Martin 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa Electro Acoustic Guitar

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The Martin 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa is a compact electro-acoustic guitar inspired by Joe Bonamassa’s treasured pre-war 1937 Martin 00-18. It combines a distinctive aged-style sunburst finish with an all-solid-wood construction, comfortable short scale and stage-ready Martin E1 electronics.

Its solid spruce top and solid sapele back and sides produce a warm, focused acoustic voice with punchy mids, defined trebles and enough low-end depth for blues, folk, fingerstyle and traditional acoustic playing. A softshell case is included for convenient storage and transport.

At A Glance

 

The 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa takes visual inspiration from Joe Bonamassa’s prized 1937 Martin 00-18. Its custom sunburst recreates the worn-in appearance and character of the original instrument, giving this new guitar the distinctive look of a well-played vintage acoustic.

Rather than simply reproducing an old design, Martin has adapted that inspiration into an accessible and practical Road Series instrument. The result is a guitar that celebrates pre-war Martin style while providing the reliability, electronics and comfortable feel expected by today’s players.

Why Choose the Martin 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa?

Comfortable 00 Body Shape

The compact 00 body is easy to hold whether you are sitting or standing. Its manageable proportions make it particularly appealing to fingerstyle players, blues guitarists and musicians who find larger dreadnought-style instruments less comfortable.

Despite its smaller dimensions, the guitar retains a confident, articulate acoustic voice with excellent note separation.

All-Solid-Wood Construction

A solid spruce top is paired with solid sapele back and sides. Spruce provides clarity, projection and dynamic response, while sapele contributes warmth, definition and a strong midrange presence.

This combination gives the guitar a balanced sound that works well for delicate fingerpicking, blues phrasing, folk accompaniment and controlled strumming.

Scalloped X-Bracing

The solid spruce top is supported by scalloped X-bracing. Removing carefully selected material from the braces allows the soundboard to respond more freely, helping the guitar deliver greater resonance, sustain and dynamic sensitivity.

This construction is particularly effective when playing with a lighter touch, as individual notes remain clear and expressive.

Short 24.9-Inch Scale Length

The 24.9-inch scale creates a slightly softer string feel than a longer-scale acoustic guitar. Chords, bends and blues-style vibrato can feel more manageable, while the guitar still retains enough tension for a controlled and articulate response.

Combined with the compact body, it creates a welcoming playing experience for long practice sessions, recording work and live performance.

Martin E1 Electronics

The onboard Martin E1 system allows the guitar to connect directly to an acoustic amplifier, mixing desk, PA system or recording interface. Its built-in tuner provides a convenient way to check tuning without requiring an additional pedal or clip-on tuner.

The controls are designed to remain discreet, preserving the guitar’s traditional appearance while adding practical modern functionality.

Distinctive Vintage-Inspired Presentation

The 1937 Joe Bonamassa Sunburst finish is designed to reflect the visual wear and character of Joe’s original instrument. Faux tortoise detailing, nickel open-gear tuners, an ebony bridge and Old Style 18 fingerboard inlays complete the traditional aesthetic.

The result is a guitar with genuine visual personality rather than the appearance of a standard production acoustic.

Tone and Playing Character

The 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa delivers warm bass, an immediate and punchy midrange, and clear trebles. Its smaller body naturally focuses the sound, allowing melodies and individual notes to remain distinct within chords.

Fingerstyle players will appreciate its separation and sensitivity, while blues musicians can take advantage of its controlled attack and vocal midrange. It also records particularly well, as its focused response can sit naturally within a mix without producing excessive low-frequency boom.

Why Choose a 00-Size Acoustic Guitar?

A 00 acoustic sits within Martin’s smaller-bodied guitar family. Compared with a dreadnought, it offers a more intimate playing experience, a more focused tonal balance and easier physical handling.

This type of guitar is an excellent choice for players who prioritise:

• Comfortable seated playing
• Clear fingerstyle articulation
• Controlled recording performance
• Blues and folk-style accompaniment
• A balanced sound without overpowering bass
• Easier access around the body of the instrument

Players who require maximum acoustic volume for heavy strumming may prefer a larger body, but those seeking responsiveness, definition and comfort will find the 00 format especially rewarding.

Who Is It For?

The Martin 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa is well suited to:

• Joe Bonamassa fans and collectors
• Blues and roots guitarists
• Fingerstyle acoustic players
• Folk and singer-songwriter performers
• Guitarists looking for a compact all-solid-wood instrument
• Electric players moving into acoustic guitar
• Recording musicians who need a focused acoustic sound
• Performers requiring built-in electronics and tuning

Its comfortable dimensions make it approachable for developing players, while its materials, construction and distinctive artist connection offer lasting appeal for experienced guitarists.

Condition

Brand New

This is a brand-new instrument supplied through Fair Deal Music.

What’s Included?

• Martin 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa electro-acoustic guitar
• Martin softshell case

Construction and Materials

The guitar’s solid spruce soundboard provides the clarity and responsiveness associated with many traditional Martin acoustics. Solid sapele back and sides add warmth and midrange definition, complementing the focused sound of the 00 body.

An ebony fingerboard and ebony bridge provide a premium playing surface and contribute to the guitar’s crisp note definition. The white TUSQ saddle supports consistent string energy transfer, while the nickel open-gear tuners reinforce its pre-war-inspired appearance.

Technical Specifications

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Martin 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa offers far more than artist-signature styling. Its compact 00 body, short scale and all-solid spruce-and-sapele construction create a comfortable, expressive instrument with a particularly strong voice for blues, folk and fingerstyle playing.

The aged-style 1937 sunburst gives it unmistakable character, while the Martin E1 electronics and included softshell case make it practical for rehearsals, recording and live performance. It is an excellent choice for players seeking vintage Martin inspiration without the cost or maintenance demands of an original pre-war instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Martin 00-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa suitable for live performance?

Yes. It is fitted with Martin E1 electronics, allowing it to connect to an acoustic amplifier, PA system, mixer or audio interface. The system also includes a built-in tuner.

How does a 00 body compare with a dreadnought?

A 00 body is smaller and generally feels more comfortable against the player. Its sound is more focused and controlled, with strong midrange clarity and less dominant bass than a typical dreadnought.

Is it suitable for fingerstyle guitar?

Yes. The compact body, responsive solid spruce top, scalloped bracing and 1 3/4-inch nut width make it particularly well suited to fingerstyle playing.

Is it only intended for Joe Bonamassa fans?

No. Although its appearance and concept are inspired by Joe Bonamassa’s 1937 Martin 00-18, its comfortable dimensions, balanced tone and onboard electronics make it a practical instrument for a wide variety of acoustic players.

What styles of music suit this guitar?

It is particularly effective for blues, folk, Americana, roots music, singer-songwriter accompaniment and fingerstyle. Its focused response also makes it useful for studio recording.

Does the short scale affect playability?

The 24.9-inch scale produces a slightly softer string feel than many longer-scale acoustics. This can make chord work, expressive bends and vibrato more comfortable.

Can it be used for recording?

Yes. It can be recorded acoustically with microphones or connected directly through the Martin E1 pickup system. Its controlled bass and clear midrange help it sit naturally within a recorded mix.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
• Competitive prices on leading music brands
• Secure UK-wide delivery
• Flexible finance options available, subject to status
• Friendly support before and after your purchase
• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think. We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment.

Whether you're looking to move on an existing guitar, amplifier, keyboard, drum kit or another piece of musical equipment, our team can provide a straightforward, no-obligation valuation. Contact Fair Deal Music to discuss your current gear and discover how much you could save against your next purchase.