The Martin Jason Isbell signature 0-10E Retro acoustic-electric guitar channels the raw honesty of the Grammy-winning artist’s songwriting into a beautifully stripped-down design. Inspired by Isbell’s vintage 1940 Martin 0-17—the same guitar heard on his 2025 album, Foxes in the Snow—this signature model delivers warmth, balance and clarity in a compact concert-size 0-14-fret body. Co-designed with Isbell himself, the 0-10E Retro combines all-solid mahogany tonewoods, scalloped X-bracing and Martin E1 electronics in a stage-ready, short-scale instrument that blends timeless craftsmanship with modern performance. For players chasing expressive tone and authentic storytelling, this guitar captures the essence of a true artist’s sound.
Solid Mahogany Body for Balanced Tone
Built with an all-solid mahogany top, back, and sides, the Jason Isbell signature 0-10E Retro produces a warm, focused voice with smooth mids, rich lows and clear trebles. Its 0-14-fret concert body shape projects surprising volume for its size, making it equally suited to writing sessions, recording or intimate stage performances. Scalloped spruce X-bracing enhances responsiveness and sustain, bringing out every nuance of fingerstyle and strumming alike. Finished in a soft satin sheen, this mahogany acoustic-electric guitar resonates openly and naturally—an instrument built for honest expression and tonal balance.
Comfortable Short Scale and Performing Artist Neck Profile
The select hardwood neck features Martin’s Performing Artist profile and high-performance taper, giving this concert acoustic-electric a sleek, modern feel that fits a variety of playing styles. Its slightly shorter 24.9" scale reduces string tension for a relaxed touch and effortless bends. The East Indian rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and depth, accented with vintage-style 17 white dot inlays. A smooth satin neck finish encourages fluid motion across all 20 frets, supporting the expressive bends and vibrato that define Isbell’s playing.
Martin E1 Electronics for Clear, Natural Amplified Sound
Equipped with Martin E1 electronics, the 0-10E Retro transitions seamlessly from home sessions to stage performance. The discreet preamp includes a built-in tuner for quick setup, while the pickup system preserves the organic resonance of the solid mahogany body. Whether plugged into an acoustic amp, interface, or PA system, you’ll hear natural, articulate tone that maintains the warmth and woodiness of the instrument. It’s plug-and-play convenience built for professional results.
Vintage-Inspired Details With Road-Ready Reliability
Thoughtful design touches balance heritage and durability. Nickel open-gear tuners with butterbean knobs evoke classic Martin styling while ensuring tuning stability. An East Indian rosewood bridge pairs with a white TUSQ saddle for precise intonation and consistent tone. The faux-tortoiseshell pickguard, single-ring rosette, and satin finish deliver understated visual appeal, while the Plek’d fretboard setup guarantees smooth playability right out of the box. Each guitar ships with a softshell case and Martin Authentic Acoustic strings co-developed with Isbell, so it’s performance-ready from day one.
A Signature Martin Guitar Built for Storytellers
The Martin Jason Isbell 0-10E Retro acoustic-electric guitar captures the spirit of Isbell’s iconic 0-17 while updating it for modern players. Its short-scale comfort, all-mahogany construction, and stage-ready electronics make it a powerful companion for songwriting, studio sessions, and live sets alike. Rooted in tradition yet designed for today’s creative musicians, the 0-10E Retro arms you with a tool to tell your story with warmth, clarity and soul.