Martin Guitar Expands Their Premier Standard Series Line And Introduces New 17 And 15 Series To Be Unveiled At The 2016 Winter NAMM Trade Show

New Standard Series Models to Feature Aura® VT Enhance™ (with Acoustic Imaging) and Matrix VT Enhance ™ Acoustic Amplification by Fishman®  

Nazareth, PA (NAMM, Hall B, Booth 5454) - January 11, 2016 - Just when you thought it could not get any better, Martin Guitar (www.martinguitar.com) continues their tradition of innovation by enhancing the iconic 18, 28 and 35 Standard Series introducing new cutaway models featuring the new Aura®VT Enhance™ acoustic amplification by Fishman®(www.martinguitar.com/VTEnhance) which debuts at the 2016 Winter NAMM Trade show in Anaheim, CA January 20-24, 2016.

Martin's 2016 new model line up also includes the new 17 Series that showcase stunning Black Smoke and Whiskey Sunset burst finish designs and two new cutaway models in the 15 Series, which include the new Matrix VT Enhance™ acoustic amplification by Fishman.www.martinguitar.com/VTEnhance).

Details on Martin's 2016 New Models are below and complete product specs can be found at http://www.martinguitar.com/new. Learn more about the new Aura® VT Enhance™ (with Acoustic Imaging) and Matrix VT Enhance™ acoustic amplification by Fishman® atmartinguitar.com/VTEnhance.

STANDARD SERIES (Featuring New Aura VT Enhance ™ acoustic amplification system with Acoustic Imaging):

35 Series:

• DC-35E: A Sitka spruce top is paired with East Indian rosewood sides and three-piece back in a classic combination called the DC-35E. This acoustic-electric Dreadnought cutaway features a black ebony fingerboard and bridge with a matching black pickguard, and is equipped with Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze strings. Plug into the new, state-of-the-art Aura® VT Enhance™ electronics by Fishman® for an added benefit and slide into another dimension. The D-35 is the base for this model and is the preferred instrument of choice for artist Seth Avett. (MSRP: $4,299)

• OMC-35E: A narrow waist, small bodied guitar that produces a remarkable full sound, the OMC-35E is a must have for players of all levels. This Orchestra, acoustic-electric cutaway model features a solid Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood sides and three-piece back, black ebony fingerboard and bridge and a matching black pickguard. The Aura® VT Enhance™ electronics with discreet tone and volume controls inside the soundhole and a battery box integrated into the endpin jack for easy access make this guitar perfection amplified. Plug in and slide into another dimension. (MSRP: $4,299)

• GPC-35E: Slightly smaller than a Dreadnought, the GPC-35E still packs a tonal punch. This is a Grand Performance, acoustic-electric cutaway model, featuring a solid Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood sides and three-piece back, black ebony fingerboard and bridge and a matching black pickguard. Introduced this year, the Fishman® Aura® VT Enhance™ electronics complete this model and enhances the tone that fuels your musical journey. (MSRP: $4,299)

28 Series:

• DC-28E: This Dreadnought, acoustic-electric cutaway takes advantage of the full tonal qualities of East Indian rosewood and pairs it with a solid Sitka spruce top. A black ebony fingerboard and bridge with complementing black pickguard complete this beautiful model. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Martin introduces the new Fishman® Aura® VT Enhance™ electronics, the perfect addition to elevate the legendary Martin tone you've come to love and expect. D-28 style instruments have been played by many musical legends including Elvis Presley and Marcus Mumford. (MSRP: $4,199)

•OMC-28E: An Orchestra, acoustic-electric cutaway, the OMC-28E is crafted with solid Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back and sides, black ebony fingerboard and bridge and a complementing black pickguard. Fishman® Aura® VT Enhance™ electronics make this the guitar that reminds you why you fell in love with us in the first place. (MSRP: $4,199)

• GPC-28E: The GPC-28E is a Grand Performance, acoustic-electric cutaway, featuring a solid Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back and sides, black ebony fingerboard and bridge and a complementing black pickguard. This combination of features and new Fishman® Aura® VT Enhance™ electronics make this the guitar that will simply get better with time. (MSRP: $4,199)

18 Series

• DC-18E: The warm tones of the genuine mahogany back and sides combined with a Sitka spruce top make this Dreadnought, acoustic-electric cutaway model truly sing. A solid black ebony fingerboard and bridge, tortoise color binding and matching pickguard adorn this model. Martin introduces the new, Fishman® Aura® VT Enhance™ electronics on this model. Aura® VT Enhance™ electronics uses the most advanced technology with discreet, soundhole-mounted controls for volume and tone preserving the pure and unique acoustic tone of each model. This is a classic Martin with contemporary playability, a modern take on the classic D-18 that was the instrument of choice for Hank Williams. (MSRP: $3,899)

