1997 Martin Johnny Cash Prototype

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When the Martin company introduced a Johnny Cash signature guitar in 1997, Cash got #1 of the limited run of 200. When that guitar was damaged, Cash sent it back to Martin. The company had held back two prototypes of the D-42JC, and rather than have their artist play a busted-up repaired guitar, Martin shipped Prototype #1 to Cash, and this was the guitar he played in his later years.

The D-42JC features a black finish - nothing else would be appropriate for the Man in Black - along with the abalone trim of a Martin's Style 42, plus a three-piece rosewood back with fancy marquetry between pieces.

This instrument (inv. #AA6928) is in Excellent condition. With documentation and an early-70s Martin hardshell case, it is offered at $175,000

This instrument is SOLD

For further enjoyment...

Close of body
End of fingerboard
Full fingerboard
Headstock
Back of headstock
Back of neck
Full back view
Back of body
Cash with guitar (from the book Cash by the editors of Rolling Stone
Cash with guitar (photo by Laura Cash)