The Martin OM-13E John Mayer Signature acoustic-electric guitar brings the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter's longstanding collaboration with Martin to the Road Series. Inspired by the acoustic songwriting behind “No Such Thing,” “Your Body Is a Wonderland” and “Daughters,” this noncutaway Orchestra Model combines a solid Engelmann spruce top, solid black walnut back and sides, and scalloped X-bracing. A 25.4" scale, satin-finished Performing Artist neck and ebony fingerboard establish the playing feel, while custom John Mayer inlays and Martin E1 electronics connect the familiar OM format with plugged-in versatility. For players who move between fingerpicking, rhythmic accompaniment and live performance, the OM-13E brings Mayer’s acoustic design approach to a versatile Road Series guitar.
Solid Engelmann Spruce and Black Walnut Construction
The OM-13E uses Martin’s 000 14-fret noncutaway body, preserving the traditional Orchestra Model outline. A solid Engelmann spruce top pairs with solid black walnut back and sides, while scalloped 5/16" spruce X-bracing allows the soundboard to respond to delicate picking and fuller strumming. This tonewood combination provides a clear foundation for individual notes and full chords, with the familiar Orchestra Model proportions keeping the guitar comfortable for seated playing. An aging-toner top and gloss body finish complete its traditional acoustic presentation.
Martin E1 Electronics With Tone Shaping and Silent Tuning
Martin E1 electronics provide discreet amplified control through soundhole-mounted volume, tone and phase adjustments. Players can set their output and shape the sound through an acoustic amplifier or PA, while the phase control offers a practical option for managing feedback in live settings. The built-in chromatic tuner operates without an instrument cable and automatically mutes the amplified output when engaged, allowing quiet tuning between songs when plugged in. Together, these features bring straightforward stage utility to the guitar without disrupting its traditional acoustic appearance.
Performing Artist Neck With Custom John Mayer Inlays
Martin pairs a select hardwood neck with a satin finish, Performing Artist profile and standard taper to balance comfortable chord grips with melodic movement. The 25.4" scale and 1 11/16" white Corian nut establish the playing dimensions, while the 20-fret ebony fingerboard carries custom faux mother-of-pearl inlays incorporating John Mayer’s signature. Plek fret treatment helps refine fret consistency across the fingerboard, complementing a neck designed for fingerstyle passages, chordal accompaniment and melodic runs.
Traditional Martin Hardware and Signature Appointments
An ebony modern belly bridge, white TUSQ saddle and nickel open-gear tuners with butterbean knobs establish a familiar Martin hardware layout. Antique white binding, a faux abalone multi-stripe rosette and a faux tortoise pickguard frame the aging-toner top, while bold herringbone top inlay distinguishes this model’s trim. An East Indian rosewood headplate carries the silver-script old-style Martin logo, and a pre-printed John Mayer signature appears on the interior paper label. A softshell case is included for storage and transport.
John Mayer’s Acoustic Songwriting and Martin Legacy
John Mayer established himself as an acoustic singer-songwriter with the 2001 breakthrough Room for Squares, where songs such as “Why Georgia” and “Neon” paired intricate guitar parts with personal, melodic songwriting. His collaboration with Martin began in 2003 with the OM-28 John Mayer, his first signature acoustic model. The Grammy-winning songwriter later explored roots-oriented, acoustic-led arrangements on Born and Raised and Paradise Valley, reinforcing the acoustic guitar’s lasting role in his music. For guitarists drawn to that song-centered approach, the Martin OM-13E John Mayer Signature acoustic-electric guitar brings Mayer’s acoustic priorities to a traditional noncutaway Orchestra Model.