Jason Isbell’s Secret Weapon, Now for Everyone
Inspired by the soulful, road-worn 1940s Martin 0-17 that fueled his songwriting, the Martin 0-10E Retro is a direct line to Jason Isbell’s signature sound. This isn’t just a signature model; it’s a throwback to the honest, no-frills guitars that built the foundation of American music. Crafted entirely from solid mahogany with a comfortable 0-14 fret body, it delivers a voice that’s pure, focused, and ready for the stage—or your next writing session.
All-Mahogany Warmth & Focus
The magic of an all-mahogany guitar is in its midrange. It’s a sound that’s woody, warm, and incredibly balanced, with a natural compression that’s perfect for both fingerpicking and vocal accompaniment. The solid mahogany top, back, and sides give this guitar a dry, punchy character that records beautifully and sits perfectly in a mix without any fuss. The scalloped spruce X-bracing underneath adds just the right amount of clarity and responsiveness, ensuring every note you play has life and definition.
Effortless Playability, Classic Feel
Martin built this guitar to be played for hours. The shorter 24.9″ scale length makes string bending a breeze and gives the guitar a slightly slinkier feel. Combined with the acclaimed PA Profile neck and its High-Performance Taper, you get a modern, comfortable playing experience on a guitar that feels like it’s from another era. It’s a neck that feels instantly familiar and just begs you to find new melodies.
Stage-Ready Electronics
When you’re ready to plug in, the onboard Martin E1 electronics deliver an authentic acoustic tone without coloring the guitar’s natural voice. Tucked discreetly inside the soundhole, you have simple controls for Volume, Tone, and a Phase switch to kill feedback before it starts. It also includes a built-in chromatic tuner that automatically mutes the output, so you can tune up silently on the darkest stages. It’s everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
