Martin 000-ECHF Bellezza Nera

Specification already listed by others, so I won't repeat. I wanted a guitar capable of performing at totally acoustic clubs, but smaller than a dreadnaught so that I can recline with it at home comfortably into the night. Has everything I want. No electronics, but I wouldn't have bought it if it had. Mine is a 2006, which I bought as a used instrument from an official Martin dealer. The original owner had traded it in for a new Bellezza Bianca - for some reason he wanted a white one instead of black. The Biancas have a different kind of spruce top - the Nera has Italian Alpine Spruce, which I think gives a far superior tone and responsiveness.

I went into the shop to look at a completely different guitar, and as is my usual practice, played every guitar in the shop while I was there. The Bellezza Nera was the best-sounding and easiest-to-play guitar I have ever played, so I bought it instead. I play finger-style, with lots of base runs with the thumb. This guitar just seemed to play itself. Playing up the fretboard was a revelation - I've never played a guitar with such punch at the top frets. And it's a real Martin sound. Unless you're a Martin fan you won't know what that means, but all you Martin addicts out there will know exactly what I mean. I play it at home mostly, but occasionally take it to clubs to perform with. For a non-dreadnaught guitar, it has the most amazing projection as well as the sweetest sound, without over-crispness. My guess is that this would be a great recording guitar, although I haven't tried it. My understanding is that Eric Clapton has used this model himself for recording, and I'm not surprised.

When I got the guitar the action was a little high for me, although well within the normal set-up limits. I've adjusted it down to my liking - I like it as low as it will go without buzzing. Lots of people don't like it that low, so I don't count it as a fault. The neck had zero bow either way - just as I like it - and there were no faults, so again I give it full marks.

The build of the guitar is structural great, but I would go along with other people's comments about the ease of marking. The finish is thin and soft, but I think this is part of why it sounds so good, and I'd rather have the best sounding guitar in the world than the best looking. When I bought it, the fact that it was black and some kind of designer-guitar, was irrelevant to me - I bought it because it was the best-sounding and easiest-to-play guitar that I had ever held. It does show finger marks, which have to be polished out with the correct cloth. If you hold it up to the light, the gloss black finish probably shows tiny finish marks and imperfections more than most finishes. But for me, not allowing all-and-sundry people to play it, making sure I don't bang it against things, and not playing it in a zip-up jacket, isn't a problem for me. I'll give it 9 instead of 10 on this one, because I agree that for some people, the problem of trying to keep it looking like new, when it's such a good looking guitar in the first place, would drive them crazy.

Having bought the guitar in the UK, Martin's warranty does not apply. However I haven't needed it anyway. So to be fair, it's "No Opinion."

I've been playing about 30 years. I own several other guitars, all acoustic. The only other guitar I have which comes close to this is a hand-made jumbo-sized instrument by an obscure maker (Holman)- so it isn't a real comparison. The only other guitar that I've played (not mine) that I would say is on a par, is a friend's Martin D45 Marquis, although, being a dreadnaught, it has different characteristics. If it was lost or stolen, I don't think it would be replaceable, because people just don't want to part with them, so I think I'd have to look for something like the D45 Marquis to replace it. What do I love about it? Apart from the fact that it is the best sounding and easiest-to play guitar I have ever held? Well, when you get a guitar like this, you find that your guitar-playing skills take a leap forweard, however long you have been playing, because you can do things you have never been able to achieve before. One thing to mention is that these guitars are firmly in the "Investment Guitar" category, which creates something of a dilemma when you consider the much-discussed problem of keeping them looking good if you are going to play them a lot. But the way I look at it, in future years people will want them because they sound so good, not just because they are a work of art.

New 2004 model. Solid Spruce top and Indian Rosewood 000 body guitar. Label hand signed by Eric Clapton, Martin CEO etc. like the original 000-42 limited run Clapton model. Silver plated tuners and pegs, extensive and elaborate inlays thorughout - very tasteful. This is the guitar featured on Clapton's Mr Johnson CD.

