Sting and C. F. Martin & Co. Collaborate on First Classic Acoustic/Electric Edition
January 29, 1998
Perhaps no other musician has the unique reputation and extraordinary follow of Sting. From his early work with the Police, which he disbanded at the peak of their popularity in 1984 in order to pursue his own solo career, to his unparalleled forays into jazz and progressive rock, Sting has redefined the boundaries of pop music. Sting incorporates elements of jazz, classical and world music into his recordings, writing songs with lyrics that are both literate and meaningful.
In recognition of Sting's unique talents and his illustrious career, the Martin Guitar Company is proud to announce an exciting design collaboration between Martin, Sting, and renowned classical guitar maker, Thomas Humphrey. Blending the design and playing requirements of Sting with Martin's guitarmaking skill and Humphrey's patented design, the CMHS features Humphrey's trademark elevated neck and fingerboard facilitating much greater access to the highest notes. The CMHS incorporates the extraordinary arching of Humphrey's considerably thinner and unique lattice braced soundboard.
The unique classical soundhole rosette on this model is earthy in its coloration, utilizing a simple yet tasteful pattern of concentric light and dark brown lines of natural wood, demarcated with thin stripes of black and white.
The Sting Signature Model Classical Guitar has an arched soundboard of solid Western Red cedar. The back and sides are crafted from solid quilted mahogany with extremely beautiful "mottled" or "blistered" grain. The black is decorated with a Martin style 45 multicolored mosaic back inlay strip, bordered with thin strips of black fiber. Bindings are comprised of dark tortoise colored material with black/white top, side and back inlays. The entire instrument is finished with a mildly tinted "vintage" golden lacquer to enhance the beauty of the natural wood.
The neck is genuine mahogany with the unique Humphrey designed elevated genuine ebony fingerboard which is uniquely "self-bound" on three sides with inset abalone pearl bordering. The headstock blends the traditional Martin square shape with Thomas Humphrey's classic slotting and taper, a genuine ebony headplate, and the old style "C. F. Martin & Co., Est. 1833" decal logo. Sting's artistic signature is delicately inlaid in pearl between the 18th and 19th frets.
Standard with each model is the installation of a customized state-of-the-art Martin/Fishman Thinline GoldPlus® active sound reinforcement system, newly redesigned to greatly extend battery life. This onboard system enables the player professional amplification capability, making the CMHS perfect for stage performance or recording studio use.
Limited to an initial edition of 250 instruments, the interior label will be personally signed by Sting, C. F. Martin IV, and Thomas Humphrey. Each guitar will be numbered in sequence with total (i.e. #1 of 250), #2 of 250,etc.).
Few pop stars have taken as many risks as Sting and few have had as many hits with challenging material. Sting's albums are consistently marked by exceptional intelligence and music that crosses and combines traditional styles. Sting has championed many worthwhile causes, particularly the environment, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the CMHS will be donated to The Rainforest Foundation International. The RFI was founded to support indigenous peoples and traditional populations of the rainforest in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfill their rights.
Authorized Martin Guitar dealers throughout the world will begin to take orders for the CMHS Martin/Humphrey Sting Signature Model Classical Guitar immediately, though, due to heavy demand for Martin instruments, this edition will not appear in stores until late summer of 1998. For more information, visit their web site at www.mguitar.com. | 
