C.F. Martin & Co Team with Ed Sheeran to Release Artist Signature Edition

C.F. Martin & Co Team with Ed Sheeran to ReleaseArtist Signature Edition -

C.F. Martin & Co.is gearing up for an exciting summer music season with theannouncement of their newest Artist Signature Edition from theCustom Shop - the LX1E Ed Sheeran Signature Edition! 

Designed in collaboration with the Grammy-nominated,multi-platinum singer-songwriter, and brand ambassador, the LX1E EdSheeran Signature Edition features Ed's personal artistic detailson the headstock, including his signature fluorescent orange "+"plus sign and "est. 1991", which represents the name of hisplatinum-selling album and year Sheeran was born respectively.  Additionally, the "+" plus sign logo is laser-etched on thesolid sapele top, which signifies the title of his platinum-sellingdebut album.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of thismodel will be donated to East Anglia's Children's Hospices(www.each.org.uk ), a UK-based charity Sheeran supports and ispassionate about.  The organization, whose Royal Patron is TheDuchess of Cambridge, supports families and cares for youngchildren and young people with life-threatening conditions andprovides services across several UK counties, including Suffolk,where Sheeran was raised.

"It was a huge privilege to have the opportunity to collaboratewith Martin Guitar," said Ed Sheeran.  "I have been a fan ofMartin since I started playing guitar and songwriting, and I amhonored to have a Signature Edition that bears my own personalimprint.  All of the royalties from every purchase from mySignature Edition will go to the East Anglia Children's Hospices. Ican't wait to get on stage and perform with it for my fans - I hopethey enjoy my new Martin as much as I do!"

"We are so proud to have such a prolific and credible artist asEd Sheeran join the Martin Guitar family," said Amani Duncan, VicePresident of Brand Marketing for Martin.  "One of ourmarketing objectives at Martin is to spread our dynamic culture,history and brand to new consumers worldwide and Ed is the perfectAmbassador to help us achieve this.  We cannot wait to presentour latest collaborative Artist Signature Edition to his fans andours across the world this summer."

"We're absolutely delighted that each will benefit from thesales of this special guitar and we'd like to thank Ed, C.F. Martin& Co, and absolutely everyone involved in the project," saidGraham Butland, EACH Chief Executive. "Not only will the guitarraise much-needed funds for the charity, but will also greatlyraise the profile of EACH and the vital care and support we provideto life-threatened children and their families." 

The LX1E has been Ed Sheeran's guitar of choice since his earlyteens. In the span of just two years, Sheeran's career hascatapulted him from a rising star in his native UK, where he wasnominated in 2012 for multiple music awards and won two Britawards, to global success including a massive fan base and criticalacclaim in the US.  Sheeran and his favorite LX1E Martinguitar have also graced prestigious stages worldwide, from theLondon Summer Olympics opening ceremony in 2012 to the 2013 GrammyAwards, teaming up with Sir Elton John. 

Following an industry unveiling at Summer NAMM on July 11, EdSheeran will unveil his LX1E Ed Sheeran Signature Edition to hisU.S. fan base when he performs on the TODAY SHOW Summer Concertseries on Friday July 12.  Fans can catch Sheeran and his newMartin model on the road through the end of 2013 with tour mateTaylor Swift.