The features have been outlined above. Suffice it to say this guitar is stunning. Pictures simply do not do it justice. the guitar differs from the description on the Martin website in that these guitars have a pickguard (on this guitar that is a welcome addition)

While you could certainly add a pickup to this guitar it is a fairly straightforward acoustic - only instrument and given the nature of the guitar and attention to detail, that is fine. It is a high gloss work of art. The neck is a modified v - more gentle than some others I have played. It is a comfortable instrument to hold - especially for couch players like me. The headstock inlay is to die for and the fretboard inlays are equally beautiful. There is nothing on this guitar which has been overlooked.

This guitar sounds simply beautiful. Full and rich tone from a very comfortable 000 body (my personal favorite) Crisp highs and midrange. The lows are perhaps hampered by the smaller body size but I think the guitar has a charming ring to it with great ennunication and clarity.
I normally do not prefer v shaped necks but this one is rather comfortable.
The guitar is perfect for strumming or fingerpicking. A great all around 1st choice acoustic.

Check out Martin Modern Masterpieces - a new book with this guitar on the cover. It's easy to see why - thisis a masterpiece. The fact that so few were made insures its future status as a coveted Martin.
The case differs from standard Martins as the hardware is black annodized ratherthan nickel or gold. Very sleek,
I love the fact that it does not say Martin on the headstock. It has a vintage look to it - a true classic. I have not experienced any of the problems with the tuners listed in other reviews. The plating seems fine and is quite beautiful. I love the inlays down the fretboard - and around the soundhole. Not too much - just enough to be elegant.

No flaws at all. drop dead gorgeous - end of story.

I suppose that with any black guitar it will show smudges, dirt, dings etc. So to that extent it is easier to notice any imperfections. But I love the sleek look of this elegant guitar and I would have no problem taking it out. Johnny Cash did fine with a black guitar, as does Doyle Dykes.

I have had no experience with Martin customer support but I have faith in the company and its history and current crop of high line instruments are testiment to its likely staying power as a major force in acoustic guitars.

This guitar is a keeper - definitely one to pass on to my kids. I have been playing for 35 years although I am just a casual player - not a professional. Still, Iplay nearly every day and I could not live without it. I own between 30-40 guitars at any given time (my collection changes and evolves constantly.) Of those, approximately 10 are acoustics, including Taylor, Collings and Martin. I have loved the original Martin Clapton 000-42 since it came out but was reluctant to pay the hefty price (now approaching $9,000) I suspect that these may increase in value over time, but I did not purchase this guitar as an investment, but rather to play it. I consider guitars to be useable art and virtually all my instruments are hanging in my home, ready to play at any time and to enjoy by simply looking at them.
I own two other black acoustics - a NAMM edition Taylor HotRod Jumbo with Flame inlays (very hip) and a Doyle Dykes prototype - understated elegance. They are both beautiful and also both prone to showing smudges and pick marks. Such is the price of high gloss black. The Martin is easily the most ornate but not overdone in any way. It is an absolute classic beauty. I am so happy that I was able to find one and at a decent price (although still quite expensive to be sure) I have considered myself a "Taylor man" for their look, sound and palyability, but this particular Martin is destined to remain one of my favorites.

Features as per the first reviewer. Mine is # 150

Quite simply the best balanced sound I have ever had the pleasure of producing. It has a "ring" when using a full chord that is awesome.
I dont use a pick - ever so can't offer a view on this but as a fingerpicker I doubt if a better sound can be had. Certainly my 00042 pales by comparison. However for gigging I will definitely use the 00042. Read on to see why.

The set up is generally good except for the nut which on mine is much too high. Barring a chord at the nut is difficult. On a guitar of this price it should be better and I'm not impressed. OK, we all know that its easy to put right but my point is that I should not have to put it right. It should be set up properly at the Martin factory.
The factory lacquer finish is simply superb and is a work of art.
Finger marks show up and can be stubborn to remove.
However, as a guitar to be played as opposed to being looked at there could be a problem.

