Martin Guitar Introduces Limited Edition Honoring 1960s Southern California Pop Group

Nazareth, PA– October 25, 2011 – C. F. Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) is proud to announce the introduction of the new D-28M The Mamas and The Papas Custom Artist Edition (MSP $4999). The guitar pays tribute to the enduring musicianship, songwriting and vocal harmony of The Mamas and The Papas and is inspired by a vintage Martin D-28 that provided much of the rhythmic underpinning for hits such as “California Dreamin’” and “Monday, Monday." The edition will be limited to no more than 100 special instruments.

The new Custom Artist Edition is a 14-fret dreadnought crafted of rare premium tonewoods. The top is made of Carpathian spruce, solid Madagascar rosewood on the back and sides, with a neck carved from genuine mahogany. An ebony head plate features The Mamas and The Papas’ silhouettes inlaid in solid mother of pearl directly above the nut. Each guitar is equipped with MSP7200 medium gauge phosphor bronze SP Lifespan strings.

The model is finished with a polished gloss lacquerwith a vintage-inspired aging toner and is protected in a Geib-style hard shell case with cabernet interior. Each of the limited edition custom guitars bears two interior labels; one label, signed by C. F. Martin IV and Michelle Phillips, the last surviving member of The Mamas and The Papas, bears a background motif inspired by the Roulette Records “Words of Love” single and theother label is a photograph by rock photographer Henry Diltz with the imprinted signatures of Cass Elliot, John Phillips and Denny Doherty. Each of the 100 limited edition instruments is numbered in sequence and will feature Martin Strings.

“I have guitar number one in my hands,” said Michelle Phillips, “and it is absolutely beautiful!”

In the 1960s, The Mamas and The Papas rose to stardom in the midst of the Southern California pop scene. The group’s sound combined great songwriting, unique arrangements and lush harmonies, but what set them apart from the other groups was the distinct blend of male and female voices. From 1965 through 1967, The Mamas and The Papas released six singles that hit the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and released four albums that reached top five of the Billboard 200.

Although the bandmates’ personal lives became increasing turbulent and the group disbanded after just four years, their influence on music has stood the test of time – they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and received a GRAMMY Hall of Fame Award in 2001. In 2003, “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears” was ranked 127 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

About Martin Guitar & Strings

C.F Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) has been creating the finest instruments in the world for over 175 years. It continues to innovate, introducing techniques and features that have become industry standards including X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the “Dreadnought” size.

One of the world’s leading acoustic instrument makers, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, who use a combination of new design and techniques along with those introduced by the company founder.

The company is also known for producing high-quality, popular acoustic guitar strings. These include the Martin SP® LIFESPAN™ line - the fastest-growing treated string in the industry, and the Martin SP line - which uses an industry leading core wire to hold tunings better.

Martin guitars and Martin Strings are the instruments and strings of choice for musicians around the world, from the icons of rock, country, folk and bluegrass to those just beginning their careers. They can be seen across all segments of pop culture, from television (Glee, Psych, Raising Hope and American Idol) to the movies; on Broadway and in books, online, and gracing the covers of popular magazines on newsstands everywhere. Connect with Martin and Martin Strings on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and via www.martinguitar.com and www.martinstrings.com.