{"product_id":"1997-martin-om-42ps-paul-simon-signature-615997","title":"1997 Martin OM-42PS Paul Simon Signature #212","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the intricate folk arrangements of Simon \u0026amp; Garfunkel to the rhythmic experimentation of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGraceland\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Rhythm of the Saints\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Paul Simon has consistently approached songwriting with a distinctive attention to melody, phrasing, and harmony. His influence on popular music is immense. Although best known as a songwriter and vocalist, Paul's guitar accompaniment has always been an important part of his musical identity. In 1997, C.F. Martin \u0026amp; Co. collaborated with Simon to develop a signature instrument that could accommodate the breadth of his music and guitar playing. A versatile Orchestra Model, featuring distinctive appointments and custom details, best reflected his preferences for tone, balance, and playability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduced at Winter NAMM in 1997, the OM-42PS was originally announced as a limited edition of 500 instruments, although only 223 were ultimately produced. Built around a solid quartersawn Sitka spruce top and select East Indian rosewood back and sides, the OM-42PS combines the familiar proportions of Martin's Orchestra Model with an exceptionally ornate collection of appointments. Tortoiseshell-colored binding frames the body, fingerboard, and headstock, while Style 42 abalone pearl inlays adorn the top, fingerboard, and ebony bridge. Additional details include a Style 45 pearl-inlaid headstock, vintage Waverly tuners with ivoroid buttons, and a custom Paul Simon signature inlay between the 19th and 20th frets. Each guitar carries an individually numbered interior label signed by both Paul Simon and C.F. Martin IV.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 1997 OM-42PS is #212 in the series. It has been played and enjoyed over the years, showing minor dings and signs of use throughout. There are a few small dings on the top, along with some around the back and sides; we've tried to capture the most noticeable examples in the photos. The short strip of binding at the end of the fingerboard has also come loose and is missing. Finding a suitable replacement that matches the original fingerboard binding may require some additional work, potentially through Martin, so we've left that detail for the next owner to address. The setup and playability are excellent, and a strap button has been added to the neck heel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile it is a rare and collectible guitar in its own right, this OM-42PS is an excellent player with a rich, detailed sound. It highlights the qualities that make the Orchestra Model such a versatile guitar: a comfortable body size, excellent note separation, and a balanced tonal response that works equally well for fingerstyle playing and more assertive strumming. Its long 25.4-inch scale contributes to a lively, responsive feel, while the custom neck dimensions reflect Paul's preferences. The spec sheet calls for 1-11\/16\" and 2-1\/4\" at the saddle, but we're measuring something a hair wider than that, closer to 1-23\/32\" and 2-9\/32.\" A factory-installed passive undersaddle pickup provides amplification when needed. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaul Simon's music has always been defined by the relationship between intricate arrangements and memorable melodies, and this Martin strikes a similar balance between thoughtful design and elaborate craftsmanship. A rare piece of Martin history and a thoughtful tribute to one of the most influential songwriters and guitarists of his generation. It includes its original hardshell case.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Martin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68209747984597,"sku":"1997-martin-om-42ps-paul-simon-signature-#615997","price":18999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0080\/2930\/6939\/files\/1997MartinOM-42PSPaulSimonSignature_212of500_615997_-Detail05.jpg?v=1794523058","url":"https:\/\/telluridemusiccompany.com\/products\/1997-martin-om-42ps-paul-simon-signature-615997","provider":"Telluride Music Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}