A work of art or a practical working guitar?
Would it withstand live playing ? Certainly, but what it might look like after a few years I dread to think. The finish on the top is delicate and VERY soft. VERY VERY VERY soft. After three days of ownership I just touched, and I mean touched, (NOT knocked) one of the catches on the case while putting the guitar away. This produced a significant dink in the top. So there you have it. If you want it to stay pristine make sure that you have taken off your watch, belt and finger rings and never use a pick. Be sure that your clothes do not have buttons or any other hard objects sewed on them. Make sure that the kids are locked away when you play it. Never lean it against anything or put it down or use a stand. Never take it out of your house or let anyone else touch it. Don't change the strings unless someone is on hand to assist. Or don't play it at all ! If you want to use and enjoy it be prepared for dinks and dings.

I have asked Martin to send me a small amount of the black lacquer to fix my small dink so until I hear from them I will mark time under the customer support category.

I guess I have been playing for nearly 50 years. In that time I have had many nice guitars, other Martins and Gibsons. I like my 00042 very much and will certainly not part with it. Would I buy another Bellezza Nera ? As a work of art certainly - it is unusual, rare and beautiful. For a very careful play in the house - again yes. As a working guitar - never - not unless I could afford to have a second one to keep pristine.

Reviewer above has already posted all the specs. Mine is number 80 of 476.

Throaty, woody, with a very responsive Italian Alps Spruce top. Nicely present mid-range. As you'd expect sounds great right out of the box, but I can hear even now how it will get even better as wood opens up with time. Sounds great finger picking or strummed, but this is not a dreadnought and I wouldn't use it to play rhythm with a mostly electric group. Better for "unplugged" setting. Only question is the "G" seems to ring out louder than the other strings. Still have factory strings on so I'll be interested to see if this changes with first string change.

Wood and inlay finished beautifully done. Cosmetic-wise the design is about as gorgeous/tasteful a guitar as you will see. Martin chose to put this on the cover of their "Martin Guitar Masterpieces" Book last year. I'd give it a "10" except I've noted the same as the reviewer above regarding the tuners where the strings attach. The silver plate (yes these are silver plated!) is already coming off the tops that face forward. Everything else seems perfect. As reviewer above said the black finish shows every little smudge and swirl from wiping down.
My set up seems near perfect. Action is very low with no buzz. Am wondering if noted "G" string observation could be addressed though.

Really too soon to tell of course.

While shopping around for this and asking questions I found that Martin Customer service took weeks to return e-mails. Have not had to do anything from a warranty standpoint.

A unique, beautiful, great sounding guitar, hand signed -not facsimile- by Eric Clapton at this price! Combined with Martin's reputation for tone improving even more with age, I expect many years of enjoyment both playing it and just staring.

 MODEL 000-ECHF Bellezza Nera
 CONSTRUCTION: Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
 BODY SIZE: 000-14 Fret
 TOP: Solid Italian Alpine Spruce
 ROSETTE: Custom Design By Pearl Works
 TOP BRACING PATTERN: 000 14-Fret TOP
 BRACES: Scalloped 5/16''
 BACK MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
 BACK PURFLING: 00-21GE Fine Herringbone w/ 18 Style Black Fiber Strip On Both Sides
 SIDE MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
 ENDPIECE: Grained Ivoroid
 ENDPIECE INLAY: B/W/B Boltaron?
 BINDING: Grained Ivoroid
 TOP INLAY STYLE: Fine Herringbone
 SIDE INLAY: Mulitple Black/White
 BACK INLAY: B/W/B Boltaron
 NECK MATERIAL: Solid Genuine Mahogany
 NECK SHAPE: Modified V
 NUT MATERIAL: Bone
 HEADSTOCK: Solid/Diamond/Tapered
 HEADPLATE: Solid Black Ebony /Alternate Torch Pattern- Select Pearl
 HEELCAP: Grained Ivoroid w/ B/W/B Boltaron? Inlay
 FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony SCALE LENGTH: 24.9 # OF FRETS CLEAR: 14 # OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
 FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1 3/4''
 FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2 1/4''
 FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: Style 45 Snowflake - Select Pearl
 FINGERBOARD BINDING: Grained Ivoroid/Mitered
 FINISH BACK & SIDES: Polished Gloss/ Black
 FINISH TOP: Polished Gloss in Black Lacquer
 FINISH NECK: Polished Gloss
 BRIDGE MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
 BRIDGE STYLE: Standard Belly
 BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2 1/4''
 SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/Bone
 TUNING MACHINES: Schaller Silver Plated w/ Large Knobs
 RECOMMENDED STRINGS: MSP 4100 Light Phosphor Bronze
 BRIDGE & END PINS: Ebony w/ Abalone Pearl Dots
 PICKGUARD: Black
 CASE: 533 Hardshell
 INTERIOR LABEL: Special Black Label Signed By CFM IV, Eric Clapton, Hiroshi Fujiwara, and Dick Boak.

