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Musikmesse 2016: Martin launches new John Lennon and Macassar acoustic guitars

News
By Michael Astley-Brown published 23 March 2016

Plus a bamboo ukulele!

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Introduction

Introduction

MUSIKMESSE 2016: Never one to disappoint come trade-show time, Martin has unveiled a bevy of good-looking acoustic guitars for Frankfurt this year, including a new John Lennon dreadnought, a trio of nicely priced Macassar models… and a brightly coloured ukulele.

Scroll through the gallery for the lowdown on the acoustic giant's 2016 strummers.

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
Martin D-28 John Lennon

Martin D-28 John Lennon

Following NAMM's limited-edition 75th Anniversary Lennon model is this new D-28 for the legendary Beatle.

Lennon's new dreadnought features a solid Sitka spruce top with Vintage Tone System, and East Indian rosewood back and sides.

Personal touches include an inlaid peace sign on the guitar's back, self-portrait illustration on the East Indian rosewood headstock, plus a mother-of-pearl John Lennon design on the ebony fingerboard.

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
Martin GPCX2AE Macassar

Martin GPCX2AE Macassar

The first of three guitars featuring Macassar patterning is this Grand Performance cutaway, packing a solid Sapele top and, yes, Macassar patterned high-pressure laminate back and sides.

A birch laminate neck and Fishman Sonitone electronics round off the spec.

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Martin DCX1AE Macassar

Martin DCX1AE Macassar

A solid Sitka spruce top and Macassar patterned high-pressure laminate back and sides form the body of this well-priced dread. Fishman Sonitone electronics mean it's stage ready, too.

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
Martin DX2AE Macassar

Martin DX2AE Macassar

The most affordable of the Macassars, the DX2AE boasts a solid Sapele top, paired with - you guessed it - Macassar patterned high-pressure laminate back and sides.

This dreadnought is also packing Fishman Sonitone electronics for live and recording use.

Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
Martin 0X Uke Bamboo

Martin 0X Uke Bamboo

A departure from Martin's usual six-string fare is this ukulele, crafted from a green bamboo patterned high-pressure laminate.

As well as the snazzy green you see here, you can get the instrument in blue or red finishes, while the rosewood fingerboard and bridge stay au naturale - as do Martin's Clear impressive-sounding Fluorocarbon ukulele strings.

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
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Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.

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