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Martin Custom Shop J-40 Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides 1993 - $9,750 (Oak Harbor)
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This is not just another Martin. This is a time-capsule piece from the Custom Shop, built in 1993 with tonewoods and appointments that you simply cannot order today without spending a small fortune.
At its heart, this J-40 features hand-selected Brazilian rosewood back and sides, one of the rarest and most coveted tonewoods on earth. Brazilian has long been regarded as the holy grail of acoustic guitar tone: deep, rich lows, crystalline highs, and an unmistakable harmonic bloom that only this species can deliver. Every strum has a piano-like depth, and every note hangs in the air with authority. Today, if you spec Brazilian rosewood on a new Martin, it’s a $25,000 upcharge before you even consider the rest of the build.
The top is select Sitka spruce, paired with scalloped 5/16" bracing for projection and responsiveness. The sunburst finish (a Custom Shop request) gives it a vintage-era elegance, setting it apart visually from standard models. The abalone rosette, tortoise binding, snowflake fingerboard inlays, and abalone scroll inlay on the bridge add just the right amount of custom flair.
Playability matches the looks: a comfortable low-profile neck with a 1 7/8" nut and 2 5/16" string spacing at the bridge makes this guitar perfect for both flatpicking and fingerstyle work. The neck feels broken-in and inviting, and the balance of the J-40 body offers power without sacrificing clarity.
Other highlights include:
Ebony fingerboard & bridge
Ebony “island scroll” inlay on the bridge
Gold Martin tuners with large ebony buttons
Tortoise pickguard & binding
Polished Brazilian back & sides with center strip purfling
Original hardshell case (OHSC) included
This instrument isn’t just a guitar – it’s a piece of Martin history. Built before Brazilian rosewood was nearly unobtainable, it represents the kind of craftsmanship and materials that define “once in a lifetime” guitars.
Whether you’re a collector chasing the pinnacle of Martin Custom Shop acoustics, or a serious player who wants a guitar that will outlive you and only sound better with time, this J-40 delivers.