A special occasion calls for a special instrument, and Martin Guitars having reached its two-millionth serial number in 2017 after 184 years of making instruments is as special as it gets. To mark this momentous milestone, Martin has collaborated with American premium watchmaker Roland G. Murphy of RGM Watches to create the D-200 Deluxe. Based on Martin's D-45 dreadnought shape and limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, this guitar features the company's classic 14th-fret transition and its design, which represents the passage of time, combines the most exquisite of everything that goes into making a guitar. Each one comes with an original RGM wristwatch whose design matches that of the guitar itself, and the watch also bears the respective guitar's serial number. Finally, the scope of delivery also includes an aluminium hard case that has an integrated hygrometer to ensure that the guitar can always be stored and transported safely.
The Martin D-200 Deluxe features a back and sides made from selected (pre-CITES) Brazilian rosewood and a top made from highly-figured bearclaw Engelmann spruce that is adorned with an aluminium rosette with guilloché engraving. The front and back are both decorated with clock gears, each a self-contained work of art in itself. The clockwork theme is the central element of the the guitar's stunning design, which combines woods like birdseye maple, Hawaiian koa, and ebony with reconstituted stone and mother-of-pearl. Despite its breathtaking looks, however, this is still a musical instrument, and one that is made to be played, so a good sound and a high level of playing comfort are indispensable. Players have no cause for worry on that score though, because the D-200 Deluxe delivers the same excellent playability and tone that one can expect from a Martin guitar.
Together with the exclusive, matching RGM wristwatch included in the scope of delivery, the Martin Guitars D-200 Deluxe is the perfect acquisition for passionate guitar collectors who particularly love instruments from the world's oldest instrument manufacturer. In keeping with the guitar's central theme of time, the fact that this guitar is limited to a run of just 50 pieces worldwide also means that it will appreciably increase in value as time goes on, making this instrument not only a desirable collector's item but also a guaranteed eyecatcher at events and exhibitions - all while giving its proud owner the profound pleasure that playing a genuine Martin guitar has always delivered.
Martin Guitars was founded in 1833 and is thus one of the most long-established brands in the history of the acoustic guitar. Several of Martin’s developments – including the dreadnought shape, robust X-bracing, the placement of the neck-to-body transition at the 14th fret (as opposed to the 12th fret as found on classical guitars), and the use of steel strings – have now become staples of modern guitar construction that countless other manufacturers have since adopted. To put it another way: Music today would sound very different had it not been for C.F. Martin & Co.
It goes without saying that an instrument at this price is not cut out for the rehearsal room or the rigours of performing on stage - after all, even the smallest scratch is sure to mean a few sleepless nights for the owner. Utmost care is the order of the day, in other words - meaning that the Martin D-200 Deluxe is much better suited to being played in the home or studio environment, where the player can fully enjoy the sound and playability of a genuine, top-of-the-line Martin dreadnought. Of course, the RGM wristwatch included here should also be given sufficient mention, since it does after all make up a significant portion of the overall price.