2007 Martin Eric Clapton Signature Edition 000-42M #99 of 250 LR Baggs Lyric - Sunburst
Description
No sales tax for US customers outside California.
Number 99 of 250 — one of the most tonewood-ambitious Martin acoustic guitars ever built under the Clapton signature. The 000-42MEC was announced in December 2007 and debuted at NAMM 2008, pairing a Carpathian spruce top with Madagascar rosewood back and sides — a combination chosen specifically to approximate the tonal character of Brazilian rosewood while deploying tonewoods rarely seen together on a production instrument. Every one of the 250 guitars carries an interior label personally signed by Eric Clapton. This example has an LR Baggs Lyric internal microphone system installed — one of the most transparent acoustic amplification solutions available — making it stage and studio ready without compromising the guitar's voice. This is the seventh guitar in the Martin/Clapton signature lineage and, by most accounts, the most sonically interesting one they made together.
The Details
Manufacturer: C.F. Martin & Co., Nazareth, Pennsylvania, USA
Model: 000-42MEC Eric Clapton Signature Edition — 2007 production, debuted NAMM 2008
Edition number: #99 of 250 — limited worldwide to 250 instruments
Top: Carpathian spruce — a rare tonewood that combines the power and clarity of Adirondack with the warmth and responsiveness of Italian alpine spruce
Back & sides: Madagascar rosewood — prized for its tonal resemblance to Brazilian rosewood and its spectacular figure
Bracing: Scalloped X-brace — Martin's standard for Clapton signature editions
Neck: Select hardwood, Low Oval profile — the profile used on all Clapton signature Martins
Fingerboard: Ebony, 20 frets, 1-11/16" nut width
Scale length: 25.4"
Appointments: Spectacular abalone pearl throughout — 42-style snowflake fingerboard inlays, abalone rosette, abalone top border purfling, and ivoroid binding; vine headstock inlay in the tradition of pre-war Martin 45-style
Headstock: Historic square taper style with "C.F. Martin" headplate in the tradition of classic pre-war instruments
Interior label: Personally signed by Eric Clapton
Tuners: Chrome Grover Rotomatic
Finish: High-altitude gloss lacquer
Pickup: LR Baggs Lyric internal bridge-plate microphone system — professionally installed; volume and presence controls at soundhole; endpin jack output
Includes: Original Martin hardshell case
Condition
Guitar is in excellent condition. It has been played professionally here and there by the previous owner, but he took great care of it as well. The frets show little wear. The neck is perfect -it feels amazing and it is straight and able to be set up with low action and room in the truss rod for future neck relief adjustments. The previous owner liked the action super low, so he had the saddle shaved. We made a new bone saddle here in our shop.
There is only light, superficial surface signs of play and handling - no dings that would show up in pictures, and no cracks or repairs. The guitar plays incredibly well, and it sounds amazing. The original paperwork is in the original case. A strap button was added to the neck heel.
