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1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
  • 1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
  • 1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
  • 1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
  • 1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
  • 1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
  • 1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
  • 1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
  • 1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
  • 1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
  • 1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
1979 Martin M-38 — Factory Custom, Style-42 Trim
$4,250.00

This 1979 Martin M-38 is a factory-custom example from the era when Martin quietly allowed dealers to order upgraded trim packages. The neck block is stamped M-38, confirming the base model, but the guitar was built with Style-42 appointments — a rare combination that predates the official M-42 by decades.

If you know the M-body, you know why players love it: the 0000 silhouette gives you dreadnought width with 000 depth, producing a fast, balanced, articulate voice that records beautifully. This one adds the visual elegance and upscale feel of Style-42 trim without losing the M-38's tonal DNA.

A true one-off from Martin's late-70s custom era.

Specifications

  • Year: 1979
  • Serial: 410283
  • Model Stamp: M-38 (factory custom)
  • Body Size: 0000 / M
  • Top: Sitka spruce
  • Back & Sides: East Indian rosewood
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Fingerboard: Ebony (jet-black, vintage density)
  • Bridge: Ebony
  • Scale Length: 25.4"
  • Nut Width: 1 11/16"
  • Bracing: Scalloped X-bracing
  • Inlays: Standard M-38 dots
  • Tuners: Original
  • Case: Hard shell case (worn but protective)

Factory Custom Appointments (Style-42 Trim)

These features do not appear on standard production M-38s:

  • Full abalone rosette (Style-42)
  • Bound neck (Style-40/42)
  • Bound headstock (Style-42)
  • White/black/white purfling on neck and headstock
  • Ebony fingerboard & Rosewood bridge

This trim level places the guitar visually and structurally in Style-42 territory, making it significantly rarer and more collectible than a standard M-38.

Tone & Feel

The M-38 is known for its quick response, balanced mids, and piano-like clarity. This custom example delivers:

  • Crisp attack
  • Tight low end
  • Excellent note separation
  • Responsive dynamics
  • A refined feel from the ebony board

It's a player's guitar — not a museum piece — but it's structurally excellent and has decades of life left.

Condition

Player-grade with honest wear:

  • Small dings and scuffs
  • Light finish wear
  • Structurally solid — no cracks
  • Frets healthy
  • Neck angle good
  • Upgraded bone nut
  • Case is worn but protective
  • Endpin jack with internal pickup installed; functions with any external preamp or DI.

Rarity & Value

Factory‑custom M‑38s with Style‑42 trim are extremely uncommon. Most M‑38s were standard production; only a small number were ordered with upgraded rosettes and binding, making examples like this notably rare and desirable among Martin collectors.

Tuned up with a new set of Martin Retro 12s. Currently lives in E Standard (or Eb for reduced tension during storage).

Curated set includes the Guitar, Case, and leather Levy's comfort strap.

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