While some musicians are picky about where their instrument is manufactured, Jason Isbell has no time for guitar snobs. In fact, the Americana star is taking a stand for Mexican-made guitars, arguing that anyone disregarding non-US guitars is missing out on quality instruments.
In a new interview with Guitar.com, Isbell discusses the latest additions to his Martin Road Series, the Jason Isbell 0-17 and the 0-10E Retro acoustics. The guitars are notably made in Martin’s Mexican factory – a factor that he is very proud of. “I think the guitar builders in Mexico get a bad rap,” he explains.
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He goes on to insist that this “bias” against Mexico is unfounded, with people seemingly seeing a more affordable price tag and assuming that reflects a lower quality. However, this just perpetuates a culture of people are paying more for a lesser guitar simply because its ‘manufactured in the US’.
“I think people pay for their biases too sometimes,” he says. “Not necessarily with Martin, but with a lot of companies. I think people will pay more to reinforce the incorrect opinions that they already have.”
If you’re one of the people with a “bias”, Isbell explains that his Road Series could be the eye opener that you need. The premium Jason Isbell 0-17 model in particular serves as a replica of the pre-war 0-17 guitar heard across the entirety of his 2025 record, Foxes In The Snow, and Isbell insists it’s the real deal. “I could take this Mexican-made version out and play it on tour and nobody would know the difference,” he says.
“I don’t think anybody could have done a better job on a guitar at that price point at making it reminiscent of the pre-war Martin, for sure,” he notes. “It definitely has that vibe to it.”
It’s not the first time Isbell has opted to work with a Mexican factory. He points to his collaboration with Fender on the Jason Isbell Tele Custom 3CCB, which serves as another brilliant Mexican export. “Fender did a great job on that guitar,” he reflects. “I think it was the first double-bound Tele that they had made in the factory, and they knocked it out of the park.”
Jason Isbell’s new additions to the Martin Road Series come in a more premium Jason Isbell 0-17 model, sitting at $4,999 and limited to just 50 units, while the 0-10E Retro is a slightly more affordable $1,049.
Head to Martin Guitars for more information.
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