1997 Martin Paul Simon OM-42 Limited Edition Signature Model OM-42PS, Collector-Grade, Signed w/ Case

Up for sale, a 1997 Martin Paul Simon OM-42PS in showroom clean, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. A signature model befitting one of the most heralded songwriters of the 20th century, this OM-42PS is one of just 223 produced (from a curtailed production run originally slated for 500 instruments); the OM-42PS is widely considered one of the finest limited run Martin Signature models ever produced, leading to a long series of collaborations between Martin and Simon.

While the OM-42 was initially only available in 1930, the OM-42PS heralded its reintroduction into Martin's lineup, albeit in an extremely limited fashion, faithfully replicating the upscale feature set of its Pre-War forebearer. Designed in direct collaboration with Paul Simon, this OM features a 1 11/16" nut width and more slender neck carve than a model from '30, spec'd as such for effortless playability. Tonewoods include select grade East Indian rosewood back and sides, paired with a bookmatched, quartersawn Sitka spruce top with hand-scalloped bracing, and a fingerboard and bridge crafted from ebony. Other premium touches include abalone purfling and rosette, snowflake inlays, and Waverly tuning machines.

The top is fantastically relaxed and open, and sound absolutely leaps from this instrument (thanks in part to the bracing and the longer 25.4” scale length). It’s a particularly lively and dynamic instrument to play, and there’s an overarching balanced, sweet quality to the sound, with a treble register that offers a sparkling, round tone, while the wound strings deliver a full-bodied response with a higher volume ceiling than a 000. And, of course, the dimensions of an OM are ideal for voicing the fingerpicked passages central to Paul Simon's catalog. Weighing 3lbs 15oz, this Paul Simon OM-42PS benefits from a professional setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and easy-playing action.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Mahogany
• Shape: Low Profile, measuring .845” 1st fret, .880” 9th fret
• Fretboard: Ebony, abalone Style 42 snowflake inlays, tortoise binding
• Frets: Slender, no wear
• Scale Length: 25.4”
• Nut: 1 11/16”, bone
• Headstock: Vertical “C.F. Martin” logo inlay, diamond volute
• Tuners: Waverly open-gear, grained ivoroid buttons

Body Specs:

• Wood: Sitka Spruce (quartersawn), East Indian Rosewood
• Bracing: X, 1/4“, hand-scalloped
• Bridge: Ebony belly, bone saddle, snowflake inlays
• Pickguard: Tortoise
• Serialization: Stamp on neck block dates to ‘97
• Label: Signed by Paul Simon and C.F. Martin IV, #6 of 500
• Marquetry: Style 42 abalone rosette, abalone purfling, black Boltaron binding

The top features Martin’s aging toner, and there’s barely a mark on the gloss nitro lacquer finish aside from a few faint finish scratches. The neck profile is clean and smooth.

The original hardshell case is included.