*Limited Edition* Martin CEO-11 Grand Auditorium Acoustic-Electric #0741

The Martin CEO-11 pairs white oak with FSC-certified European spruce in a body size Martin rarely builds — the M, a 0000-14 fret shape that sits between a 000 and a jumbo. White oak is the story here. It runs denser and harder than the mahogany or rosewood Martin normally reaches for, and it gives the guitar a tight, percussive low end with a bright, quick-decaying top end, closer to maple than to either traditional Martin tonewood. European spruce on top adds headroom and a clean fundamental.

The M body is wide but shallow, and that geometry does specific things: the broad lower bout moves air for volume while the shallower depth keeps the bass from taking over. Strummed with the light Lifespan set it ships with, it stays articulate — chords ring without turning into a wash, which is why the shape has a following among singer-songwriters who need a guitar to sit under a vocal. Fingerstyle players get a fast, dry attack that suits crosspicking and Celtic material. A flamed maple neck stiffens the whole assembly and adds to the guitar's immediate response.

This is a limited run of 1,111 individually numbered instruments, and it is appointed accordingly. The New Horizons Blue Burst gloss finish over white oak is the centerpiece, framed by European flamed maple binding and bold half-herringbone purfling. Custom abalone inlays run an ebony fingerboard, a custom inlay marks the ebony headstock veneer, and a black acrylic pickguard keeps the front uncluttered. Fishman's Aura VT Blend is installed for amplified work. For a player who wants a Martin that does not sound or look like anyone else's Martin, the CEO-11 is a deliberate departure that still plays like Nazareth built it.

Serial #3020741 — this listing is for one specific instrument. Photos of this exact guitar go up once it clears our 23-Point Professional Inspection.