Martin announced a signature series for David Gilmour

Following the 2019 Christie's auction, where David Gilmour's 1969 D-35 sold for $1.2 million, Martin's partners at Westside Distribution approached Gilmour about designing a new guitar. The new instrument will be a David Gilmour Custom Signature Martin. Gilmour agreed to work with Martin on 2 versions, a six-string and a twelve-string D-35.

"I was really excited when Westside, our UK distributor, told us about the opportunity to build a signature model for David," said Fred Greene. The VP of product development at Martin Guitar continued: "He's one of my favorite guitarists of all time. So the chance to collaborate with him on an instrument was truly a bucket-list moment for me. The partnership is also perfect for Martin Guitar. It's a company that shares David's hope for a more sustainable world that we can leave behind with a clear conscience for future generations."

In the early '70s, even with several albums already under his belt, the lead guitarist and co-vocalist for Pink Floyd was at the top of his game. The superstar met a musician selling a used Martin D-35 outside Manny's Music shop in New York. Gilmour bought the guitar on the spot. This would become his go-to acoustic instrument for both Pink Floyd and his solo recordings for more than four decades.

The D-35 would become his go-to acoustic instrument for both Pink Floyd and his solo recordings for more than four decades.

"Looking back on the design process," said Greene, "my first thought was that David would want a replica of his 1969 D-35. At the same time, that would be cool." I was so excited to hear that he was more interested in creating something unique and special. I knew we could give him options and features that would let this new instrument stand on its own merit. At the same time, we'd still draw on the original D-35 for inspiration. Like David's music, this guitar is a unique and inspired work of art. We hope it inspires players to create their own music."

Starting with this idea of a "new" D-35, the Martin Custom Shop set out to create three prototypes. These would later be presented to David for feedback. They're usually made from rosewood. This is the first time Martin has built a three-piece back "35" with sinker mahogany. The result is absolutely stunning. The back, sides, neck and neck block are all made from solid sinker.

The 6-string and 12-string models have a vintage gloss finish. This is a historic process usually only available on Martin Authentic Series models. It gives a soft glossy patina somewhere between shiny and satin. David chose Adirondack for the top of the 6-string model. Just like the one found on a vintage '40s D-18 he also owns. Adirondack is a bit stiffer than its usual Sitka cousin. The top uses the Martin Vintage Tone System® (VTS), a process that "ages" the wood. At the same time, it adds vintage sound characteristics without having to wait years for it to happen naturally. 

They have vintage sound characteristics without having to wait years for it to happen naturally.

The top braces on the 6-string series are 1/4-inch Adirondack spruce, for extra support and tuning, and are scalloped and forward-shifted. The top of the 12-string series has Carpathian spruce. This wood is grown in the mountains of Romania and is often praised for having "the best of both worlds" qualities. It has the stiffness found in Adirondack, while retaining the lower density and lightness often seen in traditional European spruce varieties (German, Swiss and Italian).

The fretboard inlay on both guitars is a special design created for this signature edition. It's a standard 35-style layout, but the dot size has been slightly reduced and overlaid with abalone. The neck shape for the 6-string is unique and was created specifically for David. It started out as a modified low oval, but is now more rounded and slightly fuller below the 5th fret. This created a neck that's very comfortable and easy to play. The 6-string series also features a carbon fiber bridge plate, as found on the recent Modern Deluxe series, offering improved volume and clarity.

Both models have headstock logos, like those found on early Martin guitars. However, this is the first time in its history that Martin has created special logos for a signature edition.

The 6-string series is unusually strung with 12-gauge strings, specifically Martin Authentic Acoustic® Lifespan® 2.0 (MA540T). Martin Dreadnoughts usually come equipped with 13-gauge (medium) strings, however, David uses MA540T strings on all his Martin guitars. So we felt fans should get the guitar the same way David chooses to play it.

Both models have headstock logos, like those found on early Martin guitars

Both guitars come in a slate blue case, a nod to the blue case David's original D-35 would have shipped from the factory in back then. Finally, each guitar bears a custom interior paper label, each with a separate signature from David himself. An incredible collector's instrument, for a truly one-of-a-kind musician.

Martin will produce a total of 250 guitars, split between the 6 and 12-string models. They will be available for purchase at select retailers.

For more information, visit the official website of Martin.

Both models will be priced at $5,499. Through this collaboration, Martin Guitar is proud to support the David Gilmour charitable foundation.