A Bit of History
The Martin and Eric Clapton partnership is, by any measure, the most successful and consequential artist relationship in the company's modern history. It began in January 1992 when Clapton walked onto the stage of a Sony Studios television set in New York City for his MTV Unplugged performance, played a 1939 Martin 000-42 on loan from luthier Roger Steffens, and delivered what Rolling Stone later ranked among the greatest live performances ever captured on video. The acoustic version of "Layla," the fingerpicked intimacy of "Tears in Heaven," and the sheer vulnerability of the performance triggered a global wave of interest in acoustic guitar that the industry had not seen since the folk revival. Martin, watching their signature guitar model on every replay of that broadcast, approached Clapton almost immediately. The result was the 000-42EC in 1995 — limited to 461 instruments, sold out within days of announcement. Martin's own historian Dick Boak has credited the Clapton signature models with reviving mainstream interest in the 000 body style, which had been largely dormant in the popular consciousness for decades. The 000-28EC followed in 1996 as the accessible non-limited companion — Clapton himself called it "the best-sounding acoustic guitar I've ever played," and it became one of Martin's best-selling guitars in the company's history, with over 17,000 sold in its first years. The 000-42MEC of 2007 was the seventh Clapton signature model and the second to carry the 000-42M designation. Where the 2000 000-42ECB used Brazilian rosewood, the 2007 version turned to Madagascar rosewood — a tonewood with a visual richness and resonant character that connoisseurs compare favorably to pre-ban Brazilian. The Carpathian spruce top was an equally deliberate choice: grown at altitude in the Carpathian mountain range of Eastern Europe, it is a rarer and more expensive alternative to the Adirondack and Sitka spruce used on standard production instruments, and it produces a top with a characteristic blend of projection and warmth. The LR Baggs Lyric installed in this example is one of the most respected acoustic amplification solutions in professional use — an internal bridge-plate microphone system that MusicRadar called "the magic mic of the acoustic world," designed specifically to capture the sound of the guitar's top rather than the colored, boxy interior sound most internal systems produce. One working guitarist who's played countless festivals describes it as "hard to imagine anything working any better in that situation" for walking onstage and plugging straight in. On a guitar of this caliber — Carpathian spruce, Madagascar rosewood, abalone appointments throughout, Clapton-signed label — having the right amplification system matters.
Excerpts from real online user forums and reviews
"The 000-42M Eric Clapton Limited Edition may well boast the most exciting tonewood combination yet. The top is Carpathian spruce, which blends the power and clarity of Adirondack spruce, and the warmth and responsiveness of Italian alpine spruce. The back and sides are Madagascar rosewood, prized for its uncanny resemblance in both appearance and rich resonance to the now-endangered Brazilian rosewood." — LA Guitar Sales / Martin dealer documentation
"Max discount on limited runs varies — new these went between 7 and 8 big ones and as far as I know they are sold out. I wasn't aware that the 42ECMs were priced so the 40% off does not apply. I have a couple of Jubers, one being Madrose — and even those I got at 40% off — so I thought the ECM would be priced similarly." — Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum
"Wallah — a little tuning, slightly adjusting the Lyric's presence control, and I am so impressed. I get so much closer to the natural sound of my Martin. If my un-plugged acoustic sound is a 10, the K&K got me to 6.5, and the Lyric gets me to 8.5–9.0." — Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum
"Immediately impressive, the Lyric produces a very classy sound that is beautifully balanced, crisp but not over harsh. The Lyric is a marvellous aide, especially for players who want studio, mic-like tonality coming out of their acoustic amp or PA." — MusicRadar
"Clapton acoustics have proven to be some of Martin's most sought-after signature guitars over the years. His iconic 1992 MTV Unplugged performance sparked a resurgence for acoustic guitars and inspired Martin to craft a signature model for Slowhand." — Guitar World
Number 99 of 250 — Carpathian spruce, Madagascar rosewood, abalone throughout, Clapton-signed interior label, and an LR Baggs Lyric for stage and studio use. One of the most tonewood-ambitious guitars Martin built under the Clapton name. Ships fully insured with the care this instrument deserves.
SPECS:
Color: Sunburst
Weight: 4lbs 10.5oz
Top: Adirondack Spruce
Body: Madagascar Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Profile: Modified V
Fretboard: Ebony
Inlays: Snowflake, EC Signature
Frets: Original
Fret Count: 20
Nut: Original
Nut width: 1.75"
Radius: 16"
Scale: 24.9"
Neck thickness at 1st Fret: .864"
Neck thickness at 10th Fret: 1.025"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
Overall length: 39-1/2"
Body length: 19-1/2"
Lower bout: 15-1/4"
Waist: 9-1/2"
Upper bout: 11-1/2"
Body depth/thickness: 4"
String gauge: 12-53
Electronics?: LR Baggs Lyric
Pickguard: Original
Bridge: Original
Tuners: Original Waverly Open Gear
Case: OHSC
Notes:
Shipping policy:
There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site. Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver. For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for Eastern states - customers from any state that is more than a 3 day UPS ground shipment from our shop will get their shipment via UPS 3 day air. Otherwise, ground shipping will be used. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to . Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.
