Inspired by modern blue virtuoso Joe Bonamassa's cherished 1937 Martin 00-18, the Martin 00-18 Joe Bonamassa Signature captures the voice, feel and timeless character of one of his most treasured vintage instruments. Its comfortable 00-14 fret body pairs a solid spruce top with genuine mahogany back and sides to deliver warm bass, punchy midrange and articulate treble response with the balance and immediacy players expect from a great small-body acoustic. Golden Era scalloped X-bracing enhances resonance, sustain and dynamic response, while a GE Modified Low Oval mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard provides a familiar, comfortable feel rooted in pre-war Martin tradition. Finished in a custom 1937 Joe Bonamassa Sunburst that recreates the well-played appearance of the original, this signature model brings vintage-inspired character together with the precision and reliability of a modern Martin.
Solid Spruce and Genuine Mahogany for Timeless 00 Tone
The 00-18 Joe Bonamassa Signature pairs a solid spruce top with genuine mahogany back and sides to produce the warm, balanced voice that has made vintage Style 18 Martins so highly regarded. Spruce provides excellent clarity, headroom and dynamic response, while mahogany contributes punchy mids, articulate trebles and a focused low end that responds beautifully to fingerstyle playing, flatpicking and expressive blues phrasing. The comfortable 00-14 fret body delivers an intimate, immediate playing experience, while Golden Era scalloped X-bracing enhances resonance, sustain and harmonic richness for the open, responsive character associated with pre-war Martin acoustics.
GE Modified Low Oval Mahogany Neck for Comfortable Playability
A genuine mahogany neck with Martin's GE Modified Low Oval profile and standard taper provides a comfortable, substantial feel inspired by vintage instruments without becoming cumbersome. The 24.9" scale length offers a slightly softer string feel for expressive bends and relaxed fretting, while the 1.75" bone nut provides comfortable spacing for fingerstyle technique and precise chord work. An ebony fingerboard with 20 frets and Old Style 18 abalone inlays delivers a smooth, durable playing surface, and Martin's Plek process helps ensure accurate fretwork and consistent playability across the entire neck.
Custom Sunburst Finish and Pre-War-Inspired Appointments
The custom 1937 Joe Bonamassa Sunburst is more than a vintage-style finish—it faithfully recreates the visual wear and distinctive character of Joe's original pre-war 00-18. Faux tortoiseshell binding is paired with a matching pickguard and endpiece in a nod to the classic Style 18 aesthetic, while an Old Style 18 multi-stripe rosette and authentic script headstock logo complete the period-inspired look. A Guatemalan rosewood headplate, nickel open-gear tuners with butterbean knobs and an ebony GE Modern Belly bridge add understated refinement, while the included hardshell case provides dependable protection for transport and storage.
A Faithful Tribute to Joe Bonamassa's Pre-War Martin
Over the course of nearly four decades, Joe Bonamassa has established himself as one of the most influential figures in modern blues rock through his virtuosic guitar work, relentless touring and deep appreciation for the instruments that helped shape American music. Beyond his electric guitar legacy, his extensive vintage collection reflects a passion for historically significant acoustics, including the treasured 1937 00-18 that inspired this model. The Martin 00-18 Joe Bonamassa Signature honors that instrument with Golden Era construction, premium tonewoods and a one-of-a-kind sunburst, offering players the character of a well-loved pre-war Martin with the consistency and confidence of a modern build.