Martin Jason Isbell Guitars: Vintage Soul, Modern Craftsmanship
The new Martin Jason Isbell guitars are a pair of inspired acoustic instruments that showcase the singer-songwriter’s signature vintage tone while offering two distinct approaches for players and collectors alike. Released as a tribute to the sound and vibe of Isbell’s vintage 1940s Martin, the 0-10E Retro and 0-17 Limited Edition models represent Martin’s unique ability to pair heritage design with modern craftsmanship. Whether you're chasing the timeless warmth of all-mahogany tone or the collectibility of heirloom-level appointments, the Martin Jason Isbell guitars deliver on every front.
Martin has long been associated with artists who demand expressive instruments that stand up to the rigors of recording, touring, and songwriting. The new Martin Jason Isbell Guitars Collection continues this tradition, offering a vintage aesthetic, professional performance, and high-quality tonewoods tailored to meet two very different needs. Let’s explore what makes these two models unique and how they stack up against one another.
Martin 0-10E Retro Jason Isbell
If you're a working songwriter, a stage performer, or someone seeking a no-nonsense tone machine, the Martin 0-10E Retro Jason Isbell is an exceptional choice.
Main Specs:
Body: 0-14 Fret with all-solid mahogany top, back, and sides
Finish: Satin
Neck: Select Hardwood with Performing Artist Profile
Fingerboard: East Indian Rosewood
Scale Length: 24.9"
Electronics: Martin E1 with volume, tone, and phase controls
Case: Softshell
Price: $1,049
This model offers the comfort of a small-bodied guitar paired with the warm, focused sound mahogany is known for. That tight midrange cuts perfectly in a mix, making the 0-10E a songwriter’s dream. Designed for reliability, it's not flashy, but it gets the job done. The Martin E1 electronics allow players to plug in with confidence at gigs or in the studio, while the short scale and compact build make it incredibly inviting to play for long sessions.
What makes this one of the most accessible Martin Jason Isbell guitars is how well it balances quality with affordability. While inspired by a vintage instrument, this model focuses on being a workhorse—a guitar that can go from the couch to the stage without missing a beat. If you’re chasing the Isbell tone without the boutique price tag, this is your guitar.
Martin 0-17 Jason Isbell (Limited Edition)
At the other end of the spectrum is the Martin 0-17 Jason Isbell Limited Edition, a collector’s piece with tonal depth and rare materials that elevate it to heirloom status.
Main Specs:
Body: 0-14 Fret with all-solid sinker mahogany top, back, and sides
Bracing: Adirondack spruce Golden Era scalloped X-bracing
Finish: Vintage Gloss
Neck: Sinker Mahogany, '30s Style V Profile
Fingerboard & Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood
Electronics: None (pure acoustic tone)
Case: Deluxe Hardshell
Limited Edition: Only 50 made with signed paper label
Price: $4,999
This is where the Martin Jason Isbell guitars truly step into the rarefied air of elite acoustics. The sinker mahogany offers a denser, more responsive tonal signature than standard mahogany. Paired with Golden Era scalloped bracing and a traditional V-neck, the result is an incredibly articulate, resonant instrument that rewards the lightest touch. The use of Brazilian rosewood for the bridge and fingerboard adds historical authenticity and tonal complexity.
Only 50 of these guitars will be built, and each one includes a signed label, making it a true collector's piece. This isn’t just a guitar—it’s a tribute to an era, a sound, and an artist’s voice captured in wood and wire. It’s also the purest representation of the original 1940s Martin that inspired Isbell’s most recent album, Weathervanes. For those who demand the best tonewoods and limited-edition exclusivity, this model represents the pinnacle of the Martin Jason Isbell guitars.
Sound Comparison & Use Case
Both guitars embody Isbell’s rootsy, Americana tone but offer vastly different experiences depending on the player’s needs. The 0-10E Retro is built to be played often, gigged, and recorded with. Its mahogany build gives it warmth and focus, and the electronics make it ready for any setting.
By contrast, the 0-17 is meant to be cherished. It’s louder, more open, and more detailed, thanks to the superior materials and construction techniques. The sinker mahogany and Brazilian rosewood work together to give it both power and elegance, while the lack of electronics keeps it fully acoustic and pure.
So which one is right for you? If you're looking for an all-around performer, the 0-10E Retro delivers great tone and utility without breaking the bank. If you're a collector or tone connoisseur, the 0-17 Limited Edition offers something few players will ever experience.
Why Jason Isbell Chose These Specs
Jason Isbell’s original 1940s Martin was the heart of his tone on his latest album, Weathervanes, and these models reflect his personal connection to that sound. Mahogany guitars are often associated with singer-songwriters for their midrange clarity and balanced response, and both guitars in this release stay true to that legacy. Isbell has long been a fan of minimalist builds and raw, expressive tone, and both of these instruments capture that aesthetic perfectly.
The Martin Jason Isbell guitars also show Martin’s commitment to artist partnerships that matter. By offering a workhorse model and a boutique collector’s piece, they give every level of player a chance to own a piece of the Isbell sound.
Final Thoughts
The Martin Jason Isbell guitars offer something truly special for acoustic lovers. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a gigging songwriter, or a serious collector, one of these guitars will speak to you. They both capture the character of a bygone era, with one aimed at the everyday player and the other destined to become a family heirloom.
At the core of this release is the spirit of the music itself: stripped down, soulful, and honest. That’s what makes the Martin Jason Isbell guitars more than just instruments—they’re an extension of an artist’s voice and a timeless piece of Martin’s legendary craftsmanship.
Explore both guitars and the full Martin Jason Isbell Guitars Collection today at The Acoustic Shoppe.
