Martin Introduces Hawaiian X GuitarFirst Hawaiian Motif Illustrated by Robert Armstrong Follows Three Successful "Cowboy" Editions
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(Click for a close-up) |
January 18, 2002
C. F. Martin is excited to introduce the very first in a series of Limited Edition Hawaiian Theme Guitars, the Hawaiian X. The Hawaiian X features original soundboard artwork by illustrator and cartoonist Robert Armstrong, the same artist who created the images that adorned Martin's popular series of three "Cowboy" Limited Editions. Ukuleles and acoustic guitars have sported a variety of native motifs for decades, and it is the artwork on these guitars that inspired the Hawaiian X, the first in a series of Hawaii-themed guitars from Martin.
Armstrong designed the custom soundboard graphics to depict a typical Hawaiian beach scene including palm and coconut trees, a pineapple, a surfer and an outrigger canoe. In addition, a panicked Polynesian points out an erupting volcano, pictured in the distance.
In the foreground, a hula dancer calmly entertains three seated men, including one tourist who is sampling native Hawaiian cuisine (and who bears a striking resemblance to Chairman and CEO Chris Martin IV). Two native Hawaiians play stringed instruments. One strums a small bodied 000 Martin acoustic while the other plays a Martin 00 Grand Concert, a model often synonymous with the Hawaiian "slack key" style of play. A Martin soprano ukulele is pictured on the sand at their feet. The men are, of course, appropriately attired in flowered shirts.
Like the three Cowboy Limited Editions, the Hawaiian X takes advantage of state-of-the-art HPL photo laminating technology to reproduce Robert Armstrong's unique Hawaiian scene. The back and sides are of Hawaiian koa grain HPL decorative pattern. The modified low oval neck is made of brown Stratabond, a multiple layered wood laminate with exceptional strength. The fingerboard and bridge are crafted of specially formulated black Micarta.
The internal soundboard support of the Hawaiian X model utilizes the Martin hybrid A-Frame bracing with thin graphite plates as reinforcement. The enclosed tuning machines are black anodized, and the C.F. Martin gold foil logo adorns the headstock.
Limited to just 500 guitars, each Hawaiian X will bear an interior label individually numbered in sequence. Martin is accepting orders immediately, though the edition will not appear in stores until summer of 2002.
For more information, visit their web site at www.martinguitar.com. | 
