For the first time in Martin's 164 year history, two special CEO's Choice Limited Edition Guitars, the CEO-1 and CEO-1R will be offered for sale for one year only. CEO Chris Martin IV, a sixth generation Martin to head the company, has personally selected the specifications and features for these two guitars. To meet Chris Martin's high tonal expectations, solid woods have been chosen for both models. The CEO-1 uses mahogany for the back and sides while the CEO-1R uses east Indian rosewood for a warm bass response.

Features common to both models include abalone pearl rosette and a fine herringbone top trim. The back inlay strip is style 45 multi-colored mosaic and the guitars are trimmed with N-20 style black bindings with white side inlays. Both the CEO-1 and CEO-1R have scalloped hybrid "A-frame" bracing. The solid mahogany neck is low oval profile with an adjustable truss rod. East Indian rosewood is used for the headplate and the fingerboard is ebony with hollow hexagon outline inlays.

The tuners are gold enclosed with large ebony buttons. The body is finished in polished gloss lacquer while aging toner is used on the top. The neck finish is satin cross-link and all mahogany components are finished with maple stain with dark filler. Each guitar also comes with a #555 series Tweed dreadnought hardshell case.