Martin, an acoustic guitar manufacturer with a history dating back to 1833, is a leading brand in the guitar world, producing numerous timeless standard models, most notably the "D-28." This hall of fame of acoustic guitars, recognized even by professionals, has finally achieved the remarkable feat of producing a total of 2,000,000 guitars (by serial number)! To commemorate this milestone, a special event was held last November at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 8th floor = Isetan Men's Residence, featuring a wide selection of Martin guitars, including the world-limited "D-200 DELUXE (while supplies last)."

One of the highlights of the event that garnered much attention was the "Talk & Acoustic Live" session. This special event, featuring musicians with strong ties to Martin Guitars, differed from typical concerts in that it offered a more intimate experience, allowing attendees to feel closer to the artists' true selves and current situations through their performances and words. Among those who participated in the "Talk & Acoustic Live," Hiroshi Fujiwara, who appeared on the final day of the event, particularly showcased the rich possibilities of the acoustic guitar. We asked this charismatic figure, who is not only a DJ and music producer but also continues to exert a tremendous influence on Japanese street culture, about Martin Guitars.

How did you first meet Martin?

"Eric Clapton's Martin guitar was one of the triggers. Around that time, I was thinking I wanted a black guitar, and when I consulted him, as we often played together at the time, he suggested, 'Martin should be able to make one for you.' Of course, I knew of Martin's existence before, but I had never owned one."

The result was the "000-ECHF Belleza Nera," released in 2004 and generating considerable buzz. This special model, limited to 476 units and a collaboration between Eric Clapton and Hiroshi Fujiwara, is characterized by its jet-black coloring and slightly smaller size.

"Lately, I've been playing electric guitar much less. For me now, when I think of guitar, I primarily think of acoustic. The reason is simply that it's easy to pick up and play without having to connect a bunch of things. In that sense, a compact size is an important point. When I was designing the "ECHF" model, I chose a compact model as the base because I prioritized ease of use. When I come up with a phrase or something, I can strum it right away without having to get into a specific position. I'm very satisfied with how this model (000-ECHF) turned out."

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