Martin Debuts The HM Ben Harper Special Edition Acoustic Guitar

Jan 17, 2008

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C.F. Martin & Co. is celebrating a landmark milestone with their 175th anniversary! Last year, Martin unveiled a new booth accommodating intimate acoustic performances by Martin artists at the Winter NAMM show. Expect more artists, booth demonstrations and new guitars than ever before.

Be sure to stop by and check out all the new Martin Guitars models to be introduced at the 2008 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.

HM BEN HARPER SPECIAL EDITION
Folk, blues, jazz, soul, jam, reggae, rhythm & blues and gospel; Ben Harper embraces them all in music both richly evocative and utterly original. In little more than a decade, he - both on his own and with his group, the Innocent Criminals - has gone from underground sensation to international star. And whether laying down cool acoustic rhythms, hot electric solos or sizzling slide riffs, he is a guitarist of undeniable power and panache. Such a versatile guitarist needs an equally versatile guitar. Ben Harper has designed that guitar, one that satisfies his personal preferences.

The HM Ben Harper Special Edition is based on Martin's M size, which combines a wide body with 000 depth for powerful, yet balanced tone. Superb solid tonewoods throughout contribute to its outstanding voice. The top of rare Adirondack spruce is matched to Adirondack spruce scalloped braces for extraordinary headroom and clarity: back and sides of East Indian rosewood add warmth and projection. The low profile neck with diamond volute is carved from genuine mahogany.

For superb, versatile amplified sound, the HM Ben Harper Special Edition comes equipped with a Fishman Ellipse™ Matrix Blend System, which combines Fishman's Matrix™. The unit's controls are accessed through the soundhole, so no guitar side is injured in its installation. To optimize tone - whether acoustic or amplified - the guitar is fitted with a bone nut and compensated TUSQ™ saddle. Gotoh® chrome enclosed tuners with large knobs and a chrome strap button complete the appointments. The body of the guitar is finished in polished gloss lacquer, with vintage toner on the top to enhance its traditional style. The neck receives a satin finish for player comfort.

Delivered in a vintage-inspired Geib™ style hardshell case, each HM Ben Harper Special Edition guitar bears an interior label personally signed by Ben Harper and numbered in sequence. Authorized C.F. Martin dealers will begin taking orders for the HM Ben Harper Special Edition immediately and Martin will post the names of participating Martin dealers on its website, www.martinguitar.com.