Launching on what would have been Parsons' 80th birthday, the 00-21 Gram Parsons celebrates the country-rock pioneer and 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee

NAZARETH, Pa., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- C. F. Martin & Co.® (Martin Guitar) is honoring the enduring influence of Gram Parsons with the 00-21 Gram Parsons, a limited-edition acoustic guitar inspired by his original 1963 Martin 00-21. Limited to just 80 guitars and launching on what would have been Parsons' 80th birthday, the model celebrates an artist whose "Cosmic American Music" helped reshape the sound of country, rock, and American roots music.

Inspired by Gram's Original 1963 Martin

The 00-21 Gram Parsons draws directly from the well-loved Martin Parsons played during his influential career. Its 00 12-fret body pairs East Indian rosewood back and sides with a VTS® old-growth Sitka spruce top, featuring aging toner and carefully recreated visual wear inspired by his original guitar.

A V-shaped neck profile, short 24.9-inch scale, wider 1 7/8-inch nut width, and slotted headstock give the guitar a distinctive vintage feel and look rooted in the instrument that inspired it. An interior label featuring Gram Parsons' pre-printed signature completes the tribute.

Celebrating a Lasting Musical Influence

Parsons brought country, rock, soul, gospel, and folk together in a sound he called "Cosmic American Music." Through his work with the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and as a solo artist, he helped push American roots music beyond traditional genre boundaries and influenced generations of artists who followed.

That legacy will receive another major honor this year as Parsons is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Influence category. The 2026 induction ceremony will take place on November 14 in Los Angeles, just nine days after the guitar's launch.

To mark Parsons' 80th birthday and upcoming induction, Martin will also unveil the new model at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 5 during "An Evening with Chris Martin of Martin Guitars," featuring Chris Martin IV and Martin clinician and signature artist Craig Thatcher.

80 Guitars for His 80th Birthday

Limited to only 80 instruments, the 00-21 Gram Parsons marks what would have been Parsons' 80th birthday with a guitar connected directly to both his musical legacy and the Martin he made his own.

Availability

The Martin 00-21 Gram Parsons ($5,499.99 USD) is available through authorized Martin dealers and at martinguitar.com beginning November 5, 2026.

To learn more, visit martinguitar.com.

ABOUT GRAM PARSONS

Born Ingram Cecil Connor III on November 5, 1946, in Winter Haven, Florida, Gram Parsons helped reshape American music by bringing country, rock, folk, and soul together in a style he called "Cosmic American Music." Though he died in 1973 at just 26, his influence continues to resonate across generations of artists.

Parsons first gained recognition with the International Submarine Band before joining the Byrds, where he helped steer the group toward country rock on 1968's landmark Sweetheart of the Rodeo. He later co-founded the Flying Burrito Brothers, whose albums The Gilded Palace of Sin and Burrito Deluxe further expanded the genre's possibilities.

His solo albums, GP (1973) and the posthumously released Grievous Angel (1974), brought his musical vision into sharper focus, pairing traditional country instrumentation with emotionally powerful songwriting and the distinctive harmonies of Emmylou Harris. Their celebrated partnership became an enduring part of his legacy.

Although Parsons achieved limited commercial success during his lifetime, his impact on country rock and Americana has been profound. His work influenced artists ranging from the Eagles and Keith Richards to Wilco, Lucinda Williams, and countless others. By bridging musical traditions once considered worlds apart, Parsons helped create a sound that continues to inspire musicians today.

His selection for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Musical Influence category in 2026 recognizes a legacy that extends far beyond his brief career.

ABOUT C. F. MARTIN & CO.

C. F. Martin & Co. has been making the finest handcrafted acoustic guitars for nearly two hundred years. For some of the biggest names and the most revered musical legends across every genre and every decade. And we've been doing it with pure artistic passion, a deep love for all things music, and an unwavering commitment to our community and the environment.

But most importantly, we're still doing it... for you. For current and future generations of pioneers, rebels, and dreamers. For the beginners, the pros, and everyone in between. We believe music is an unstoppable force. It raises us up. Tells our truths. Gets us on our feet. Expresses our deepest heartaches. And our greatest joys.

So, we'll continue to make the very best acoustic instruments and strings for as long as there are people like you who love music and love making it. We want to be there to help you tell your story. To help you share your music with the world. To help unleash the artist within.

We're ready for the next two hundred years. Want to come with us? Visit martinguitar.com.

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