Introduction
Jeff Tweedy is the singer, songwriter, and guitarist for the acclaimed alternative rock band Wilco. Formed in Chicago in 1994, Wilco rose to prominence in the late 90s and early 2000s with albums like Summerteeth, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, and A Ghost is Born. Known for their experimental sound and cryptic lyrics, Wilco navigated numerous lineup changes while still retaining Tweedy as the creative force behind the band.
Throughout his long career, Tweedy has relied on Martin guitars both in the studio and on stage. His relationship with the iconic American guitar maker stretches back to Wilco’s early days. The 00-DB Jeff Tweedy signature model acoustic was crafted as a special commemorative edition to celebrate the musical bond between Tweedy and Martin. With only 100-150 of the guitars built per year, the 00-DB Jeff Tweedy is a rare, limited run instrument specifically built with the Wilco frontman’s playing style and preferences in mind.
Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy Guitar Specs
The 00-DB Jeff Tweedy signature model features a 00 (triple-0) body size with a slightly deeper body depth for increased volume and projection. This is one of the smallest body shapes offered by Martin, providing excellent comfort and playability.
The guitar has an all-solid mahogany construction, with a solid mahogany back, sides, and top. Mahogany is prized for its warm, balanced tone and beautiful appearance. The solid wood construction allows the guitar to open up and resonate freely.
Other specifications include a 24.9" scale length mahogany neck with Martin’s modified low oval profile, making it comfortable and easy to play. It has a 1-11/16" nut width with vintage-style string spacing, along with open-gear tuners and bone saddle and bridge pins. The guitar comes complete with a high quality hardshell case for protection.
Unique Features of the 00-DB Jeff Tweedy
The 00-DB Jeff Tweedy signature model has several unique features that set it apart from other Martin guitars. Most notably, it has a custom sunburst finish designed by Tweedy himself. This "mahogany burst" shade was crafted to Tweedy’s exact specifications. Between the 19th and 20th frets is Tweedy’s signature inlaid into the fretboard. Each 00-DB Jeff Tweedy also comes with a custom interior label and certificate of authenticity signed by the Martin company.
Other unique specs include the use of 100% FSC certified sustainable mahogany for the body, neck, and fretboard. This ensures the mahogany wood is sourced ethically and responsibly. The guitar has an ultra-thin nitrocellulose finish that allows the wood’s natural resonance to shine through. It also features a bone nut and saddle, which many players feel improves tone and sustain compared to synthetic materials.
With only around 100-150 of the 00-DB Jeff Tweedy guitars built per year, these special edition models have become highly collectible. Everything from the custom shadetop to Tweedy’s signature makes this a unique Martin acoustic.
Sound and Playability
The Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy produces a rich, warm, balanced tone thanks to its all-solid mahogany construction. The mahogany top, back, and sides create a rounded bass, pronounced midrange, and clear treble response ideal for fingerstyle playing.
Despite the small 00 body size, this guitar projects with surprising volume and sustain. The scalloped X-bracing pattern provides excellent resonance while retaining the instrument’s vintage character. Even with vigorous strumming, the 00-DB Tweedy never loses its poise.
The modified low oval neck has a comfortable, easy playing feel. The vintage-style string spacing provides room for fingerpicking while still playable for chord work. The 24.9" scale length and 1-11/16" nut width give this guitar the feel of older pre-war Martins. Overall, the 00-DB Tweedy plays incredibly well both seated and standing.
Pricing Info
The Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy initially retailed for $5,999 when it was first released as a signature model. As a limited edition guitar, the 00-DB Tweedy was only produced in small batches of around 100-150 instruments per year. Since the model has been discontinued, it’s become highly sought after on the used market.
Used pricing for the 00-DB Jeff Tweedy tends to range from around $4,000 on the low end, up to $6,000 or even more for mint condition examples. The limited availability coupled with the collectability of being a signature model for the famous Wilco frontman helps keep used prices high.
For comparison, other popular Martin signature models like the D-28 John Prine and D-35 Johnny Cash have original MSRPs of $6,499 and $4,999 respectively. So the original $5,999 price tag on the 00-DB Jeff Tweedy is very much in line with other high-end Martin artist models.
The pricing reflects the quality of materials, unique specifications, and limited production run of the 00-DB Jeff Tweedy. For die-hard Tweedy/Wilco fans or players looking for a special all-mahogany Martin, the premium pricing may be justified by the collectibility factor. But more affordable alternatives are available for those simply seeking great sound at a lower cost.
