Martin unveils its first FSC-certified, plastic-free acoustic, the 00L Earth Guitar

NAMM 2021 isn't taking place in the physical realm this year, but you'll find all the hottest January gear launches in our guide to the biggest guitar, amp and pedal releases of 2021 so far.

Martin is certainly no stranger to the odd graphic acoustic guitar. From the Brexit-themed D-16 to the David Crosby-emblazoned D-16E Rock the Vote Special Edition, the Pennsylvania company loves to push the boat in terms of visuals while commenting on societal concerns.

And that's exactly what it's done with its latest model, the 00L Earth guitar. Painted by longtime Martin collaborator and artist Robert Goetzl – who was inspired by climate activist Greta Thunberg's School Strike for Climate movement – the new acoustic sports an illustration of the Earth, sun and stars.

“When I first heard this eloquent young woman, Greta Thunberg, speak so passionately about climate change, I was immediately inspired and thought, why not design a guitar with a visual element as a tool to promote the message ‘Save the Earth,’” Goetzl says. 

“Perhaps this is a way to help raise awareness of resource sustainability and our society’s failure to take action against the global crisis that this troubled planet is facing.”

In keeping with its climate change-inspired design, the 00L Earth guitar is 100 percent FSC-certified and 100 percent plastic-free. Even the included gigbag is made of hemp, a fast-growing, highly sustainable material.

Says Tim Teel, Martin's Lead Instrument Designer who helped build the guitar, “I respect working for a company that takes environmental issues seriously. 

“This project illustrates the importance of our planet and is depicted in this amazing graphic by Robert Goetzl. By using responsibly harvested materials, we will ensure the next generation of musicians and luthiers will have great tonewoods to choose from when designing, building, and playing stringed instruments of the future.” 

As Martin CEO Chris Martin adds, “There’s so much that we can do as individuals to fight climate change in our daily lives. Yet we are continually looking for ways that our company can inspire musicians and their fans to take action. Not just on Earth Day, but every day. Music has always been a powerful tool for bringing people together for change.”

The 00L Earth guitar is available now for $2,249. For more information, head to Martin Guitars.