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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.