Martin 000-28EC Eric Clapton Sunburst – Overview

The Martin 000-28EC Eric Clapton Sunburst is one of Martin’s most iconic artist signature models, inspired by the guitar Eric Clapton played during his legendary MTV Unplugged performance. That historic recording helped revive interest in acoustic music worldwide and introduced a new generation of players to the expressive voice of the 000 body style.

Built in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, this model pairs a premium spruce top with East Indian rosewood back and sides, producing the warm, balanced voice that has made the 000-28EC one of the most successful signature guitars in Martin’s history. The elegant Sunburst finish adds a vintage-inspired aesthetic reminiscent of classic pre-war Martins while maintaining the refined craftsmanship the brand is known for.

With its comfortable body size, articulate tonal response, and historic artist association, the 000-28EC remains a favorite among fingerstyle players and acoustic performers.

The Eric Clapton 000 Voice

The 000 body size delivers exceptional balance across the tonal spectrum. Compared to a dreadnought, the 000 offers greater articulation and note separation, making it ideal for intricate fingerstyle playing and expressive acoustic arrangements.

Balanced tonal response with excellent note clarity
Warm rosewood overtones and rich sustain
Focused bass that stays controlled and articulate
Highly responsive for fingerstyle and light flatpicking

This tonal character helped define the sound of Clapton’s acoustic work and continues to make the 000-28EC one of Martin’s most sought-after artist models.

Vintage-Inspired Craftsmanship

The 000-28EC reflects Martin’s dedication to traditional guitar building. Handcrafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, the guitar features Martin’s classic dovetail neck joint construction and carefully voiced scalloped X-bracing designed to maximize resonance and tonal balance.

Elegant style 28 appointments—including herringbone trim, vintage-style rosette details, and the distinctive Sunburst top—give the instrument a timeless appearance rooted in Martin’s historic design heritage.

Playability & Feel

The comfortable neck profile paired with a 1 3/4" nut width provides generous string spacing, making the guitar especially well suited for fingerstyle techniques while still accommodating light flatpicking and strumming.

The ebony fingerboard and bridge contribute to clarity and durability, while bone nut and saddle components help maximize sustain and tonal transfer. The slightly shorter 24.9" scale length also provides a softer feel under the fingers, enhancing comfort during long playing sessions.

For players seeking the classic sound of a rosewood Martin 000 with vintage styling and a historic artist association, the 000-28EC Sunburst offers both musical inspiration and timeless craftsmanship.