Polly Samson/Courtesy C.F. Martin & Co.Two Martin signature acoustic guitars inspired by a 1969 D-35 model long owned by Pink Floyd singer/guitarist David Gilmour will be introduced during the NAMM music-equipment trade conference’s virtual Believe in Music Week event, which runs from January 18 to January 24.
Gilmour collaborated with C. F. Martin & Co. on new six-string and 12-string versions of the D-35, based on a six-string model he purchased in New York City during the early 1970s and used regularly until he sold it via a 2019 Christie’s auction.
Both new models feature a special head stamp, a fingerboard inlay boasting a specially created pattern with abalone dot inlays, and sinker mahogany on the back, sides, neck and neck block. Every guitar also features a custom internal paper label individually signed by Gilmour.
The six-string version’s top is made of Adirondack spruce, while the 12-string’s top is Carpathian spruce.
Martin is producing a total of 250 signature Gilmour guitars, split between the two models. The instruments will be sold at select Martin retailers, and are priced at $5,499. Proceeds from sales of the guitars will benefit the David Gilmour Charitable Foundation, which supports various charities. For more information, visit MartinGuitar.com/Gilmour.
“He is one of my all-time favorite guitar players, and having the chance to collaborate with him on an instrument was truly a bucket list moment for me,” says Martin Guitar executive Fred Greene of Gilmour, adding that the company “shares David’s hope for a more sustainable world that we can leave in good conscience for generations to come.”
In other news, Gilmour and his family members will take part in a new installment of their “Von Trapped Family” livestreamed events this Thursday at 1:30 p.m. ET at David’s Facebook page.
By Matt Friedlander
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