Since this is an Eric Clapton model; My style is influenced by Eric & many other players from popular music history: Hank Williams, Robert Johnson, Jimmy Page, Scotty Moore, Chuck Berry, John Fogarty, John Mellancamp to U2's The Edge & Eddie Van Halen. I suppose that when I play this guitar I lean toward blues & country.
The sound I would describe as early American, rich ring to the strings, nice balance from solid lows to bright clear highs, very even in volume. Great for all styles: Finger picking, Flat pick strumming, Slide, Lead soloing.

Action was fairly good from the factory, a little higher than I'm used to but that's better for the tone. Intonation a little off but fixable with out replacing anything. The Pinholes were not drilled to seat the string pins solidly or flush to the bridge, I think that is just the way Martin does it.
The guitar had a minor flaw on the back of the neck, which looked like a repair done at the factory, like the lacquer just settled differently. A little less than a quarter inch in circumference, or it looks a little like a fingerprint in the lacquer before it dried. The tuners on the front of the headstock where the stings loop through look like the chrome might flake in the future; the coating is just not smooth. (Hey they site say's be critical) I'm not worried about it though.
The Finish I assume to be Nitrocellulose. It seems to be a soft mixture, which is great for tone allowing wood vibration. But being a black guitar it is very difficult to keep clean & gets light hair scratches very easily, (which I learned the hard way). Unfortunately & Surprisingly I got a very bad recommendation from a Martin Authorized Service person about a polish to use (Meguires Mirror Glaze #7) even when applying the product very lightly it wound up putting a load of light swirling hair scratches on the guitar. I had to take it to a very reputable local guitar manufacturer to have it professionally buffed to fix my screw up. Some products I recommend are: A (scratch free) Microfiber Cloth for polishing, I'm still experimenting with what polish to use, right now I'm using Ken Smith brand which works well if you use it very sparingly & rub very lightly.

I haven't performed with it yet but I'm sure this guitar would be great for playing live E.C. does!, It's a great sounding guitar & would have a great classy appearance for performing. I think I said all finish drawbacks in the "ACTION & FINISH" category. It's a class act & I'm sure it would last a life time.

I first called Martin before experimenting with any polish products; they of coarse recommended "Martin Polish" which did not work well at all with this specific guitar & later I read on the WWW that it didn't work well on this type of color & finish on the "Musical Instrument Makers Forum". I then ask for some phone numbers of their local Authorized service people to get some opinions, which led me to the mess I described in the "ACTION/FINISH" category. Martin was not at all prepared for this topic & it wound up costing my time & money about $200.00 worth. Like many large companies they have time to build a great product but no time for you "The Consumer" who keeps them in business. No one said life was fair & I'll get over it! I really feel everything else as far as warranty is a nonissue, which I think will be the case.

I've been playing Acoustic & Electric guitar for 25 years; I own Gibson Historic & Masterbuilt, Fenders Custom Shop Closet Classics & Relics, a Santa Cruz PJ parlor Acoustic (which I love), & my first Acoustic guitar a Takamine EF-340.
I would definitely buy this guitar again; it has a very unique tone & am proud to finally own a Martin Acoustic. It's the most beautiful guitar I own with the great inlay, it's not too much or too little, very elegant without being gaudy.
I can't wait to install a pick up & start performing with it. I choose this guitar because of its tone, 000 size & Appearance.