Following the success of the Limited Edition 000-42EC in 1995, Martin introduced the 000-28 Eric Clapton in 1996. The 000-28EC was Martin's first stock production signature model, and it also helped introduce many popular Vintage Series features. In the first four years, over 4,000 000-28ECs were sold, and it remains a hugely popular model in the line to this day.
Eric has called the 000-28EC "utilitarian" in the very best sense of the word. Loosely based on the 1939 000-42 Eric played in his iconic MTV Unplugged performance, the model starts with a comfortable 000-body and playable 24.9" scale length. With the classic wood complement of Sitka Spruce and East Indian Rosewood, the result is versatile, balanced tone with impressive clarity. Thanks to scalloped bracing under the hood, the top responds quickly, even with a light touch. Its wide dynamic range is natural fit for fingerstyle players, but it also sounds great with a pick.
This 1996 Martin 000-28EC is #436 in the series. It is in excellent condition with minimal play wear. Cosmetically, it remains remarkably clean for a 23-year-old guitar. It has a non-original (but still made by Martin) saddle, and a previous owner also upgraded the pins to Martin pins with Abalone dots. Its original hardshell case is included.
This 000-28EC is an excellent example of the model, and it's a great opportunity to grab one of the first 500 made!