Martin SS-GP42-15 NAMM Show Limited 42 style Grand Performance Tree Of Life Hide Glue Fishman Aura

Martin SS-GP42-15 NAMM Show Limited

A show-stopping Grand Performance sized Martin, just one of 50 made for the winter NAMM show in 2015. 42-style abalone trim, along with a tree of life inlay in the fretboard and headstock. Also of note, it features a European spruce top, hide glue construction and a squared-off headstock.

Specs / Measurements

• 2015 NAMM Show one of 50
• VTS Euro Spruce / Koa (w/ Madagascar rosewood back wedge)
• Forward-shifted X
• Madagascar rosewood binding on body, neck, headstock
• Madagascar rosewood headplate
• 42-style abalone trim
• Toasted Burst finish
• Hide-glue construction
• Squared-off headstock
• ~1.75” nut
• ~25.4” string length
• ~2.2” string spacing at saddle
• Schaller Grandtune tuners
• Fishman Aura pickup
• Original Martin-branded hard case

Condition / Setup Notes

Excellent; The guitar is nearly spotless in terms of surface wear, and is in very clean condition save a small indentation in the top lower bass side bout (pictured). There is a series of finish checks below the bridge that are hard to spot unless viewed from an extreme angle in bright light. The last pictures show them, and also from the opposite angle how they essentially disappear. It is subtle enough that it wasn’t noticed until photography. It also had binding repair done by Martin themselves; they did a great job, one would be hard pressed to know where exactly, and any traces would be easily considered as normal aging. They sent it back with a fresh set up and clean bill of health. It has a low string height, just below 5/64”-4/64”, just a touch of relief, and is playing nicely.

***

A lot of great specs come together on this one. The inlays steal the show, but perhaps not so obvious is the squared-off headstock with sharper corners. It’s nice to see that, and not the most common thing with Martin. A full tree of life inlay that extends into the headstock would be the main attraction, but it blends then so nicely into a 42-style top inlay. The burst compliments it all nicely. It’s a tonal beauty to behold also, and the combination of aged European spruce top with a forward shifted X makes for a satisfying playing experience. A scarce limited edition also, with only 50 made.

Thanks for looking, any questions please feel free.