Martin & Co. introduced several new models at the Summer NAMM 2016 show in Nashville last week. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the dreadnought body shape, Martin has issued the 1931 D-1 Authentic, built at the custom shop using hide glue and other high-end construction techniques. Martin and the Ditson Co. collaborated on the invention of the dreadnought and from 1916 to 1931 these big body guitars were sold exclusively through the Ditson department stores. The 1931 D-1 Authentic is a replica of the first Martin-branded dreadnought.
Also on tap is the impressive CS Bluegrass 16, which features a thermally cured Adirondack top and Guatemalan back and sides. The CS Bluegrass is a take off on the Clarence White model (watch for an upcoming review in Acoustic Guitar magazine). Production will be limited to 100 copies.
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Martin also unveiled the limited-edition 2016 cowboy guitar. The company worked with artist William Matthews, who designed the bronco-busting cowboy image that emblazons the top.