C.F. Martin and Co. Announce New Clapton's Choice Guitar Strings

Press release
Source: The Lippin Group

"When I play acoustic guitar, whether in a studio or on stage, these Martin Strings are my choice. They deliver the sound that I demand." -- Eric Clapton

Nazareth, PA -- August 16, 2005 -- C.F. Martin and Company is proud to introduce the first sets in a new line of Artist Choice acoustic guitar strings, Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze. The Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze guitar strings have a distinctively clear, warm tone with a hint of brightness that can highlight the subtleties of any player's style. Live or in the studio, these strings deliver the kind of performance expected by Eric Clapton.

These new strings are available in light and medium gauged sets and were inspired by guitar legend Eric Clapton who has worked with Martin on five signature guitars. The first limited edition in honor of Eric Clapton was the 000-42EC. Introduced a decade ago in 1995, the signed and numbered 461 guitars sold out within days. Since that collaboration, Martin has also presented the extremely popular Vintage Series 000-28EC stock model. Eric Clapton has also been honored with Martin's 000-42ECB and 000-28ECB Limited Editions -- each crafted from the finest Brazilian Rosewood. In 2004, Eric Clapton and Hiroshi Fujiwara collaborated on Martin's 000-ECHF Bellezza Nera, one of the most stunning looking and sounding limited editions in Martin history.

With the introduction of these guitars and his increased time playing Martins, Clapton noted the superior strings that Martin manufactures for its superbly crafted instruments. The Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze is the result.

The Phosphor Bronze Light, MEC-12 Light, is ideally suited for auditorium, orchestra models, and other smaller body sized guitars and fingerstyle playing. The Phosphor Bronze Medium, MEC-13 Medium, is excellent for longer body guitars and popular for flat picking and strumming. These two new 6-string sets have a suggested retail price of $13.75 each.

Clapton's Choice Guitar Strings are available through all authorized Martin Guitar dealers and other music retailers.

About Martin Guitar:

Founded in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin, C.F. Martin & Co. has been continuously family owned and operated for six generations. The oldest surviving acoustic instrument producer in the world, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, many still using the design and techniques introduced by the company founder in the 1830s. The privately held manufacturer is acknowledged as the creator of some of the world's finest musical instruments. Martin innovations include the now-standard x-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the "dreadnought"size. Current Chairman and CEO Christian Frederick Martin, IV, took the helm of the company in1986. The seventh generation Martin was recently born to Chris Martin IV and his wife Diane on September 13, 2004.

Media Contact:
Ronnie Lippin/Paki Newell
The Lippin Group
323-965-1990
ronnie@lippingroup.com
paki@lippingroup.com