Two titans of modern blues-rock, Dom Martin and Blue Nation, have joined forces to create “The Blue Martin”, a unique custom-built guitar that one lucky fan will win ahead of their 2025 co-headline tour. To be eligible to win, qualifying tickets must be purchased before midnight on Monday, October 27, 2025.
You can watch the making of “The Blue Martin” below!
This one-of-a-kind instrument is a testament to the collaborative vision of Birmingham’s melodic blues-rock trio, Blue Nation, and multi-award-winning Irish guitarist, Dom Martin. The project received expert support from James’ Home of Tone and House of Tone Pickups.
Every component of “The Blue Martin” tells a story:
- Heritage in the neck – The neck, carved from the same wood favoured by Blue Nation’s bassist Luke Weston, embodies the soul of countless live performances.
- House of Tone pickup – At the guitar’s core is the exact pickup that defines Dom Martin’s distinctive sound, offering what is described as the most authentic PAF tone available.
- Gibson-style electronics – Wired to the same specifications as Neil Murdoch’s Les Paul Custom, the electronics deliver a classic feel with modern reliability.
- Body with history – Generously donated by Jason of The Guitar Show, the body mirrors the shape of drummer Nick Sharman’s first guitar, as well as those of Dom Martin and Neil Murdoch, blending nostalgia with a retro relic finish. This lovingly aged 60s/70s vibe pays homage to the legends who continue to inspire both bands.
- Artistry by Jessica Rose – A stunning visual fusion of Blue Nation’s paisley motif and Dom Martin’s Celtic mysticism.
- Lacquer by Fenton Guitar Works – Fenton Guitar Works applied a custom lacquer to preserve and enhance Jessica Rose’s intricate design.
- Hardware with purpose – Each piece was carefully selected by both bands for its perfect balance of style, comfort, and sonic punch.
Neil Murdoch, Blue Nation’s singer and guitarist, commented, “The Blue Martin is more than a guitar, it’s the sound of both bands’ obsession to bring the audience something more. From James’ Home of Tone, who hunted down every perfect part and shaped a neck that sings, to Matt at House of Tone, whose TruPAF pickup gives us that award-winning, soul-stirring bite. Jason at The Guitar Show gifted the body, Fenton Guitar Works sealed it in a flawless lacquer, and Jessica Rose spent fifteen inspired hours weaving Blue Nation’s paisley swagger with Dom Martin’s Celtic fire. Together we’ve built a one-of-one instrument that feels alive in your hands – heritage in the wood, magic in the wiring and the spirit of every friend who helped along the way.”
The unveiling of “The Blue Martin” serves as a perfect prelude to the duo’s 2025 co-headline tour across the UK and Ireland. Following a successful 2024 run where Blue Nation supported Dom Martin, the two acts now return to the stage as equal partners.
Dom Martin reflected on their connection: “We booked Blue Nation as support in 2024 not knowing what to expect, but we clicked instantly. Their music is powerful, their lyrics thoughtful, and beyond that, they’re great people. Sharing a stage with them feels special. This tour is going to be unforgettable.”
Blue Nation echoed the sentiment: “Our last tour with Dom went so well, we had to do it again! There’s a rare chemistry between us on and off stage, and these shows will deliver a night to remember – plus a few surprises.”
The tour is set to kick off on November 1st in Cork and will conclude on November 28th in Belfast.
Dom Martin & Blue Nation co-headline tour dates:
- Nov 1 – Cork, Crane Lane Theatre
- Nov 2 – Dublin, Whelans
- Nov 14 – Glasgow, St Lukes
- Nov 15 – Newcastle, The Cluny
- Nov 16 – York, Crescents Arts
- Nov 17 – Manchester, Carole Nash Hall
- Nov 18 – Chester, Live Rooms
- Nov 20 – Bristol, The Fleece
- Nov 22 – Fleet, The Harlington
- Nov 25 – London, 100 Club, Tuesday Blues
- Nov 26 – Liverpool, The Cavern
- Nov 28 – Belfast, The Black Box
Classic Rock Magazine has lauded Blue Nation as “a blues-rock force to be reckoned with, their attention to song craft and dynamics is a cut above much of the competition,” while proclaiming Dom Martin a “sprawling talent.”
With such reputations and a legendary guitar to celebrate, their 2025 tour promises to be the blues-rock event of the year.
This is more than a guitar; it’s a singular piece of musical history, a 1-of-1 creation that will never be replicated. Two bands, one vision, an everlasting mark on the world of music. One lucky player will own the legend. Will you be the one to claim The Blue Martin?
For your chance to win “The Blue Martin”, purchase a ticket to one of the shows now to be entered into the competition. One lucky winner will be presented with the guitar at one of the shows. (Qualifying tickets must be purchased before midnight on Monday, October 27, 2025).
Dom Martin: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | spotify | tiktok | youtube
Blue Nation: official | facebook | instagram | threads | bluesky | spotify | tiktok | youtube
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