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Inspired by Shawn Mendes’ vintage 1920s-era Martin, the new 000-10E Shawn Mendes and 000-28 Shawn Mendes translate the singer-songwriter’s preferred acoustic platform into two very different instruments. One is an affordable Road Series model designed for everyday players, while the other is a limited-edition Custom Artist instrument aimed at enthusiasts and collectors.
In this article, we’ll compare the two guitars, examine their construction, tone and signature appointments, and help you decide which version of the Shawn Mendes concept best fits your needs.
What Are the Differences Between the New Shawn Mendes Signature Martins?
One Inspiration, Two Approaches
At first glance, the similarities are obvious. Both guitars feature Martin’s comfortable 000 body size, a 24.9" scale length, ebony fingerboard and custom “Mendes Eagle” inlay that serves as the visual centerpiece of each instrument. Both also wear an antique toner top finish and a distinctive faux tortoise pickguard that sets them apart from standard production Martins.
The differences begin with construction, materials and overall intent.
Pictured: Martin Shawn Mendes Signature 000-28 and 000-10E Acoustic Guitars
The 000-28 Shawn Mendes is a limited-edition Custom Artist model built as a premium interpretation of Mendes’ vintage inspiration. It pairs a spruce top with East Indian rosewood back and sides, features a gloss finish, Golden Era scalloped X-bracing and a slotted headstock fitted with gold Waverly tuners. Production is limited to just 88 instruments worldwide, with each guitar including a numbered label signed by Mendes.
The 000-10E Shawn Mendes takes a more accessible approach. Built as part of Martin’s Road Series, it combines an FSC-certified spruce top with FSC-certified sapele back and sides, a satin finish and onboard Martin E1 electronics for stage and recording use. It retains the signature visual details while delivering them in a guitar designed for everyday players.
Comparing Martin Shawn Mendes Models
|
Model |
Body / Top Woods |
Neck Profile / Woods |
Bracing |
Electronics |
Custom Features |
Price* |
|
FSC-certified spruce top; FSC-certified sapele back & sides |
PA Profile; FSC-certified select hardwood neck; FSC-certified ebony fingerboard |
Scalloped X-Bracing |
Martin E1 with built-in tuner |
Mendes Eagle fingerboard inlay; custom faux tortoise pickguard; satin finish; antique toner top; straight-line pyramid bridge; softshell case |
$1,099.00 |
|
|
Solid spruce top; East Indian rosewood back & sides |
GE Modified Low Oval; genuine mahogany neck; ebony fingerboard |
Golden Era (GE) Scalloped X-Bracing |
None |
Limited to 88 worldwide; numbered label signed by Shawn Mendes; slotted headstock; Waverly gold side-mount tuners; Mendes Eagle fingerboard inlay; faux tortoise pickguard; gloss finish; molded hardshell case |
$4,999.00 |
Price as of July 2026*
Tonal Personality
The choice between these two guitars largely comes down to tone.
The 000-28’s spruce-and-rosewood combination delivers the classic high-end Martin sound. Rosewood is known for producing deep bass, rich overtones and complex harmonic content, while the spruce top adds clarity and dynamic range. Combined with Golden Era scalloped bracing, the result is a voice that feels expansive and detailed, with strong projection and a broad frequency spectrum. Fingerstyle players, solo performers and recording artists will appreciate the instrument’s depth and responsiveness.
Pictured: Martin Shawn Mendes Signature 000-28 and 000-10E Fingerboard Inlays
The 000-10E offers a more direct and focused voice. Sapele shares some characteristics with mahogany, emphasizing strong midrange response, clear note definition and a balanced overall presentation. Martin specifically describes the model as producing a warm, balanced tone with a direct, vintage-inspired character. The satin finish further contributes to an open, immediate feel that suits strummers and singer-songwriters looking for a guitar that sits naturally beneath a vocal.
Neither approach is better—they simply serve different musical goals.
Signature Details
Some celebrity signature guitars can seem to be little more than a name on the truss rod cover. That’s not the case here.
Both Shawn Mendes models incorporate several design elements inspired by his personal instrument and aesthetic preferences. The most obvious is the custom eagle fingerboard inlay, which serves as the visual signature of the series. Both guitars also feature the distinctive faux tortoise pickguard shape and antique-toned top that evoke the appearance of a well-loved class Martin.
Pictured: Martin Shawn Mendes Signature 000-28 Soundhole Label
The premium 000-28 adds additional vintage-inspired touches, including its slotted headstock, gold Waverly side-mount tuners and numbered signed label. These appointments reinforce the model’s status as both a player’s instrument and a collector’s piece.
Meanwhile, the 000-10E focuses on practicality, adding Martin E1 electronics and a built-in tuner to make it ready for stage use right out of the case.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose the 000-10E Shawn Mendes if you’re looking for an affordable stage-ready acoustic with signature styling, balanced tone and modern convenience. Its onboard electronics, sustainable tonewoods and approachable price make it the obvious choice for working musicians, aspiring singer-songwriters and Shawn Mendes fans who actually plan to take the guitar to rehearsals and gigs.
Shop Now: Martin 000-28 Shawn Mendes Signature Acoustic Guitar
Choose the 000-28 Shawn Mendes if you want the most faithful expression of the concept. The rosewood construction, Golden Era bracing, premium appointments and limited production run elevate it into serious collector and enthusiast territory. It’s the guitar for players who appreciate vintage-inspired Martin craftsmanship and want an instrument with both musical and collectible appeal.
Shop Now: Martin 000-10E Shawn Mendes Signature Acoustic Guitar
In the end, both guitars reflect the same underlying philosophy: a comfortable small-body Martin built to support the song. Whether you gravitate toward the road-ready practicality of the 000-10E or the heirloom-quality craftsmanship of the 000-28, each model captures a different aspect of the instrument that helped shape Shawn Mendes’ approach to songwriting and performance.