Martin Guitar is proud to introduce the limited-edition Martin 000-45 Joe Bonamassa, a meticulously crafted recreation of the revered guitarist’s 1941 000-45 – an instrument that has weathered the decades in pristine condition.
With only 45 of these models available, each one echoes the legacy of a golden era on which Martin built its reputation. One of the standout features of Joe’s original guitar is its figured Adirondack spruce top. With Martin’s Vintage Tone System® (VTS), this recreated pre-war top captures the tonal essence and achieves the visual character of a well-aged instrument, giving it that sought-after warmth and resonance that defines a vintage guitar.
Its unique neck shape is a faithful reproduction of the neck on Joe’s 1941 000-45, just as it came off the workbench in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, over 80 years ago. The period-correct gold enclosed gear tuners – a Martin exclusive – also provide a touch of vintage charm. Even the snowflake inlays on the fingerboard are crafted to match the original model. A certificate of authenticity, vintage hang tag, and period-correct hardshell case add to its authentic appeal.
The story of Joe’s pre-war 000-45 is just as captivating as the guitar itself. A beloved instrument passed down through three generations, the guitar had never left Southern California since it was first purchased in 1941. Many years later, it ultimately found its way to Joe at a moment when its sale helped save a woman’s home.
“I don’t collect guitars, I collect stories,” says Joe. “I don’t collect instruments because I want a deal on them. I want to collect instruments because I want to help a family out of financial trouble, and they have this one item that could be sold for lots of money… It was the last thing of value that she had, so it saved her house, and I got a wonderful guitar and a hell of a story.”
After acquiring the guitar, it was carefully hand-delivered back to its birthplace in Nazareth, where the expert product team at Martin pored over every detail. Still in mint condition with the original price tag, showing a retail price of $225, Joe’s guitar – serial number 76993 – is a living testament to its era, now faithfully replicated for this limited edition.
“It’s really important to me that the new guitar stayed true to the old one, because there’s no other reason to do it,” says Joe. “It gives people an opportunity to feel what it’s like to hold a Golden Era 000-45… I’m not redesigning a Martin guitar. I’m just sharing 45 times over a glimpse into a guitar that I own, that most people will never get to play, or see.”
Only 265 pre-war 000-45s were ever made, and with just 45 of these models available, the 000-45 Joe Bonamassa is a true collector’s dream. Whether you’re a collector or a player, it promises to be a treasured heirloom for generations to come.
For more information about the Martin 000-45 Joe Bonamassa, visit martinguitar.com.
