Music

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 / Measurements2011Engelmann Spruce (“premium”) / Koa (“highly figured”)Quilted bubinga binding~1.81” nut~25.5” string length~2.33” string spacing at saddle1933 Burst42-style green paua trimStrike-through pyramid bridgeHide glue constructionSquared off headstock with green paua logo inlayMammoth ivory bridge pinsSloane “leaf” bronze tuners with ivoroid buttonsK and K pickup installedOriginal hard case, form fitted. Includes COACondition / Setup NotesThe guitar remains in great shape 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. Thanks for looking, higher quality pictures are available at essentialguitars.com. Stock updates on Instagram @essentialguitarsny