This one really stood out. I was also thinking of going for a OM-28V but the Clapton just seemed to have a more comfortable feel, bluesier tone, and looks amazing. Although I am a massive Clapton fan I am hesitant of buying guitars with signatures on them as I feel you can subconciuosly get too hung up on trying to play like someone else rather than developing your own style. The signature is inlaid so tastefully on the 000-28ec though that it often goes unnoticed. At the end of the day though, with a guitar that sounds so good, who cares about signatures. And if I've got to have a famous signature on my guitar, wouldn't choose anyone else. With a guitar of this calibre, I can't wait for the sound to mature and open out even more as years of playing go by.

It is small and so comfortable to play, while retaining all the best sound qualities of a jumbo-size guitar. The v-shaped neck feels great. The thing that would make this category a 10 would be the inclusion of a pickup. The case is the best I have seen.

The finish is beautiful. Everything about it says "top shelf." I have a Larrivee, which is stunning with its exotic body woods and wood binding and silver inlays, but this is just as beautiful in a different way. I wouldn't want it to be flashy.

I currently own about twenty high-quality, American-made guitars. I have a Larrivee that was the best-sounding guitar I had heard. The EC is neck-and-neck with it soundwise, but is more comfortable to play because of its smaller body. I have always been more a fan of the Martins and Martin-style guitars (like Larrivee), than the Gibsons. I own a Gibson Emmylou Harris, have owned a Hummingbird, and have played plenty of J-200's, but they just don't please my ear like the Martins do.

I have not recorded with this guitar yet, so I can't comment on its recorded sound. I won't hesitate to do it when the time comes, though.

It was set up well, but if you are going to pay $2k for a guitar, why would you not spend the extra $25 to $75 to have it professionally set up? The fit and finish are flawless, like every Martin I have seen.

The EC stays in tune very well. It is very solid and sturdy...but I own one of those Martin Cowboy guitars that is made entirely out of compressed woods--Man, that thing is indestructible (you can leave it out on a stand with babies in the house and not worry about it), so _that's_ the new "10" for me in _this_ category. I believe Martin could make a guitar out of grass clippings, and it would be exceptional. (I suppose the Rainsong graphite guitars would be super-durable as well.)

Have not needed it.

I think of it as "a guitar for life," meaning that while I will probably buy more as a result of Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, if I were reduced to just this as my sole acoustic, I would be absolutely fine.

Martin 00028ec. go to martin.com to get list of features

The sound on this guitar is like no other. The sound that is portrayed by this guitar is one you would expect from a dreadnought withouth the exessive boomy bass. The tone is very balanced. Every note that is played is a step farther into my love for this guitar. Because of the scalloped bracing you are able to get a more open tone instead of a kinda boxy kind os ring to the notes. I couldn't ask for much more.

action was what I expect from the factory. For some it might be to harsh but for me it is fine. THe fit is perfect. I was looking for a nice small bodied guitar that I would be able to relax and play. So now I can have a nice sounding guitar without it taking over my body. Now I look good playing to the girl so that I can really benifit from this investment. Just kidding sord of. THe finish is awsome in my opinion. some people don't like the vintage toner. I personally love it.

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I really love this guitar. It is the kind of guitar that I could play for the rest of my life. It's not a guitar that sits in the corner and is pulled out once in a while. It sounds, fits, looks, feels perfect. This is only my opinion though. Others might think differently. For those people out there. You can eat a fart!!!! once again I am kidding. I know my statements sound stupid but they are very sincere. "So I'll check the weather wherever you are, so I can know if you can see the stars tonight"

2004 model, just got it yesterday. When I examined it closely, I discoverd that the pattern on the pickgaurd is heavily pixillated. In other words, the tortoise pickguard is clumsily faked. Not what I expected from a guitar of this price. Everything else so far appears to be up to snuff.

This istrument sounds magnificant. Understand, of course, that it isn't a dreadnaught, but fingerpicking comes out bright and clear, with a surprising amount of bass for a small-bodied instrument. Noticably better than the OM-sized Bluerige I've been playing lately.

