Martin Presents The D-35 Johnny Cash Commemorative

Jul 14, 2006

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When he died on September 12, 2003 at age 71, Johnny Cash passed from icon to legend. In a singular career that spanned six decades, more than 1,500 songs, 48 hit singles and 11 Grammy awards, the "Man in Black" showed unique power and passion in his music. Even today, with the success of the movie "Walk the Line," the musical "Ring of Fire" on Broadway and the huge success of the five albums he recorded in the last decade of his life, it is clear Johnny Cash matters, and no artist could wish for a better legacy.

C.F. Martin produced a total of 80 black D-42JC Johnny Cash Signature Model guitars in 1997, #1 of which Cash played for the rest of his life, except for a short period when it went back to Nazareth for repairs after an onstage mishap. But for years prior to the arrival of his D-42JC, Johnny Cash's favorite Martin was a D-35 Custom, his - and Martin's - first with an original polished black finish. It was this guitar that Cash played on stage for nearly 20 years. Now Martin pays tribute to Johnny Cash with a close facsimile of that instrument: the D-35 Johnny Cash Commemorative.

The D-35 Johnny Cash Commemorative's polished black gloss lacquer finish allows its appointments to shine. Because it's a Martin, the D-35 Johnny Cash Commemorative sounds as good as it looks. Combining an Engelmann spruce top with back and sides of East Indian rosewood add warmth and projection. The neck is carved from genuine mahogany and a polished and beveled black - of course - pickguard protects the top. Johnny Cash's signature in pearl appears between the 19th and 20th frets.

This black guitar deserves a black case, specifically a Geib™ style case with special black hardware and a black interior. The D-35 Johnny Cash Commemorative may be ordered as a left-handed instrument at no additional charge: factory-installed electronics are optional. The D-35 Johnny Cash Commemorative guitar comes with a special interior label in tribute to the "Man in Black," each personally signed by Cash's son, John Carter Cash and Martin Chairman C.F. Martin IV, and numbered in sequence.

For more information, visit their web site at www.martinguitar.com.