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Meet the Martin CEO-11: A Blue-Burst Statement With Serious Substance
Designed by Martin’s CEO Thomas Ripsam, the limited-run CEO-11 brings modern flair to a classic voice: an M-14 (0000) Grand Auditorium body, FSC-certified European spruce top in a dramatic New Horizons Blue Burst, and figured white oak back and sides—all paired with stage-ready electronics. $6,999 MAP
What makes it special
Looks that stop you—tone that carries the room. The CEO-11’s spruce/white-oak recipe produces a punchy, clear response with a wide dynamic ceiling, while the blue burst and flamed maple binding turn heads before you strum a note. Plugged in, Fishman Aura VT Blend delivers a convincing mic’d-up acoustic sound without the fuss.
Specs at a glance
- Body: M-14 (0000) Grand Auditorium
- Top: FSC® European spruce, New Horizons Blue Burst
- Back & Sides: Figured white oak (3-piece back, rope-style back strip)
- Bracing: Forward-Shifted X, GE-scalloped
- Binding: European flamed maple
- Rosette: Custom inlay, multi-stripe
- Top Inlay: Bold half-herringbone
- Neck: Two-piece flamed maple
- Neck Shape: GE Modified Low Oval, High-Performance Taper
- Scale Length: 25.4"
- Nut Width: 1 3/4"
- String Spacing: 2 5/32"
- Fingerboard/Bridge: Ebony, custom abalone inlays
- Electronics: Fishman® Aura VT Blend
- Case: Molded hardshell
Run details: limited to 1,111 instruments; blue paper label signed/numbered by Thomas Ripsam.
How it feels & sounds
The CEO-11’s M-size footprint balances comfort and projection: quicker attack than a dread, more headroom than an OM. White oak adds focus and articulation, while the scalloped bracing keeps the top lively for fingerstyle and flatpicking alike. On stage, the Aura VT Blend’s mic modeling helps you sit in the mix naturally without feedback-hunting.
See it at Brothers Guitar Shop
Stop by our Upper East Side showroom to try the CEO-11 in person, or reach out for a private demo.
Reach us for special discounts: 📩 brosguitarshop@gmail.com · 📞 646-559-8771
Photos courtesy of Martin Guitar. Specs/availability subject to change.
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