Martin celebrates 30th anniversary of Eric Clapton’s first signature acoustic with a faithful recreation of his MTV Unplugged guitar

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Eric Clapton's legendary MTV Unplugged set from 1992 is regarded as one of the most iconic live sets of all time. At the time, it sparked a resurgence for acoustic guitars and even inspired Martin to craft a signature model for Slowhand, the 000-42EC from 1995.

Now, three decades after that first signature release, Martin and Eric Clapton are bringing forth two special anniversary models – the 000-42EC 30th Anniversary and the 000-EC 30th Anniversary – to celebrate 30 years of partnership.

Clapton acoustics have proven to be some of Martin's most sought-after signature guitars over the years, and, catering to the masses here, Martin is offering a fully-fledged tribute model inspired by the 1939 000-42 that was played during the MTV Unplugged set, as well as a far more understated variation.

Going off the name, it's clear that the 000-42EC 30th Anniversary is going to be a rather on-the-nose build – and, shock horror, it is.

Inspired by the 1939 000-42 Clapton strummed on that fateful night, it offers "rich, vintage-inspired tones" with its pairing of a solid Adirondack spruce top with antique toner and solid Guatemalan rosewood back and sides.

The guitar is dripping with pre-war evocations, thanks to "golden-era inspired" Adirondack spruce X-bracing – handily boosting resonance and projection in the process – and a period-correct neck shape. Martin says its 1 11/16" nut width "provides a comfortable, pre-war feel".

Aesthetically, 42-style snowflake inlays, Waverly open-gear tuners, and a vintage gloss finish ensure that its pre-war feel looks the part, too.

Only 300 of these models will be made. Each comes with a paper label hand-signed by Clapton, a printed certificate of authenticity, and a premium embroidered Harptone case with a matching shroud exclusive to this celebratory build.

Such unbridled retroism isn't for everyone, and the understated but still Clapton-sounding 000-EC 30th Anniversary serves those aboard that train of thought.

This time a solid Spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides combine for a "balanced, resonant tone", while the same pre-war neck is carried over.

It also features a herringbone-trimmed top, antique white binding, and the same refined 42-style snowflake inlays as its sibling. All the case candy trimmings are included here, too.

Clapton and Martin have a deep-rooted history. He used a Martin 000-28 to write Wonderful Tonight , and was reportedly moved to tears when he opted to auction it off for the Crossroads Center in 1999. Last year, it resurfaced at another auction .

Off the back of that legendary MTV Unplugged set, Martin and Clapton officially partnered up in 1995, and their first release, the original 000-42EC, was a huge hit. The pair's collaborative designs have continued over the years and in 2023 a trio of dreadnoughts were released to raise funds for the Crossroads Center . Clapton founded the addiction recovery center in 1998.

However, the honor of being dubbed by Clapton as "the best-sounding acoustic guitar I've ever played" belongs to a Martin prototype of his '95 signature . It also went to auction last year.

"Eric's legendary 1992 MTV Unplugged performance sparked a resurgence in acoustic music," says Martin. "Over the past three decades, Clapton's partnership with Martin has produced some of the most sought-after signature guitars in the company's history."

The Martin 000-42EC 30th Anniversary is available for $10,999, while the 000-EC 20th Anniversary saves you a few pennies at $4,999.

Head to Martin to learn more.

In related Slowhand news, Gibson recently launched a Murphy Lab-aged recreation of his 1958 Les Paul Custom , the triple humbucker guitar that Clapton used on Disraeli Gears , and now belongs to Albert Lee .