By: Staff
C. F. Martin & Co. has a long history of building high quality artist model acoustic guitars, and they are continuing the tradition with the new D-28M The Mamas and The Papas Custom Artist Edition. The D-28M pays homage to the songwriting, musicianship and vocal harmony of The Mamas and The Papas and is inspired by the vintage Martin D-28 that backed up their many Top 40 hits, like “Monday, Monday” and “California Dreamin’.” To keep it a very special release, Martin is only making one hundred. High resolution photos are available below.
According to a press release from Martin, the new The Mamas and The Papas Custom Artist Edition is a 14-fret dreadnought acoustic guitar made with premium rare tonewoods. Specifically, the top is Carpathian spruce, the back and sides are solid Madagascar rosewood, and it is rounded out with a genuine mahogany carved neck. A beautiful ebony head plate features the silhouettes of The Mamas and The Papas inlaid with solid mother of pearl on the headstock, and each D-28M comes ready to strum with Martin SP Lifespan 92/8 medium phosphor bronze strings.
The model comes with a Geib-style hard case, which protects the polished gloss lacquer finish and vintage-inspired aging toner. Each limited edition guitar boasts two special interior labels; one label is signed by Martin CEO Chris Martin IV and Michelle Phillips, the last Mama and/or Papa still alive, and the other label is a Henry Diltz photograph with the imprinted signatures of the band members who have passed on: Cass Elliot, John Phillips and Denny Doherty.
Phillips hailed the guitar, saying, “I have guitar number one in my hands, and it is absolutely beautiful!”
Although The Mamas and The Papas disbanded after only four years, in those four years, their lush arrangements, beautiful harmonies and unique blend of female and male voices had a huge impact and lasting influence on the music world. In 1998, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and soon after were given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2001. Their album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears has appeared on many best of lists including Rolling Stone magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Martin D-28M The Mamas and The Papas Custom Artist Edition
The Mamas and The Papas silhouette headstock inlays
