From the Factory, Players | March 30, 2025

Eric Clapton & Martin: Celebrating 30 Years of Unplugged Inspiration

Honoring three decades of a legendary collaboration with new limited-edition signature guitars

Few performances have left as lasting an impact on the acoustic guitar world as Eric Clapton’s 1992 MTV Unplugged set. Armed with his vintage Martin guitars, his performance resonated with audiences worldwide, highlighting the expressive power of the acoustic guitar in the hands of a music icon. The subsequent best-selling album reinforced his legendary status and sparked a renewed interest in acoustic music, leading many to seek out the very instruments he played that night. 

Martin was flooded with calls asking about the models Eric used during his set. The answer? A stock 1939 000-42 and a modified 1960s 000-28 with upgraded 45-style inlay and binding on the neck. That overwhelming interest led to the creation of Martin’s first Eric Clapton signature guitar in 1995—a partnership that would go on to inspire more Martin signature editions than any other artist. 

Now, as we celebrate 30 years of this legendary collaboration, Martin is proud to introduce two special anniversary guitars. These instruments pay homage to his legacy and the Unplugged era, while offering players and collectors alike a piece of acoustic history. 

000-42EC 30th Anniversary

For fans seeking the ultimate tribute to Eric’s Unplugged guitar, the 000-42EC 30th Anniversary delivers. Limited to just 300 instruments, this model takes inspiration from the 1939 000-42 that he used during his historic set. 

Featuring a solid Adirondack spruce top with antique toner and solid Guatemalan rosewood back and sides—all enhanced by a vintage gloss finish—this guitar produces a warm, rich tonal depth. Scalloped Adirondack spruce Golden Era-inspired bracing ensures superior resonance and projection, filling any room with vintage Martin tone. 

The Authentic 1939 neck shape with a full pre-war profile and 1 11/16" nut width provides a comfortable and vintage-correct feel, ideal for everything from intricate fingerstyle playing to expressive bends. The ebony fingerboard is adorned with Golden Era 42-style snowflake inlays, and Waverly open-gear tuners with a relic nickel finish complete the aesthetic. 

Each 000-42EC 30th Anniversary guitar comes with a paper label hand-signed by Eric, a printed certificate of authenticity, and a premium, embroidered Harptone case with a matching shroud exclusive to this model. And for those who want to match his signature sound, it’s strung with Clapton’s Choice strings and includes an extra set in the case pocket. 

000-EC 30th Anniversary 

If you love the Unplugged sound and vibe but prefer a more subtle aesthetic, the 000-EC 30th Anniversary is the guitar for you. Available only through March 2026, this model features solid East Indian rosewood back and sides paired with a solid spruce top, producing a rich, balanced tone with clear projection. 

Designed with the same Authentic 1939 neck shape and 1 11/16" nut width, it offers comfortable playability while maintaining a classic pre-war feel. A herringbone-trimmed top and antique white binding provide understated elegance, while the Golden Era 42-style snowflake inlays on the ebony fingerboard nod to its vintage inspiration. 

Each 000-EC 30th Anniversary guitar includes a paper label with Eric’s pre-printed signature, a certificate of authenticity, a premium embroidered case, and an extra set of Clapton’s Choice strings in the case pocket. 

For those wanting the closest recreation of his Unplugged guitar, the 000-42EC 30th Anniversary is likely the better fit. But if you want a slightly more understated nod to the era while keeping the traditional rosewood and spruce combination and vintage 42-style fingerboard inlay, the 000-EC 30th Anniversary is a solid, timeless option. 

Martin & Eric: A Legacy of Excellence 

Eric’s relationship with Martin Guitar runs deep. Following the overwhelming demand sparked by Unplugged, Martin reached out to Eric in 1995 to collaborate on a signature model. The result was the original 000-42EC, a limited run of 461 guitars—an homage to his 461 Ocean Boulevard album—which sold out almost immediately. Its success led to the introduction of the 000-28EC in 1996—“the best-sounding acoustic guitar I’ve EVER played,” according to Eric. It remains in production to this day and has become one of Martin’s best-selling models. 

Over the years, he and Martin have collaborated on a range of limited editions, including the Bellezza Nera and Bianca models in partnership with Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara, as well as the Navy Blues OM in 2014.  

More recently, he collaborated with Martin and Guitar Center in 2023 to create three stunning limited-edition Dreadnoughts—the D-45 Brazilian Rosewood, D-45 Madagascar Rosewood, and a Signature D-28—to raise funds in support of the Crossroads Centre, a nonprofit facility for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction that he founded in 1998. 

In addition to his signature guitars, Eric also personally endorses Clapton’s Choice Signature Strings—his go-to acoustic strings for both stage and studio. Designed to resist corrosion and deliver the legendary sound he demands, they’re available in light and medium gauge 92/8 phosphor bronze.

Shaping Music & Inspiring Generations 

Eric's contributions to music span decades, genres, and generations. From his early days with The Yardbirds and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers to his legendary work with Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos, and his expansive solo career, he has consistently shaped the sound of rock and blues. Known for his impeccable guitar tone, soulful playing, and emotive songwriting, he has earned 18 GRAMMY Awards® and remains the only artist inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame three times—once as a solo artist and twice as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. 

As mentioned above, his 1992 MTV Unplugged performance was a defining moment in his career, stripping his music down to its acoustic core and showcasing the raw emotion behind songs like “Tears in Heaven” and “Layla.” This performance not only reinvigorated his career but also sparked a resurgence in acoustic music and inspired a new generation of players. His long-standing partnership with Martin has produced some of the most sought-after signature models in the company’s history, celebrating his sound and artistry through instruments that continue to captivate musicians worldwide. 

More from Martin 

If you're looking for more artist-inspired instruments, Martin offers a variety of signature and limited-edition models, including recent collaborations with artists like John Mayer, Billy Strings, Joe Bonamassa, and Johnny Marr. Whether you’re searching for a vintage recreation or a guitar with modern features built for today’s performers, there’s a Martin that fits your style and sound. 

Three decades ago, Eric Clapton helped redefine what an acoustic guitar could be. Today, Martin is proud to celebrate that legacy with instruments that honor the past while inspiring the next generation of players. 

Want to experience these guitars for yourself? Find a dealer near you and play a piece of history. 

A heartfelt thank you to Eric for his continued collaboration and contributions to music. His artistry and dedication have inspired generations of musicians, and we are honored to celebrate this ongoing partnership. Follow Eric on his social platforms to stay updated on his latest music, projects, and tour dates. 

Until next time, happy playing!