Martin 000-28EC Eric Clapton Signature - USA 2003

Here is a Martin 000-28EC Eric Clapton Signature, a highly regarded artist model born from Eric Clapton’s influence and his long association with Martin 000-style acoustics, particularly following the impact of his iconic Unplugged performance in the early 1990s. This model captures the essence of the small-bodied, fingerstyle-focused Martin sound with premium vintage-inspired appointments.

This example features a solid Sitka spruce top paired with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, producing a rich, balanced tonal character with clear articulation, strong projection, and the signature warmth and depth associated with high-end Martin acoustics. The 000 body size and shorter scale length enhance playability and string flexibility, making it especially responsive to fingerstyle and blues playing.

This example features premium vintage-style appointments including a tortoise-style bevelled pickguard, Waverly open-gear nickel tuners with butterbean knobs, and an old-style Martin headstock logo. Eric Clapton’s signature is inlaid in mother-of-pearl between the 19th and 20th frets, along with an internal numbered label signed by Clapton and Chris Martin IV, identifying this example as number 7293.

Playability is excellent, with a comfortable neck profile and responsive shorter-scale feel that encourages expressive playing across all positions. The guitar delivers impressive dynamic range, offering both clarity and warmth with strong note separation and sustain that exceeds expectations for its body size.

Condition is excellent, presenting close to near-new with only very light signs of use, including a few faint pick marks on and around the pickguard visible only under certain light. The back, sides, neck, and hardware remain exceptionally clean, with minimal fret wear and no significant cosmetic wear. The setup is currently on the higher side with good neck relief, contributing to strong tonal output and can be adjusted if required.

Specifications: 

Year: 2003
Country: USA
Model: Martin 000-28EC
Finish: Polished gloss with vintage toner (back, sides and neck gloss finish)
Body: Solid East Indian rosewood back and sides
Neck: Select hardwood, modified V profile, dovetail neck joint
Fingerboard: Solid ebony with diamonds & squares long pattern inlays
Scale: 24.9"
Bridge: Solid ebony belly-style
Tuners: Nickel open-geared with butterbean knobs
Case: Martin 533E Geib-style hard case