Perhaps no other musician has so profoundly influenced rock and acoustic blues players than legendary British guitarist Eric Clapton. From his early work in the Yardbirds, Cream, Derek & the Dominos, through his more recent Grammy award-winning MTV Unplugged project, Eric has continually redefined the art of guitar. In recognition of this major talent, the Martin Guitar Company is proud to announce an exciting collaboration with Eric Clapton. As part of the company's new vintage inspired line of stock models, Martin will be handcrafting a numbered series of special 000-28EC Eric Clapton signature model acoustic guitars.The smaller "000" body size with a short 24.9" scale length is particularly popular among fingerstyle and blues guitarists who prefer a delicate and balanced tone. The 000-28EC model draws its inspiration from the extremely popular 1995 Limited Edition 000-42EC Eric Clapton signature model. 461 of those special 000-42ECs were offered and they sold out immediately. Guitarists that missed out on the 000-42EC due to limited numbers or budget considerations should love the 000-28EC. The 000-28EC is similar to the 000-42EC in body size, shape and choice of tonewoods, but the appointments are quite different.Crafted with solid woods throughout, the sides and back are constructed from premium grade solid East Indian rosewood and the top is bookmatched from select quartersawn Sitka spruce. The rosette as well as the perimeter of the soundboard are inlaid with finely patterned herringbone wood marquetry, and the body is bound with grained ivoroid.A genuine ebony fingerboard features the pre-war Style 28 snowflake pattern in abalone pearl. Eric Clapton's signature is inlaid in mother of pearl between the 19th and 20th frets. Each 000-28EC will bear an interior label individually numbered.The 000-28EC is tastefully appointed with a hand beveled and polished tortoise colored pickguard.. Vintage style nickel-plated open-geared tuning machines are equipped with unique vintage "butterbean" knobs. The squared headstock bears Martin's tasteful but elegant old style decal logo.A Deluxe Vintage Series Geib Style Hardshell Case is included with the purchase of each 000-28EC instrument. These beautiful cases feature vintage shape, deep textured black exterior, 5-ply laminated wood shell, vintage green crushed velvet interior, antique white stitching, brass plated hardware, and a keyed lock.After the first prototype was submitted to Eric Clapton for his evaluation, his reaction was:"Don't get me wrong. I love my 000-42EC Martins. The craftsmanship and detail are superb. But this new 000-28 EC model is the best sounding acoustic guitar I've EVER played."In short, this is a very special guitar. Just like the man who inspired it.