Martin 000-42VS Custom Shop Limited
2011 Martin 000-42VS Custom Shop Limited
One of my favorite Martin encounters, this guitar is from a fairly limited run of custom shop (stamped custom shop on heel, and I believe just one of ten) instruments made for Guitar Center. Aside from its rarity, it features a collection of specs that are unique and appealing for Martin: a highly figured set of koa back and sides, quilted bubinga binding, and my favorite detail, a squared off headstock with abalone logo. Also worth noting is that hide glue was used to attach the bridge, braces, neck, and the top and back.
Specs / Measurements
2011
Engelmann Spruce (“premium”) / Koa (“highly figured”)
Quilted bubinga binding
~1.81” nut
~25.5” string length
~2.33” string spacing at saddle
1933 Burst
42-style green paua trim
Strike-through pyramid bridge
Hide glue construction
Squared off headstock with green paua logo inlay
Mammoth ivory bridge pins
Sloane “leaf” bronze tuners with ivoroid buttons
K and K pickup installed
Original hard case, form fitted. Includes COA
Condition / Setup Notes
The guitar remains in excellent condition(-) condition over all. It retains its overall luster, but in raking light there are various impressions and worming that can be found. Just the slightest hints of fret wear on lower positions at the B string. The saddle has a good height, and string height of about ~6/64”-4/64” and light relief. A great fingerstyle instrument.
***
This is such a thoughtfully designed guitar from the viewpoint of aesthetics, construction, and sound. It has a visual cohesiveness from the material choices; the 1933 burst, wood binding, and koa establish an overall color palette that is offset so strikingly by the colorful green paua borders. Sonically, a pairing of hide glue construction with an Engelmann top delights. To me it has a woody, dry sound with an immediacy of attack. A gem from the Martin Custom Shop, and a good example of why the company remains a giant in the industry even today.
$8500
Thanks for looking, any questions please feel free to get in touch.
This instrument ships for free via UPS Ground.