• OMC-18E: The OMC-18E acoustic-electric cutaway model is crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top, genuine mahogany back and sides and solid black ebony fingerboard and bridge. Tortoise color binding and matching pickguard are also featured on this model. Fishman® Aura® VT Enhance™ electronics make this guitar everything you've ever wanted from a Martin and more. The Aura® VT electronics system provides you, the player, with added dimensions to customize your sound creating the ultimate Martin guitar experience. (MSRP: $3,899)

• GPC-18E: The GPC-18E Grand Performance, acoustic-electric cutaway model has been finely crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top, genuine mahogany back and sides and solid black ebony fingerboard and bridge. A sleek modified low oval neck with a Performing Artist taper give you greater ease of play up and down the fingerboard. Tortoise color binding and matching pickguard embellish this model. The all-new Aura® VT Enhance™ electronics make this guitar the complete package for players of all levels. With Aura imaging specifically made for each guitar model, you can plug in and enhance the sound you fell in love with in the first place. (MSRP: $3,899)

NEW 17 SERIES:

• 00L-17 Black Smoke: A solid Sitka spruce top and Mahogany back and sides are the foundation for this sloped shoulder Grand Concert model. The grained ivoroid binding and pickguard are beautiful against the satin black smoke finish. A modern straightline Guatemalan rosewood bridge and a modified low oval neck with Performing Artist taper complete the 00L-17 Black Smoke. Also available in Whiskey Sunset burst finish.  (MSRP: $2,299)

• 000-17 Whiskey Sunset: The 000-17 Whiskey Sunset Auditorium model boasts a rich, warm sunburst finish that will delight any player with its aesthetic beauty. It is crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides for a comforting, warm tone. The Guatemalan rosewood fingerboard and bridge pop against the rich, sunburst finish. The comfortable body size and modified low oval neck with a Performing Artist taper make this guitar easy to play. Also available in a Black Smoke finish.

(MSRP: $2,299)

•  00-17S Black Smoke: A Grand Concert addition to the 17 Series, this model features a beautiful satin black smoke finish with contrasting grained ivoroid binding. Despite its small size, this guitar projects and resonates beautifully. The model is constructed with a Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a Guatemalan rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Also available in a Whiskey Sunsetburst finish. (MSRP: $2,299)

15 SERIES (Featuring Matrix VT Enhance™ acoustic amplification system):

• DC-15ME: With an all mahogany body, the DC-15ME produces a warm, rich, full tone. This Dreadnought acoustic-electric cutaway model is complete with an East Indian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The beauty of the fingerboard is enhanced with diamonds and squares position inlays. New Fishman® Matrix VT Enhance™ electronics complete this model and make it a very affordable and versatile instrument for players looking for a classic, timeless model. This model is a variation on the D-15 played by Chris Martin of Coldplay. (MSRP: $2,249)

• OMC-15ME: The warm tones of mahogany pair beautifully with this small-bodied Orchestra model guitar. The OMC-15ME is an acoustic-electric cutaway featuring a mahogany top, back and sides and an East Indian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The fingerboard is enhanced with diamonds and squares position inlays. The sleek modified low oval neck with a Performing Artist taper allows for greater ease when playing up and down the fretboard. The all-new Fishman® Matrix VT Enhance™ electronics complete this model to give you the tone you fell in love with in the first place. (MSRP: $2,249)

About Martin Guitar & Strings

C. F. Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) has been creating the finest instruments in the world for 182 years.  It continues to innovate, introducing techniques and features that have become industry standards, including X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the "Dreadnought" size. One of the world's leading acoustic instrument makers, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, who use a combination of new design and techniques, along with those introduced by the company founder.

The company is also known for producing high-quality, popular acoustic guitar strings.  These include the successful Martin SP® LIFESPAN™ the fastest-growing treated string in the industry, the exciting new Retro Strings line played and loved by Tony Rice and Laurence Juber and the Martin SP line, which uses an industry leading core wire to hold tunings better.

Martin guitars and Martin strings are the instruments and strings of choice for musicians around the world, from the icons of rock, pop, country, folk and bluegrass to those just beginning their careers.  They can be seen across all segments of pop culture, from television to movies, Broadway, books, online, and gracing the covers of popular magazines on newsstands everywhere. Connect with Martin and Martin Strings on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and via www.martinguitar.com andwww.martinstrings.com.