No flaws whatsoever that I can find, other than the silkscreened pickguard, and how many people would notice that? Everyone who shells out this kind of money, I would hope.

It's extremely well made, and should last a lifetime, if kept properly humidified in dry weather. The scalloped braces make it a might less solid than the "standard" line, but that's a compromise you make for glorious sond.

Mever had to deal with them.

Maybe I'm obsessive, but that junior-grade pickguard bothers me. Other than that, it's a wonderful instrument, I've been playing guitar for 35 years now, and I haven't played one that sounded better.

Just got a 2004 000-28EC, totally standard as described above over and over again.

I had an OM-28V, liked it but did not like the scale length ( most of my other guitars were shorter scale ), and also I thought it lacked a bit of warmth and feel so it was sold. I always thought though that if only there was a short scale version then I would really like it.

I knew the 000-28EC fitted the bill but I could not bring myself to buy an acoustic with Eric Clapton's signature on it !!

But, one day, in pursuit of an old Martin I found myself being offered one to play in a store and instantly all my prejudices went away - it was just soooo good in feel and sound - I had to have it !

The neck is the same as on the OM-28V I used to have except shorter and its jsut perfect ! The sound is warmer and there is slightly less tension in the strings making it easier to bend etc without dropping a guage in string size.

The toner is a bit too much, possibly a bit too orange really but it looks great and shows off the fine silking on the top to great effect.

I like the jet black fingerboard and the simple but visually attractive diamonds and squares.

The tuners are functional if not absolutely fantastic, will probably replace them with Waverley's and, of course, the nut and saddle MUST be replaced with bone ones.

A point deducted for tuners and nut and saddle.

Definitely 10. Its the classic Martin sound, deep and warm, not perfect for everything but distinct and warm and unmistakably a Martin, most definitely not an overbright Taylor!

Loud, responsive, balanced, sweet, great for fingerstyle and responds well to a pick when the occasion demands, a fantastic all-rounder.

I always want to lower the action on new guitars anyway, but it arrived a little high, but not too bad, might well be to the taste of a lot of people so although a bit high for my personal taste it was well within acceptable limits so can't criticize that.

Anyway,with a drop in saddle, lowering the action is not the issue it was with an OM-28V with the glued in long saddle.

No flaws anywhere, all binding, purfling etc in perfect shape, internal bracing all clean, extremely neat, neck angle perfect, intonation fine, nothing lose. Beautiful top, back and sides attractive, finish perfect everywhere.

Its a very light guitar but I have no doubt it is durable and reliable etc, but I like it way tooo much to consider taking out to a gig anywhere.

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Been playing 35+ years, lots of acoustics, this is probably the second best acoustic I have ever had, nothing yet beats my Northworthy on pure sound. Nevertheless, it oozes magic and tone and I love it.

Mine is a '97 & is numbered #997. Beautiful Indian rosewood and Sitka spruce with a warm aging toner in the lacquer. In the style of Clapton's '30's original, it features ebony board and bridge, herringbone purfling, and 24.9" scale. To my eyes it has a nice vintage aura & I love the look of it & don't mind the Clapton sig. too much.

This is what it's all about isn't it? The minute I picked this baby up in the store & strummed the 1st chord, I knew it had "the" sound. I even tried a bunch of older vintage Martins & some Santa Cruz guitars that the owner of the store suggested but none had the tone of this guitar. I basically fell in love & came back the next day with my Gibson ES165 as a trade in ( hated to do that but I didn't have enough cash) & went home very happily.
I also own a Taylor 514CE & although it's a very nice guitar, when I compared the 2, the Martin put it to shame. I won't go into much detail because much has already been said here & obviously not every 000-28EC is going to have the killer tone mine has ( in fact I played a brand new one that wasn't close to this '97!) For me tho' I feel like I've found my tone-monster.

