NAMM 2019: Martin Woodstock 50th Anniversary acoustic guitars
D-35 Woodstock 50th pickguard. At least it is subtle · Source: Martin
Martin Woodstock 50th Anniversary · Source: Martin
Premier acoustic guitar maker Martin has unveiled two new acoustic guitars celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Woodstock festival. These limited run instruments will be launching during NAMM 2019.
Martin Woodstock 50th Anniversary
This series is made up of two models, the mid-priced DX Woodstock 50th and higher end D-35 Woodstock 50th. Martin is aiming to cover a wide price range here, with one going for around USD 800 and the other priced at just shy of USD 4500. Chris Martin, the company’s CEO said in a statement: “We are proud that Martin guitars were played by so many of the iconic artists who stepped out on the Woodstock stage.”
DX Woodstock 50th
This is the brightly coloured one that features a graphic on the front of the instrument based upon the original Woodstock poster art by Robert F Goetzl that was used to advertise the festival.
It has an HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) top with mahogany-grained HPL back and sides. The guitar also has Fishman electronics to help amplify it. It is the cheaper of the two models and so perfect for those on a budget, especially if they want a guitar that celebrates that iconic 1969 festival.
I cannot say that it does anything for me, and honestly, I find it a little too glaring and bright for my tastes. You may well love it though, so go fill your boots.
RRP – DX Woodstock 50th USD 799
Martin DX Woodstock 50th emblazoned with that classic artwork · Source: Martin
D-35 Woodstock 50th
The D-35 Woodstock 50th isn’t quite as garish as its little brother and has a more subtle embellishment to the pick guard instead rather than graphics emblazoned across its top.
This D-35 has an East Indian rosewood back and sides with a 35 Series wedge, a Sitka spruce top with ageing toner and antique white fingerboard binding to complete the look. Other features include the quarter-inch straight bracing for improved projection and a ‘high-performance’ neck taper.
Out of the two, this one is a nicer instrument in both aesthetics and specifications. Both leverage the Woodstock connection quite heavily; overall I would have to pass on these.
RRP – D-35 Woodstock 50th USD 4449
Martin D-35 Woodstock 50th · Source: Martin
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