Martin Introduces Dave Matthews Signature
Model
August 24, 1999 Dave Matthews has been a dedicated fan of Martin guitars
for years. His more recent acoustic tour with guitarist Tim Reynolds incorporated
the use of several Martin instruments, in particular Dave's Vintage Series Martin
Dreadnought and Tim's special effects enhanced D-35.
In honor of Dave Matthews's significant contribution to acoustic music, the
Martin Guitar Company is proud to introduce the DM3MD Dave Matthews Limited Edition
Signature Model.
Designed in collaboration with Dave Matthews's, the DM3MD (Dave Matthews 3-Piece-Back
Martin Dreadnought) blends Dave's favorite aspects of several Martin models. The
most immediate and striking visual aspect of this guitar is the use of dyed red
wood fiber in the inlay lines of the binding and rosette. In addition, the selection
of the naturally crimson colored African padauk for the center wedge of the 3-piece
back provides a bold contrast to solid East Indian rosewood, which is selected
for the bookmatched sides and the "wings" of the back. Two Style 45
multi-colored mosaic inlay strips demarcate the seams of the 3 piece back.
The Engelmann spruce top, prized for its powerfully projective and open tone,
is supported with carefully scalloped braces for maximum vibration of the soundboard.
The rosette is inlaid with highly colorful abalone pearl, though selected black
inlay lines have been replaced with red.
Around the perimeter of the soundboard, an antique half-herringbone "rope"
wood marquetry is bordered in red and edge-bound with grained ivoroid. The top
is appropriately tinted with Martin "vintage toner" which lends a golden aged
look to the otherwise pure white soundboard. The body is lacquered and polished
to a high gloss finish.
The satin lacquered neck combines Martin's sleek low profile with a slight
V-shape, yielding a fast and comfortable playability. The genuine ebony fingerboard
bears vintage style abalone inlaid diamond and square fret position markers, and
Dave Matthews's signature is tastefully inlaid in pearl between the 19th and 20th
frets. The polished headstock is solid, squared, and tapered in the vintage style,
but the more modern gold foil logo has been chosen for its boldness. The unusual
3 piece headplate is inspired by the prior 1995 D-35 Limited Edition 30th Anniversary
model, except that this version has a center wedge of African padauk to perfectly
complement the contrasting design of the 3-piece back.
Tonally, this guitar is ideal for the type of aggressive acoustic rhythm guitar
style that Dave Matthews has come to exemplify. A special molded hardshell case
with customized black hardware is included with each Dave Matthews Signature Edition
guitar. A Martin/Fishman pickup system, or a 1935 Sunburst top finish are optional
at an additional cost.
The interior label of each DM3MD will be personally signed by Dave Matthews
and Martin Chairman and CEO C.F. Martin, IV. No more than 234 instruments will
be offered in this limited edition. Each instrument will be numbered in sequence
with the edition total (i.e. 1 of 234, 2 of 234, etc.). A portion of the proceeds
from the sale of each Dave Matthews Signature Edition guitar will be donated to
The Jerome Horton Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit charitable organization whose
mission it is to raise awareness of the need for community responses to prevent
youth suicide.
Martin dealers will take orders for the DM3MD immediately although the guitar
will not begin to appear in stores until the early months of 2000. For more information, visit Martin at http://www.mguitar.com/ | 
