This Martin Custom Shop 00-12 Fret is a stunning and heartfelt tribute to a beloved and talented master builder at Martin Guitars who passed away from cancer. Built after October 2020, this guitar is extremely rare using African Pink Ivory - a tone wood ”rarer than diamonds.” It incorporates personal and rare elements that make it an extraordinary instrument in both tone and legacy.

Pink Ivory was used here as a tribute, appearing throughout the binding, purfling, and rosette.

Specifications:

• Body Style: 00-12 Fret
• Build Date: After October 6, 2020
• Top Wood: Italian Alpine Spruce (Grade 3–4) – Lively, nuanced, and dynamic
• Back & Sides: Highly figured Claro Walnut – beautiful grain, warm and clear voice
• Bracing: Sitka Spruce / Scalloped 1/4”, Pattern 190A – lightweight and highly responsive
• Rosette: B/M/B with .064” Pink Ivory and .100” Mother of Pearl Diamonds
• Top & Back Binding: Pink Ivory – incredibly rare, used internally at Martin
• Purfling: 1/8” Pink Ivory with B/M/B, mitered into the back inlay
• Back Panels: Two-piece Claro Walnut with matching mitered inlay
• Side Inlay & Endpiece Inlay: .042” B/M/B Fiber
• Pickguard: None – allowing the beauty of the Alpine Spruce top to shine

Condition:

Very Good. This guitar has been well cared for with only light finish swirling and one small area on the lower side where the finish appears slightly different. Frets are excellent with no notable wear.

Minor bubbling near the binding (cosmetic only)

Light wear on headstock – see photos

Smells like cinnamon – seriously, it has a naturally sweet and woody aroma

Why It’s Special:

This guitar represents the best of Martin’s Custom Shop: rare tonewoods, tasteful appointments, and a meaningful story. It’s an ultra-limited instrument that not only plays beautifully, but honors the legacy of someone who helped build Martin’s reputation for excellence. The use of Pink Ivory adds to its collectibility — and its soul.

Ships in the original Martin Custom Shop hard shell case.