[Charles Martel]

I’m surprised that Martin didn’t include Chet Atkins in that list. Although “Mister Guitar” is more commonly associated with Gibson and Gretsch instruments, he definitely owned and played a number of Martin acoustics.

[Southbound]

I got to know Chet briefly thru a mutual friend, and according to my friend Chet tried to achieve the sound of an unamplified Martin D-28 with his string of Gretsch and later Gibson electrics. I’d say he got pretty close. I was a working musician for many years in and out of country, rock, pop and whatever paid the bills, and having owned many (Gibson, Gretsch, Charvel, Fender, etc.), my favorite is a Martin D-35. Has a bit more bass response with the three-piece back, to my ear. A good source is Mike Longworth’s book about the Martin Co. and their guitars.