Comfortably strum: Martin announces David Gilmour signature D-35 and 12-string acoustic guitars

Martin
(Image credit: Polly Samson)

GEAR 2021: Martin has revealed D-35 David Gilmour Custom Signature Edition six-string  and 12-string acoustic guitars. Limited edition runs of just 250 guitars in total and inspired by the two key acoustic models from Gilmour's career with Pink Floyd.

Martin

(Image credit: Martin)

Both originals played a starring role on Pink Floyd's classic Wish You Were Here album and sold in Gilmour's $21.5million charity auction (a new world record for a Martin guitar) at Christie's in 2019. The 1969 D-35 sold for $1,095,000 1971 Martin D-12-28 sold for $531,000.

• NAMM 2021 is cancelled, but we'll be covering all the big January gear announcements right here on MusicRadar.

Martin

(Image credit: Martin)

Gilmour's original 1969 D-35 was his main recording and songwriting acoustic for over 40 years and h'll be using this signature model going forwards.

These signature models are the first D-35s that will be made with sinker mahogany, chosen by Gilmour for its "warm, rich tones and exquisitely beautiful grain".

Martin

(Image credit: Martin)

Top is an Adirondack spruce Vintage Tone System with antique while binding and a vintage gloss finish. 

Martin

(Image credit: Martin)

Tuners are Waverly Relic Nickel while the the neck shape and fingerboard pattern here is unique to Gilmour's specification with  a special stamp on the reverse of the headstock. 

The partnership will support the David Gilmour Charitable Foundation. All guitars will be signed by David Gilmour and priced at $5,499. 

Martin

(Image credit: Martin)

The D-35 David Gilmour 12 String again uses sinker mahogany for its neck, back and sides with a Carpathian spruce top.

The limited run will be signed by Gilmour and priced at $5,499 each. 

Rob Laing
Reviews Editor, GuitarWorld.com and MusicRadar guitars

Rob is the Reviews Editor for GuitarWorld.com and MusicRadar guitars, so spends most of his waking hours (and beyond) thinking about and trying the latest gear while making sure our reviews team is giving you thorough and honest tests of it. He's worked for guitar mags and sites as a writer and editor for nearly 20 years but still winces at the thought of restringing anything with a Floyd Rose.