The setup wasn't bad. A little stiff maybe & I may switch to lighter strings down the road but don't want to sacrifice tone. No flaws at all & for a 7 year old guitar it looks brand new. Someday I might have to replace the tuners but for now they're fine.

I wouldn't take this guitar to a punk & metal gig but that's not what it's made for anyway so yeah, I'd play it live. Probably bring the Taylor for a backup tho'.

Not needed & hope I never do.

I've been playing close to 40 years ( thank you Beatles!) & spent the 70's & half the 80's on the road with a Canadian hard rock band.
Regetably sold a lot of gear over the years but still have a '74 Strat, '75 Gibson Flying V, a '95 California Strat( with hotrails), a '70's Gibson bass as well as the Taylor, a 12 string Tak, an old japmade classical, Mexican Strat, Protone Fender Telly & a cool Samick archtop but the Martin has quickly become my favourite ( along with the '95 strat which is my workhorse).
I love pretty much everything about it ( except the pricetag but you get what you pay for most of the time).
If (heaven forbid!) I lost it, I'd sure be looking for another one but it would be hard to find one with the sound of this baby.

I just bought a Martin 000-28ECL lefty from ebay at $1600. I had the chance to compare it to a Martin 000-42EC. While the 000-28EC has a very balanced, intimate and resonant tone, the 000-42EC has a magic sound from other world. So the difference is REAL, not only in the price and materials but in the sound. (Of course $1600 vs. $6800).
I compared 10 different models of Martin, I was looking for a intimate and delicate sound, and found it to be the winner. It also has a very bluesy sound.
In features I would have to add that I read an interesting review basically saing that micarta is a good material for kitchen appliences and Corian is good for kitchen top tables, why Martin is using these materials for saddle and nut in a supposingly $3899 guitar??

I just bought a Martin 000-28ECL lefty from ebay at $1600. I had the chance to compare it to a Martin 000-42EC. While the 000-28EC has a very balanced, intimate and resonant tone, the 000-42EC has a magic sound from other world. So the difference is REAL, not only in the price and materials but in the sound. (Of course $1600 vs. $6800).
I compared 10 different models of Martin, I was looking for a intimate and delicate sound, and found it to be the winner. It also has a very bluesy sound.

Excellent neck and fingerboard. I have been playing with a fernandes strato for the past 10 years, I found the Martin to be as easy to play as a stato...in deed...
The frets are very different from the 000-42ec and 000-42ECB. These guitars are a little easy to play, and the frets produce more vibrato.

no idea

no idea,but if Martin really support their products...why Martin has this "original owner" policy?...I mean ...the product is still made by Martin, even tought the owner is different??

Overall is a very good guitar. I think everybody should try a 000 before buying a dreadnought. Period.

My EC is a 2002, with all the features that have been named previously. The four things I dislike and would change: I'd get rid of the signature at the fifth fret, replace the tuners with Waverly's, include a bone saddle and nut, and forego the vintage toner. These are fairly minor features, but otherwise it's just the way I would have designed it. I especially favor those tradtional appointments like the square and diamond inlays. I've since added a K & K Western pickup, and it sounds great, but I still always mic it if I have the option.

I play mostly fingerstyle blues, folk, and ragtime. I bought this guitar because I was looking for the sound I heard in a friend's 000-28 several years ago, and it had the same clear, ringing tone, with some dark, bluesy undertones, even for a new guitar. The tone is perfect for the style of music I play. I played 10 or so other acoustic guitars looking for this one, including three other EC's, and when I picked it up and played it, it jumped out at me and said "I'm the one!" I've had it for nearly a year, and it's starting to open up nicely, even though it had a pretty strong voice to begin with.

Factory action was a little high, but I've sinced replaced the saddle with bone and lowered the action to fit my playing style. Now it's perfect. The top has some beautiful silking. No noticeable flaws from the factory--fine workmanship. The width and v-shape of the neck sold me as much as the tone. This is a great guitar for fingerstyle playing.