Ed Sheeran's Main Guitar: The Martin Ed Sheeran Divide

Ed Sheeran plays a Martin Ed Sheeran Divide, a custom acoustic guitar built specifically for him by C.F. Martin & Company. This is his primary instrument for recording and live performance. The guitar is a smaller-bodied model, which suits his playing style and the intimate sound he creates in both studio and concert settings.

The Martin Divide is not a standard off-the-shelf model you can walk into a store and buy. It was designed in collaboration with Sheeran and Martin's engineers to meet his exact specifications. The guitar features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a narrower body than Martin's traditional dreadnought designs. This smaller frame makes it easier to play while sitting or standing, and it produces a brighter, more focused tone than larger acoustic guitars.

Sheeran has used this guitar model since around 2015 and continues to rely on it as his signature instrument. The partnership between Sheeran and Martin resulted in an official signature model that became available to the public, though the exact specifications of his personal instruments may differ slightly from the production versions.

Key Takeaways

  • Ed Sheeran's primary guitar is a custom Martin Ed Sheeran Divide, a smaller-bodied acoustic model designed specifically for his playing style.
  • The guitar features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, producing a brighter tone than larger dreadnought models.
  • Sheeran chose a smaller body size because it works better for his sitting and standing performance style and creates the intimate sound his music requires.
  • Martin offers a signature Ed Sheeran Divide model for purchase, though his personal instruments are custom-built to his exact specifications.
  • He has used Martin guitars as his main instrument since the mid-2010s and has remained loyal to the brand throughout his career.

Why Sheeran Chose a Smaller Body Size

Most professional acoustic guitarists play full-sized dreadnought guitars, which have a larger body and deeper, more resonant bass. Sheeran deliberately chose a smaller body because his music and performance style demand something different. His songs rely on fingerpicking patterns and layered vocal melodies rather than heavy strumming, so he needed an instrument that would sit well in a mix without overpowering his voice.

The smaller body also makes a practical difference on stage. Sheeran often performs while seated or in close proximity to a microphone, and a smaller guitar is less cumbersome in those positions. The narrower frame also allows for faster hand movement across the strings, which matters when you are executing complex fingerpicking patterns night after night.

In the studio, the smaller body produces a tone that records cleanly without excessive low-end rumble. This gives producers more flexibility when mixing his vocals and other instruments. The brighter, more articulate sound of the Divide works well with the production style Sheeran favors—layered loops, electronic elements, and vocal harmonies.

Martin's Partnership with Ed Sheeran

C.F. Martin & Company, one of the oldest and most respected acoustic guitar manufacturers in the world, entered into a partnership with Sheeran to create his signature model. This kind of collaboration is common among major guitar brands and successful musicians—the artist gets an instrument tailored to their needs, and the manufacturer gains visibility and credibility.

The Martin Ed Sheeran Divide became available for public purchase, making it possible for fans and players to own a guitar modeled on his specifications. However, the signature model sold to the public is not identical to the instruments Sheeran uses personally. His touring and recording guitars are hand-built with additional customization, premium materials, and setup work that goes beyond the production version.

The partnership has remained stable over several years, which is notable in an industry where endorsement deals sometimes shift. Sheeran's continued use of Martin guitars in high-profile performances and recordings serves as ongoing validation of the brand's quality and his personal satisfaction with the instruments.

Other Guitars in Sheeran's Collection

While the Martin Divide is his primary instrument, Sheeran owns and uses other guitars depending on the context. He has been photographed with various Martin models, including larger dreadnoughts for certain recording sessions where a deeper tone was needed. Professional musicians typically maintain a collection of instruments because different songs and settings call for different sounds.

Sheeran has also used electric guitars in studio work and live arrangements, though these are less prominent in his public image. His acoustic guitar is the instrument most associated with his brand and his songwriting process. Many of his most recognizable songs were written and first recorded on an acoustic guitar, which reinforces the importance of that instrument to his identity as an artist.

The specific guitars used on particular albums or tours can vary, but the Martin Divide remains his go-to instrument. If you watch live performances or behind-the-scenes studio footage, you will see him returning to this model repeatedly across different eras of his career.

How the Martin Divide Compares to Other Acoustic Guitars

The Martin Divide sits in a category between a full-sized dreadnought and a classical guitar. It is larger than a travel or parlor guitar but noticeably smaller than the standard Martin D-28 or D-35 models that many folk and country musicians favor. This middle ground is sometimes called a "grand auditorium" or "orchestra" size, though Martin uses the term "Divide" for Sheeran's model.

Compared to a dreadnought, the Divide produces less bass and volume but more clarity and articulation. Compared to a classical guitar, it has a brighter, more modern tone and is strung with steel strings rather than nylon. The trade-off is that it does not project as far in a large room without amplification, which is why Sheeran uses a microphone and pickup system when performing live.

For a player who wants Sheeran's tone and feel, the Martin Ed Sheeran Divide signature model is available at guitar retailers and online. Prices vary depending on the specific version and materials, but signature models from major manufacturers typically cost between $500 and $1,500. This is a significant investment, but it is considerably less than a fully custom instrument built by hand at the Martin factory.

The Role of Amplification and Pickup Systems

A smaller acoustic guitar needs help to be heard in a concert venue or large studio. Sheeran uses a pickup system built into his Martin Divide—a device that captures the vibrations of the strings and body and sends them to an amplifier or mixing console. This allows the guitar's natural tone to be preserved while reaching an audience of thousands.

The pickup system is not visible from the audience's perspective, but it is essential to how Sheeran's live sound is created. Without it, a smaller acoustic guitar would sound thin and distant in a large room. With it, the guitar maintains its character and warmth while being loud enough to compete with drums, bass, and other instruments in a full band arrangement.

In the studio, the guitar is typically recorded with a microphone placed in front of the body, sometimes combined with a direct line from the pickup. This gives the engineer options during mixing and allows for the most natural reproduction of the instrument's sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy the exact same guitar Ed Sheeran uses?

You can buy the Martin Ed Sheeran Divide signature model, which is based on his specifications and available through guitar retailers. However, his personal touring and recording guitars are custom-built at the Martin factory with hand-selected materials and additional setup work. The signature model is a professional-quality instrument, but not identical to what he plays.

How much does the Martin Ed Sheeran Divide cost?

Prices for the signature model typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the specific version and where you purchase it. This is a mid-to-high-end acoustic guitar price. Used models sometimes appear on the secondhand market at lower prices. Prices vary by retailer and region.

Why does Ed Sheeran use such a small guitar?

The smaller body size works better for his fingerpicking style, his seated performance position, and the intimate vocal-focused sound his music requires. A smaller guitar also produces a brighter tone that sits well in a mix without overpowering his voice. It is a deliberate choice based on his musical needs, not a limitation.

Does Ed Sheeran use electric guitars?

Yes, he uses electric guitars in studio work and some live arrangements, but the acoustic Martin Divide is his primary and most recognizable instrument. Most of his signature songs were written and recorded on acoustic guitar, which is why that instrument is most associated with his image.

What strings does Ed Sheeran use on his guitar?

Sheeran uses steel-string acoustic guitar strings, which is standard for the Martin Divide. The specific gauge and brand may vary, but professional players typically use medium-gauge strings on guitars this size. String choice affects tone and playability, and different players prefer different feels.