A limited edition (marked as 13/19) 1996 CF Martin guitar '50th Anniversary' edition, produced by Martin for 'Meazzi'. With hardcase. Notable wear to fretboard, some scuffs to body, missing strings. John can be seen playing this guitar (identifiable by the '50th Anniversary inlay design to fretboard) at his 'comeback' concert at Connolly's of Leap, Co Cork, Ireland in November of 2003. View those scenes in the BBC documentary 'Johnny Too Bad' at this link.

Serial Number: ‘Custom’ 576748

Condition report:

The overall condition of the instrument can be classified as ‘Good’. The most notable marking can be found to the centre of the rear face, where the lacquer has worn through to the wood, and a further patch shows de-lamination. The top of the body shows indentation and scratching consistent with moderate play wear, most notable to the bass side of the waist and bass side of the lower bout. The lacquer is cracked and in places peeling at the edge of the body, noticeable at the binding where the yellowed lacquer contrasts with the lighter exposed binding. The tuning machines show notable corrosion, most apparent to the 6th E tuner.

Originality and Modifications:

The instrument appears to be in entirely original condition, with no modifications apparent other than an under saddle piezo pickup which is fitted. This may or may not be original.

The Martin D-28 Custom ‘Meazzi’ is a special version of the Martin D-28, which itself features an all-solid construction comprising a spruce top, rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck and 20 fret ebony fingerboard and matching bridge. This custom version was made in 1996 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Meazzi instrument company’s founding. This special edition is one of just 19 guitars ever made, and features special abalone and Mother of Pearl inlays on the fretboard, bridge and the tuning machine buttons. The sound hole label is hand signed by Christian Frederick Martin IV.