Conclusion
The Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy Signature Acoustic Guitar is an exceptional limited edition instrument that offers a unique blend of history, tone, and craftsmanship. This mahogany beauty produces a rich, warm, balanced sound perfect for fingerstyle playing and studio work.
While extremely limited in availability, the 00-DB Tweedy stands out as a special collector’s item for die-hard fans of the Wilco frontman. It also shines as a premium, stage-worthy acoustic.
With its comfortable neck profile, vintage vibe, and custom touches designed by Tweedy himself, this guitar provides an inspiring experience for singer-songwriters and roots music aficionados.
For those seeking a similar high-end Martin but can’t find the elusive 00-DB, comparable models like the CEO-7, D-28 Authentic 1937, and 000-42 are worthy alternatives.
In summary, the 00-DB Jeff Tweedy Signature encapsulates the history and tone of an Americana music legend. This is a guitar built with care and meant to be played, cherished, and passed down, much like Tweedy’s timeless songs.
Video Demo
Check out this official video from Martin Guitars showcasing the 00-DB Jeff Tweedy model’s warm, balanced tone and easy playability:
[Youtube Video Link]
In the demo, you can really hear the resonance and sustain from the all-solid mahogany construction. The player demonstrates fingerstyle techniques to highlight the guitar’s articulate voice. Strumming parts display the punchy, percussive response. Overall an excellent showcase of this special edition acoustic guitar.
The official Martin video provides an ideal overview of the 00-DB Jeff Tweedy’s unique sound and playing experience. For additional reviews, also look for demos by respected guitarists and reviewers on Youtube.
Ideal Players
The Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy signature model acoustic guitar is ideally suited for certain players and musical styles. Specifically, this guitar would appeal most to fingerstyle guitarists and singer-songwriters.
The 00 body shape produces a focused, intimate tone perfect for intricate fingerpicking and softer musical accompaniment. The mahogany construction and vintage-inspired specs like the 1-11/16" nut width also cater to fingerstylists. Additionally, the excellent balance across the tonal spectrum and rich low-end from the mahogany make this a great guitar for accompanying vocals.
Songwriters looking for a inspiring and unique tone to compose with would also appreciate the 00-DB Tweedy. It provides creative inspiration that comes from playing such a special, collectible instrument. The fact that it was designed in partnership with the prolific songwriter Jeff Tweedy also adds to its appeal.
Overall, the 00-DB Tweedy signature model is best suited for players who appreciate high-end Martins, seek an intimate fingerstyle/songwriting instrument, and want the collectability of a limited edition artist signature model.
Musical Styles
The Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy Signature Acoustic Guitar is well-suited for a variety of musical genres and playing styles. Its all-mahogany construction and 00 body size produce a balanced, warm, resonant tone perfect for folk, Americana, and indie rock.
Fingerstyle guitarists will appreciate the 00-DB’s excellent note definition and ability to articulate complex right-hand techniques. The scalloped bracing provides the projection needed for fingerpicking while still retaining the guitar’s vintage-inspired voice. Percussive styles like tap and slap harmonics can really sing on the 00-DB.
While it excels for fingerpicking, the 00-DB Tweedy can also deliver a very pleasing strummed sound. The mahogany body has enough punch and volume to hold its own in a full band mix. Solo singer-songwriters will enjoy the guitar’s balanced tone and ability to accompany vocals.
For recording applications, the 00-DB Tweedy captures beautifully in the studio. Its clear, warm voice records exceptionally well both with microphones and when plugged directly into an audio interface. The focused low-end and balanced EQ spectrum require minimal post-processing.
Overall the Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy Signature model is highly versatile for folk, Americana, indie rock, fingerstyle playing, recording, and solo performances. It’s an excellent all-around acoustic guitar for today’s modern troubadours.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rich, warm, balanced mahogany tone that projects well
- Sustain is excellent thanks to the scalloped X-bracing
- Modified low oval neck profile is comfortable and easy to play
- Unique sunburst finish designed by Jeff Tweedy himself
- Extremely limited production makes this a collectible guitar
- Sourced using 100% FSC certified sustainable mahogany
Cons:
- Very limited availability since production has ended
- Pricing is quite high, even on the used market
- Smaller 00 body size may be too small for some players
- Lack of ornamentation/bling for those wanting a more ornate guitar
Limitations:
- Not ideal for aggressive strumming or very loud playing
- All-mahogany tone lacks complexity of mixed wood guitars
- Not as collectible as Martin’s pre-war vintage models
- Some quality control issues reported with early production runs