Martin PS2 Paul Simon Signature 000 ‘#80 Of 200’ Preowned 2003 Martin

The Martin PS2 Paul Simon Signature model is a remarkable acoustic guitar that shares many characteristics with the Martin 000-28 model while also featuring distinct attributes. This instrument, in true Martin tradition, is crafted entirely from premium solid wood, embodying the quality one would expect from a C.F. Martin & Co. guitar.

The PS2 boasts a 000 body size, which is slightly smaller than a dreadnought, making it a favored choice among fingerstyle players, much like the renowned Paul Simon himself. However, it is equally well-suited for lead guitarists who prefer using a pick, drawing parallels to the Eric Clapton model by Martin, which Eric famously employs. Paul Simon’s versatile playing style, which encompasses both intricate fingerpicking and energetic rhythm guitar, benefits from the East Indian rosewood back and sides, a tonewood often favored by discerning rhythm guitarists. It comes as no surprise that Paul Simon gravitates towards a guitar with rosewood and spruce construction.

The PS2 is the second collaboration between Paul Simon and Martin Guitar Company, following the success of their first Limited Edition guitar introduced in 1997. This signature edition, the PS2, is designed to be more affordable and accessible to a wider range of players, aligning with Paul’s vision of making quality guitars within reach of many musicians. Additionally, the guitar incorporates special features that celebrate Paul’s exploration of diverse musical styles, colors, and rhythms from around the world.

The PS2 features a body crafted from select solid East Indian rosewood paired with a premium Sitka spruce top that boasts scalloped “hybrid” bracing. The rosette is adorned with a style 45 inlay, featuring a colorful blue Paua shell ring, while a style 45 multi-colored mosaic graces the two-piece back. The guitar is elegantly bound in tortoise coloring with subtle style 18 inlay lines. The polished lacquer finish, complete with aging toner, gives the instrument a warm, vintage appearance.

In contrast to his first signature model, Paul Simon has specified a short-scale, “Modified V” 14-fret neck for this edition. This shorter scale allows for more fluid and expressive note bending, enhancing the guitar’s tonal versatility. Crafted from genuine mahogany, the neck features the classic Martin diamond volute. The solid square-tapered headstock is adorned with polished African ebony and features a distinctive inlay with green malachite and blue lapis reconstituted stone, forming a “World” design under the Martin gold foil “script” logo. The fingerboard, also made of ebony, showcases long-point “diamond & squares” position markers crafted from blue Paua shell. Paul Simon’s signature is inlaid in white pearl between the 19th and 20th frets.

Additional features include a ramped ebony belly bridge, style 42 end & bridge pins (black with pearl dots), and a genuine bone nut & saddle. Each guitar is individually numbered in sequence and personally signed by both Paul Simon and C.F. Martin IV.

This 2003-built PS2 is a preowned model, rarely found for sale. It is #80 of a limited run of 200, with only light playwear and two very minor lacquer dings. The guitar comes complete with its original hardshell case.