1997 Martin Paul Simon OM-42PS Signature Model Limited Edition, Signed lable
Here we have a very rare, number 165 of only 500 made, although it has been said that Martin actually made fewer than 300 of these first edition P.S. guitars when production finally ceased. These Martin OM-42PS "Paul Simon" were built to Pauls's specifications based on the timeless Orchestra Model style. It needed to be an instrument that he could use on stage and in the studio. The interior sound hole label is signed by Paul Simon and Chris Martin IV. Sitka Spruce top and Indian Rosewood back and sides and a Mahogany neck with an Ebony fingerboard. Style 45 pearl inlaid C. F. Martin headstock is bound in tortoise and fitted with the highest quality vintage style Waverly nickel-plated open-geared tuning machines with ivoroid buttons. A genuine ebony tortoise-bound fingerboard features the original Style 42 snowflake pattern in abalone pearl, with Paul Simon's signature delicately inlaid in mother of pearl between the 19th and 20th frets.
This guitar has been known to us from new (we imported it for the customer originally) and it is a one-owner guitar, It had its top re-finished back in the late 1990s by Dave Dearnaley, due to a small finish issue that was common on some Martin guitars around this time. It has now aged nicely and the guitar has a rich full balanced tone that has "opened up" as the years have passed. It has some light marks and dings, signs of use, and some marks on the back of the neck which we have pictured. The frets and fingerboard are very good with plenty of life left in them. It also benefits from a Fishman under-saddle pickup.
From the original press release for this guitar: "C. F. Martin & Co. is proud to announce a major collaboration with Paul Simon, one of the most significant recording artists of our time. The OM-42PS Paul Simon Limited Edition Guitar will be available only from Martin dealers throughout the world. The edition will be limited to just 500 guitars, each numbered in sequence and personally signed by Paul Simon and C. F. Martin, IV, Martin's chairman and CEO.
Following an initial meeting to discuss limited edition possibilities with Martin's Artist Relations Manager Dick Boak, Paul and his son Harper (also a great guitarist) traveled to Martin's headquarters in Nazareth, PA, to try out a variety of Martin guitar sizes, shapes and styles. After several hours, Paul zeroed in on two, the 0000 (Grand Auditorium) and OM (Orchestra Model). Martin built four prototypes for Paul to try, two in each size. He paid particular attention to the neck, opting for a custom variation of the wider OM neck width. With respect to appointments, Paul felt that as a limited edition or collectible, the model should be ornate but tasteful, easy to amplify, and suitable for use on stage and in the studio. The edition size (five hundred) was taken from "Suite 500," Simon's office in the classic Brill Building in Manhattan.
Sold with the original Martin hard case which is also used, it has a repaired carry handle and a broken latch.
• UK Delivery: Next Working Day (Please allow 2-3 days to prepare for dispatch). • International Delivery: Please contact us if not advertised. • Viewing / Collection: By appointment - Please contact us to arrange.
