2002 Martin OM-42 Deluxe Custom
Serial # 847208. This guitar began its life as a standard Martin OM-42: top-grade Indian rosewood and Sitka spruce, scalloped braces, long scale, 1-3/4" nut, pearl bordered top and fingerboard extension, and -- most importantly -- big OM tone. It was then sent to Dave Nichols in upstate New York for some heavy duty customization: Dave replaced the original head veneer with a choice piece of Brazilian rosewood which he expertly inlayed and bordered with abalone and pearl, and bound with ivoroid to match the fingerboard. The fingerboard received new inlays, as did the bridge wings. Further, the bridge was slotted for a through-saddle, the nut, saddle, were replaced with bone, the pins with fossil walrus ivory, and the tuners swapped out for engraved gold Waverlys. Finally, the stock Martin pickguard was replaced with an OM-45 Deluxe style replacement, again hand inlayed by Dave in attractive celluloid. All told, a very labour intensive and expensive customization. The guitar's dramatic looks compliment its fine tone, appropriately enough. This is a wide-open OM, with depth, darkness, and rich overtones. A mature and complex tone. And a fingerstylist's dream. Nicely set up, and in excellent condition. Frets show some very light devoting, but are in very good shape.
With Geib style Martin hard shell case