John Mayer Receives Signature Martin OM Guitar
 July 24, 2003
For much of his career, Mayer has depended on Martin guitars both on stage and in the studio. His
personal arsenal includes an OM-42, a 000-28EC, an HD-35 and an OM-28V. Yet when given the
opportunity to design a Martin guitar all his own, he came up with an instrument sure to stand out in a
crowd: the OM-28 John Mayer Signature Model.
Based on Martin's classic OM design, with the long 25.4-inch scale, 000 body size and 1/4" scalloped
bracing for powerful, balanced tone, the OM-28 John Mayer Signature Model showcases a mix of unusual
elements. Both the polished Indian rosewood headplate and the African black ebony belly bridge feature
inset fine-line border inlays of aluminum for a look that shows there is (as Mayer's album title points
out) "Room for Squares." To match these fine line aluminum borders, the headplate showcases the
classic "C.F. Martin & Co. Est. 1833" decal logo in silver. The African black ebony fingerboard is
embellished with the "Triangle and Dots" international pilots' symbol for 1200 hours (high noon),
replicated from Mayer's wristwatch, in colorful abalone pearl and mother-of-pearl at the 12th fret and at
the 20th fret by his signature in mother-of-pearl.
The OM-28JM John Mayer Signature Model is
handcrafted entirely from solid premium tonewoods: a top of responsive Engelmann spruce matched to
back and sides of rich, resonant Indian rosewood. The genuine mahogany neck combines slim 1 11/16"
width at the nut with low profile shape and satin finish for playing comfort. Gotoh open-geared nickel
tuners with 8 butterbean knobs contribute smooth, precise tuning. A bone nut and compensated bone
saddle provide superb string-to-string separation. This signature model comes factory equipped with
Fishman/Martin Gold+Plus Natural electronics for warm, natural amplified sound.
Bold-pattern herringbone encircles the top,
with fine black/white/black purfling bordering the side and back edges. The top and back are bound in
grained ivoroid, which is also used in the heelcap and end piece. A Style 45 rosette inlaid with a center
ring of select abalone pearl shines against the vintage toner on the top. A traditional tortoise-color
polished and beveled OM pickguard protects the top, and the body is finished with traditional polished
gloss nitrocellulose lacquer.
The OM-28 John Mayer Signature Model comes with an interior label personally signed by John Mayer
and Martin Chairman and CEO C.F. Martin IV and will be delivered in a Geib style hardshell case. Mayer
has suggested an edition of 404 instruments, saying "It's the Atlanta area code made famous by many
rap artists and it's a beautiful looking palindrome!" Martin will begin to take orders for this signature
model immediately following its announcement until the edition sells out, with the names of participating
Martin dealers to be posted on the Martin.
List Price $4499.00. For more information, visit their web site at www.martinguitar.com. | 