Number 99 of 250 — one of the most tonewood-ambitious Martin acoustic guitars ever built under the Clapton signature. The 000-42MEC was announced in December 2007 and debuted at NAMM 2008, pairing a Carpathian spruce top with Madagascar rosewood back and sides — a combination chosen specifically to approximate the tonal character of Brazilian rosewood while deploying tonewoods rarely seen together on a production instrument. Every one of the 250 guitars carries an interior label personally signed by Eric Clapton. This example has an LR Baggs Lyric internal microphone system installed — one of the most transparent acoustic amplification solutions available — making it stage and studio ready without compromising the guitar's voice. This is the seventh guitar in the Martin/Clapton signature lineage and, by most accounts, the most sonically interesting one they made together.
The Details
Manufacturer: C.F. Martin & Co., Nazareth, Pennsylvania, USA
Model: 000-42MEC Eric Clapton Signature Edition — 2007 production, debuted NAMM 2008
Edition number: #99 of 250 — limited worldwide to 250 instruments
Top: Carpathian spruce — a rare tonewood that combines the power and clarity of Adirondack with the warmth and responsiveness of Italian alpine spruce
Back & sides: Madagascar rosewood — prized for its tonal resemblance to Brazilian rosewood and its spectacular figure
Bracing: Scalloped X-brace — Martin's standard for Clapton signature editions
Neck: Select hardwood, Low Oval profile — the profile used on all Clapton signature Martins
Fingerboard: Ebony, 20 frets, 1-11/16" nut width
Scale length: 25.4"
Appointments: Spectacular abalone pearl throughout — 42-style snowflake fingerboard inlays, abalone rosette, abalone top border purfling, and ivoroid binding; vine headstock inlay in the tradition of pre-war Martin 45-style
Headstock: Historic square taper style with "C.F. Martin" headplate in the tradition of classic pre-war instruments
Interior label: Personally signed by Eric Clapton
Tuners: Chrome Grover Rotomatic
Finish: High-altitude gloss lacquer
Pickup: LR Baggs Lyric internal bridge-plate microphone system — professionally installed; volume and presence controls at soundhole; endpin jack output
Includes: Original Martin hardshell case
Condition
Guitar is in excellent condition. It has been played professionally here and there by the previous owner, but he took great care of it as well. The frets show little wear. The neck is perfect -it feels amazing and it is straight and able to be set up with low action and room in the truss rod for future neck relief adjustments. The previous owner liked the action super low, so he had the saddle shaved. We made a new bone saddle here in our shop.
There is only light, superficial surface signs of play and handling - no dings that would show up in pictures, and no cracks or repairs. The guitar plays incredibly well, and it sounds amazing. The original paperwork is in the original case. A strap button was added to the neck heel.
A Bit of History
The Martin and Eric Clapton partnership is, by any measure, the most successful and consequential artist relationship in the company's modern history. It began in January 1992 when Clapton walked onto the stage of a Sony Studios television set in New York City for his MTV Unplugged performance, played a 1939 Martin 000-42 on loan from luthier Roger Steffens, and delivered what Rolling Stone later ranked among the greatest live performances ever captured on video. The acoustic version of "Layla," the fingerpicked intimacy of "Tears in Heaven," and the sheer vulnerability of the performance triggered a global wave of interest in acoustic guitar that the industry had not seen since the folk revival. Martin, watching their signature guitar model on every replay of that broadcast, approached Clapton almost immediately. The result was the 000-42EC in 1995 — limited to 461 instruments, sold out within days of announcement. Martin's own historian Dick Boak has credited the Clapton signature models with reviving mainstream interest in the 000 body style, which had been largely dormant in the popular consciousness for decades. The 000-28EC followed in 1996 as the accessible non-limited companion — Clapton himself called it "the best-sounding acoustic guitar I've ever played," and it became one of Martin's best-selling guitars in the company's history, with over 17,000 sold in its first years. The 000-42MEC of 2007 was the seventh Clapton signature model and the second to carry the 000-42M designation. Where the 2000 000-42ECB used Brazilian rosewood, the 2007 version turned to Madagascar rosewood — a tonewood with a visual richness and resonant character that connoisseurs compare favorably to pre-ban Brazilian. The Carpathian spruce top was an equally deliberate choice: grown at altitude in the Carpathian mountain range of Eastern Europe, it is a rarer and more expensive alternative to the Adirondack and Sitka spruce used on standard production instruments, and it produces a top with a characteristic blend of projection and warmth. The LR Baggs Lyric installed in this example is one of the most respected acoustic amplification solutions in professional use — an internal bridge-plate microphone system that MusicRadar called "the magic mic of the acoustic world," designed specifically to capture the sound of the guitar's top rather than the colored, boxy interior sound most internal systems produce. One working guitarist who's played countless festivals describes it as "hard to imagine anything working any better in that situation" for walking onstage and plugging straight in. On a guitar of this caliber — Carpathian spruce, Madagascar rosewood, abalone appointments throughout, Clapton-signed label — having the right amplification system matters.
