Guitar Journal: Eric Clapton 30th Anniversary Martins
Plus, Billy Corgan and The Machines of God tour announced
3,4 / 5,0 | 
This week, we look at the Martin Guitars Eric Clapton 30th Anniversary models announced for his 80th birthday. They are based on his famous pre-war model, which was used on the 1992 MTV Unplugged broadcast. Then we check out the new, three-in-one Great Eastern FX Focus Fuzz Deluxe Pedal. Finally, we look at the new Billy Corgan and The Machines of God tour, which has just been announced.
Guitar Journal
Martin Guitars Eric Clapton 30th Anniversary
Thirty years after Eric Clapton’s legendary 1992 MTV Unplugged performance captivated audiences and guitar enthusiasts worldwide, Martin Guitars commemorates the milestone by releasing two special edition acoustic guitars.
Clapton’s acoustic set, performed on a vintage 1939 Martin 000-42, propelled his career to new heights and cemented the guitar’s iconic status, leading to a fruitful collaboration between the musician and the renowned guitar manufacturer.
000-EC 30th Anniversary
Martin has unveiled the 000-EC and 000-42EC 30th Anniversary models, drawing inspiration from the Golden Era of acoustic guitar craftsmanship.
The official unveiling, which coincided with Clapton’s 80th birthday on March 30th, introduced these high-end acoustics designed to capture the essence of the original 1939 model.
Both guitars feature a 000-14th fret body, the Authentic 1939 neck shape, a 1.69” nut width, and a 24.9” scale length.
000-42EC 30th Anniversary
For those seeking acoustic craftsmanship, the 000-42EC 30th Anniversary model stands out.
Priced at $10,999, this limited edition guitar (only 300 will be made) boasts a solid Guatemalan rosewood back and sides, an Adirondack spruce top with vintage gloss over Antique Toner, and scalloped X-pattern bracing reminiscent of the Golden Era.
Decorative abalone flourishes grace the binding and rosette, while GE 42 Snowflake inlays add a touch of elegance to the ebony fingerboard.
000-EC 30th
For those seeking a more accessible option, the 000-EC 30th Anniversary model, priced at $4,999 and available until March 2026, offers a similar core recipe of feel and tone.
While featuring East Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid spruce top, this model opts for a regular gloss finish and herringbone trim, with Clapton’s signature pre-printed on the label.
It maintains the compound dovetail neck joint and scalloped X-bracing, ensuring a high-quality playing experience. This model also includes a certificate of authenticity and sequential numbering.
Great Eastern FX Focus Fuzz Deluxe
Great Eastern FX has launched the innovative Focus Fuzz Deluxe, pushing the boundaries of fuzz pedal design. This all-in-one gain solution combines boost, overdrive, fuzz, and an octave-up, presented in an aesthetically pleasing, retro-inspired enclosure.
Expanded
The Focus Fuzz Deluxe surpasses its predecessors with expanded gain options. It features boost, overdrive, fuzz, and an analog octave-up, selectable via a three-way switch and dedicated footswitch, respectively, and offers a wide tonal range.
Focus
The pedal retains the signature Focus control for gain and presence adjustments, as well as a hybrid silicon-germanium circuit with an NOS germanium transistor, all encased in a vintage-style enclosure.
These new pedals look great and sound just as good!
MSRP – GBP 299
Billy Corgan and The Machines of God
Billy Corgan has unveiled a new solo venture, Billy Corgan and The Machines of God, and announced a U.S. tour titled “A Return to Zero,” set to commence this summer. The tour promises a deep dive into the iconic Smashing Pumpkins albums that defined an era.
A Return to Zero
“A Return to Zero” will feature a carefully curated setlist drawing from the seminal albums Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness (1995), Machina/The Machines of God, and Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music, as well as Corgan’s 2024 release, Aghori Mhori Me.
The performances will encompass beloved hits and rare deep cuts, offering fans a comprehensive celebration of these classic works.
If you love the Pumpkins, then this could be a fun one to attend. However, it is not the Smashing Pumpkins’ current lineup. Joining Corgan on stage will be an impressive lineup: recently recruited guitarist Kiki Wong, drummer Jake Hayden, and bassist Jenna Fournier (also known as Kid Tigrrr).
Corgan will exclusively release remastered “Machina” albums via Madame Zuzu’s. The release will include an 80-track box set and a 16-song “Machina/The Machines of God” vinyl reissue on August 22.
Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness, further amplifying the celebration of this pivotal era in the Smashing Pumpkins’ history.
This might also interest you
