The Martin Jason Isbell Signature 0-10E Retro left-handed concert acoustic-electric guitar channels the timeless spirit and soulful voice of Isbell’s beloved pre-war Martin in a stage-ready instrument built for southpaw players. Inspired by the Grammy Award-winning songwriter’s 1940 Martin 0-17—the guitar that shaped his album "Foxes in the Snow"—this signature model captures the warmth, intimacy and directness of that vintage instrument. With its compact all-solid mahogany construction, it’s equally at home in your living room, the recording studio or on stage. Outfitted with thoughtful modern updates and stage-ready Martin E1 electronics, the 0-10E Retro offers left-handed players the opportunity to experience the sound behind Isbell’s singular songwriting.
All-Mahogany Body Delivers Vintage Warmth and Focus
The Jason Isbell Signature 0-10E Retro features a compact 0-14 fret body crafted entirely from solid mahogany, finished in a dark satin that enhances its organic character. This classic all-mahogany construction produces a warm, woody voice with strong midrange punch, clear trebles and a dry resonance that suits both strumming and fingerpicking. Scalloped spruce X-bracing inside the body allows the top to breathe with added responsiveness and balance, ensuring that every note speaks with clarity and depth. Compact yet powerful, this design echoes the sound of Isbell’s vintage inspiration while offering modern stability and projection for contemporary players.
Comfortable Performing Artist Neck and East Indian Rosewood Fingerboard
Designed for effortless playability, the select hardwood neck is shaped with Martin’s Performing Artist profile and high-performance taper, giving left-handed players a slim, fast and modern feel. The shorter 24.9" scale length softens string tension for a more relaxed touch, making bends, vibrato and long sessions easier on the hands. Topped with an East Indian rosewood fingerboard, the neck offers smooth movement across its 20 frets, complemented by old-style 17 inlays for a subtle vintage look. White side dots provide quick reference, while the East Indian rosewood headplate and heelcap add understated elegance to the overall design.
Stage-Ready Martin E1 Electronics for Authentic Sound
While the 0-10E Retro draws its inspiration from a pre-war Martin, it’s built with the needs of modern performers in mind. Outfitted with Martin E1 electronics, the guitar delivers a natural amplified tone that preserves the warmth and nuance of its all-mahogany body. A discreetly integrated tuner ensures accurate pitch control on stage or in the studio, eliminating the need for extra gear. With reliable output and easy controls, this system makes it simple to go from the writing room to the stage without losing the guitar’s intimate character. It’s an artist-inspired design that’s ready for real-world performance.
Vintage-Inspired Appointments With Modern Utility
Every detail of the 0-10E Retro reflects Martin’s dedication to both heritage and innovation. Nickel open-gear tuners with butterbean knobs offer smooth, precise tuning, while the East Indian rosewood bridge anchors each note with stability. A faux tortoiseshell pickguard adds a classic visual touch, paired with a single-ring fiber rosette that nods to vintage Martin design. The guitar ships with a Martin softshell case for easy transport and protection, and comes factory-strung with Martin Era Artist Light strings co-developed with Isbell himself. These thoughtful appointments combine road-ready durability with timeless styling, making the guitar as functional as it is beautiful.
A Songwriter’s Companion, Built for Left-Handed Players
The Martin Jason Isbell Signature 0-10E Retro left-handed concert acoustic-electric guitar captures the heart of Isbell’s sound while making it accessible to left-handed musicians. It offers the same stripped-down character, warmth and directness that inspired "Foxes in the Snow," while adding the reliability of modern construction and electronics. With its comfortable feel, balanced voice and vintage-inspired style, it’s a guitar crafted to carry stories, songs and emotions. Whether you’re chasing inspiration late into night or taking the stage, the 0-10E Retro is a trusted companion for players who value authenticity above all.