Born of a collaboration between Martin Guitars and MTV due to the popularity of the Unplugged Show the 1996 Martin MTV-1 was released as a Limited Edition Model with only 696 produced.
This is number 325 and has the special series label with the MTV trademarks signed by Chris Martin. As part of it’s design it has a number of distinctive features, notably its unique construction with the treble half of the body Mahogany and the Bass side Rosewood as well as aesthetically an ‘MTV’ abalone headstock inlay and ‘Unplugged’ inlayed down the Ebony fingerboard. Other appointments include an Abalone rosette and tortoise binding around the top and back, with a herringbone backstrip. Tuners are Martin-embossed Schaller tuners with carved Ebony buttons.
The Satin finish is generally good with the odd nick and ding, the back of the neck has become polished from use but overall the guitar is in great condition for a near 30 year old instrument. The neck is a comfortable profile with the slightest hint of V. The nut measures 42.74mm and has a depth of 20.43mm at the 1st fret.
Limited Edition MTV connection and unique specs aside the guitar is a pleasure to play, tonally it hard to say how much you can attribute to the Mahogany/Rosewood combination but the guitar sounds great with a detailed, complex tone. Treble notes are bright and singing and the lows are sweet and warm with a pleasant midrange growl when pushed. The guitar has never been fitted with a pickup and comes with its original Martin Guitars hard case.
This is number 325 and has the special series label with the MTV trademarks signed by Chris Martin. As part of it’s design it has a number of distinctive features, notably its unique construction with the treble half of the body Mahogany and the Bass side Rosewood as well as aesthetically an ‘MTV’ abalone headstock inlay and ‘Unplugged’ inlayed down the Ebony fingerboard. Other appointments include an Abalone rosette and tortoise binding around the top and back, with a herringbone backstrip. Tuners are Martin-embossed Schaller tuners with carved Ebony buttons.
The Satin finish is generally good with the odd nick and ding, the back of the neck has become polished from use but overall the guitar is in great condition for a near 30 year old instrument. The neck is a comfortable profile with the slightest hint of V. The nut measures 42.74mm and has a depth of 20.43mm at the 1st fret.
Limited Edition MTV connection and unique specs aside the guitar is a pleasure to play, tonally it hard to say how much you can attribute to the Mahogany/Rosewood combination but the guitar sounds great with a detailed, complex tone. Treble notes are bright and singing and the lows are sweet and warm with a pleasant midrange growl when pushed. The guitar has never been fitted with a pickup and comes with its original Martin Guitars hard case.