This Martin Custom Signature D-35 was designed by Seth Avett of The Avett Brothers, and it gives the classic 1965 three-piece back a striking new twist: a wedge of flamed koa set between East Indian rosewood, under a responsive European spruce top. Built in 2018 and in excellent condition, this is a dreadnought with real character.

Seth Avett has leaned on Martin D-35s for the better part of a decade, playing them across hundreds of shows and album after album with The Avett Brothers. When Martin invited him to shape his own signature model, he built it around the very guitar he knows best. The D-35 first appeared in 1965 and made its name with its distinctive three-piece back, and this custom edition honours that heritage while adding Seth's personal touch.

The tonewoods are the heart of this guitar. A solid European spruce top delivers the drive and clarity, while the back and sides of solid East Indian rosewood bring depth and a rich spread of overtones. In place of the usual rosewood centre strip sits a wedge of flamed koa: a beautiful and unexpected take on the traditional three-piece back. It is finished with grained ivoroid binding, herringbone purfling and a matching rosette, a black pickguard, and an ebony fingerboard and bridge. The mahogany neck carries copper snowflake inlays, a nod to Seth's solo work, and a comfortable Performing Artist profile.

Together, these woods give the guitar a classic dreadnought voice with plenty of headroom: the European spruce keeps the top end open and articulate, while the rosewood adds warmth and a long, singing sustain. The built-in Fishman Gold Plus Natural I means it is ready for the stage as well as the living room. Aside from some of the usual light playing marks on the body and top and a very small ding on the headstock, this guitar still looks remarkably clean and is in excellent condition.

This guitar has been carefully inspected for condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.