Overview: Molly Tuttle Joins Martin to Debut Two Signature Models at NAMM 2026
In a landmark collaboration set against the bustling backdrop of NAMM 2026, C. F. Martin & Co. announced two new Molly Tuttle signature guitars—an evolution of the celebrated D-18 and a new D-X2E. Drawing on Tuttle’s rich, mature tone and her admired 1943 D-18 as a reference point, Martin aims to capture the guitarist’s distinctive blend of precision picking and melodic phrasing in two instruments designed for stage and studio alike.
Two Models, One Vision: The D-18 Molly Tuttle & D-X2E Molly Tuttle
The D-18 Molly Tuttle keeps the classic D-18 voice at the fore, typed with contemporary refinements that reflect Tuttle’s bluegrass and folk sensibilities. It pairs Martin’s traditional dreadnought build with precise bracing and wood choices that yield a balanced bass, articulate mids, and sparkling highs. The resonance and sustain are designed to support Tuttle’s nuanced flatpicking and vocal-style melodies, ensuring the guitar breathes with every note.
The D-X2E Molly Tuttle introduces an elevated playing experience with modern electronics and ergonomic considerations. This model emphasizes a comfortable, responsive feel—an ideal partner for live performance and studio work alike. Its cutaway design grants access to upper frets, while onboard electronics facilitate seamless stage use without compromising the instrument’s natural acoustic voice. Together, the two guitars provide a spectrum of tonal options without leaving the signature Martin sound behind.
What the Signature Models Mean for Players
For Molly Tuttle’s fans and players seeking a refined, versatile instrument, these models offer several key benefits. The D-18 Molly Tuttle preserves the warmth and clarity that classic Martin dreadnoughts are known for, ensuring you can cut through a mix with clean, articulate projection. The D-X2E Molly Tuttle, with its integrated electronics and cutaway access, is built to thrive in live settings where plug-in flexibility and stage reliability matter as much as tone.
Beyond tone alone, the collaboration reflects a broader trend in modern guitar making: signature instruments that honor a player’s stylistic identity while inviting expandability and modern playability. Tuttle’s approach to tone—often described as bright yet balanced with an unmistakable melodic sense—shapes these guitars’ voicings, ensuring they respond to dynamic picking, nuanced vibrato, and expressive phrasing with equal ease.
Design Highlights and Craftsmanship
Crafted in Martin’s Nazareth, Pennsylvania factory, the Molly Tuttle signature models bring carefully chosen woods, bracing patterns, and refined appointments together. While the D-18 remains faithful to the brand’s venerable tradition, it carries tasteful updates that translate the guitarist’s stage-ready aesthetics into a durable, high-performance instrument. The D-X2E adds electronics that are engineered to preserve natural resonance when amplified, ensuring a seamless blend between unplugged warmth and amplified clarity.
Production notes emphasize playability: careful neck shaping, precise intonation setups, and balanced string tension across the fretboard. Players will find the actions comfortable for long sessions, with a response that encourages tight altissimo lines and sensitive dynamic control—qualities that align well with Molly Tuttle’s musical vocabulary.
NAMM 2026: The Stage for a Musical Milestone
Unveiling at NAMM 2026 places these instruments within a global hub of innovation and performance. Attendees can expect hands-on demonstrations, live performances, and conversations with Martin’s luthiers about the design choices behind the D-18 Molly Tuttle and D-X2E Molly Tuttle. The release reinforces Martin’s ongoing collaboration with contemporary players while inviting a new generation of guitarists to explore a signature sound that blends tradition with forward-looking design.
Conclusion: A Signature Sound for a Signature Artist
With two distinct guitars that reflect Molly Tuttle’s artistic voice, Martin continues its legacy of pairing iconic instruments with modern needs. Whether a player seeks the classic D-18’s warm projection or the D-X2E’s plug-and-play versatility, this duo offers a compelling pathway to the Molly Tuttle sound—rooted in tradition, sharpened by innovation, and ready for the NAMM stage and beyond.