Excerpts from real online user forums and reviews
"The 000-42M Eric Clapton Limited Edition may well boast the most exciting tonewood combination yet. The top is Carpathian spruce, which blends the power and clarity of Adirondack spruce, and the warmth and responsiveness of Italian alpine spruce. The back and sides are Madagascar rosewood, prized for its uncanny resemblance in both appearance and rich resonance to the now-endangered Brazilian rosewood." — LA Guitar Sales / Martin dealer documentation
"Max discount on limited runs varies — new these went between 7 and 8 big ones and as far as I know they are sold out. I wasn't aware that the 42ECMs were priced so the 40% off does not apply. I have a couple of Jubers, one being Madrose — and even those I got at 40% off — so I thought the ECM would be priced similarly." — Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum
"Wallah — a little tuning, slightly adjusting the Lyric's presence control, and I am so impressed. I get so much closer to the natural sound of my Martin. If my un-plugged acoustic sound is a 10, the K&K got me to 6.5, and the Lyric gets me to 8.5–9.0." — Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum
"Immediately impressive, the Lyric produces a very classy sound that is beautifully balanced, crisp but not over harsh. The Lyric is a marvellous aide, especially for players who want studio, mic-like tonality coming out of their acoustic amp or PA." — MusicRadar
"Clapton acoustics have proven to be some of Martin's most sought-after signature guitars over the years. His iconic 1992 MTV Unplugged performance sparked a resurgence for acoustic guitars and inspired Martin to craft a signature model for Slowhand." — Guitar World
Number 99 of 250 — Carpathian spruce, Madagascar rosewood, abalone throughout, Clapton-signed interior label, and an LR Baggs Lyric for stage and studio use. One of the most tonewood-ambitious guitars Martin built under the Clapton name. Ships fully insured with the care this instrument deserves.
SPECS:
Color: Sunburst
Weight: 4lbs 10.5oz
Top: Adirondack Spruce
Body: Madagascar Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Profile: Modified V
Fretboard: Ebony
Inlays: Snowflake, EC Signature
Frets: Original
Fret Count: 20
Nut: Original
Nut width: 1.75"
Radius: 16"
Scale: 24.9"
Neck thickness at 1st Fret: .864"
Neck thickness at 10th Fret: 1.025"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
Overall length: 39-1/2"
Body length: 19-1/2"
Lower bout: 15-1/4"
Waist: 9-1/2"
Upper bout: 11-1/2"
Body depth/thickness: 4"
String gauge: 12-53
Electronics?: LR Baggs Lyric
Pickguard: Original
Bridge: Original
Tuners: Original Waverly Open Gear
Case: OHSC
Notes:
Shipping policy:
There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site. Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver. For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for Eastern states - customers from any state that is more than a 3 day UPS ground shipment from our shop will get their shipment via UPS 3 day air. Otherwise, ground shipping will be used. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to . Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.