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Average Price: $5,259
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom is more than just an acoustic guitar—it's a tribute to one of music's most iconic figures. Designed with the legendary "Man in Black" in mind, this guitar is a perfect blend of tradition and personal legacy. The D-35 was Johnny Cash's guitar of choice for nearly two decades, and this custom model carries forward his spirit with a distinctive all-black finish that stands out just as boldly as Cash himself did.
Crafted with a solid spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, this guitar delivers the rich, robust sound Martin is renowned for, making it a favorite among musicians who value depth and clarity. The modified low-oval neck ensures comfortable playability, while the solid black ebony fingerboard, adorned with abalone stars bordered in mother-of-pearl, adds a touch of elegance.
This guitar isn't just about looks; it features a sturdy mahogany blocks/dovetail neck joint construction, offering stability and durability for those long sessions. The interior label, signed by Johnny's son, John Carter Cash, makes it a collector's dream, providing a personal connection to the Cash legacy. Whether on stage or in the studio, the D-35 Johnny Cash Custom is designed to inspire.
Key Features:
- D-14 Fret body size
- Solid spruce top with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides
- D-Omle Forward Shifted top bracing pattern with scalloped 1/4'' braces
- Modified low-oval select hardwood neck
- Solid black ebony fingerboard with abalone stars and mother-of-pearl inlays
- 25.4" scale length and 20 frets
- Polished gloss/Black finish
- Grover 102c tuning machines
- Bone nut and solid black ebony bridge
Product specs
| String Type | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought 14-Fret |
| Body Style | No Cutaway |
| Back & Sides Wood | Solid East Indian Rosewood |
| Top Wood | Engelmann Spruce |
| Finish | Polished Gloss (top, back, and sides), Semi Gloss (neck) |
| Body Bracing | Standard X Scalloped, Forward Shifted, 1/4" Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Binding | Grained Ivoroid |
| Neck Wood | Select Hardwood |
| Neck Shape | Modified Low Oval |
| Radius | 16" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Abalone Stars - Select Pearl (Bordered In Mother of Pearl) |
| Number of Frets | 20 (total), 14 (clear) |
| Scale Length | 25.4" |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" |
| Nut/Saddle Material | Bone/Bone |
| Bridge Material | Solid Black Ebony |
| Tuning Machines | Grover 102C |
| Strings | Lifespan 2.0 92/8 Phosphor Bronze, .013-.056 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
| Body Length | 20" |
| Body Width | 15.625" |
| Body Depth | 4.875" |
| Overall Length | 40.5" |
FAQs
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What kind of sound can I expect from the Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom?
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The Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom delivers a warm, resonant tone with rich bass and clear trebles, thanks to its solid Engelmann spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides. It's ideal for genres like country and folk, offering a balanced sound that projects well.
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Is the Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom is well-suited for fingerstyle playing. Its scalloped X-bracing and modified low oval neck provide a comfortable playing experience with excellent responsiveness and sustain, making it versatile for various playing styles.
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What is the neck profile of the Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom?
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The neck of the Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom features a modified low oval profile, which offers a comfortable grip and smooth playability, suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking.
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Does the Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom come with a case?
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Yes, the Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection and safe transportation for your guitar.
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How does the Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom differ from a standard D-35?
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The Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom features a unique all-black finish and special abalone star inlays, distinguishing it from the standard D-35. It also includes design elements that pay homage to Johnny Cash, such as the signature label and custom appointments.
Videos
BroBobbyB
OkVG- Bobby Boyles playing a Martin D-35 Johnny Cash
Reviews
PROS
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Impeccable craftsmanship with a striking black finish, perfect for Johnny Cash fans
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Produces rich, piano-like tones with deep bass and balanced mids
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Loud and clear sound with impressive sustain
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Quick and smooth neck for a comfortable playing experience
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Unique tonal qualities that turn heads at jam sessions
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Renowned Martin tone that's meaty and well-rounded
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Considered a collector's item likely to appreciate over time
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Highly praised for its breathtaking look and exceptional build quality
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Versatile sound that adapts well to various playing styles
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Consistently receives high ratings from experienced musicians
CONS
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No built-in electric pickup, requiring additional installation for performers
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Glossy black finish shows fingerprints easily
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Heavier than a standard D-35 due to the painted finish
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Stock tuners may not meet expectations for some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom.
Comparisons
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The D-35 is favored by some for solo play over the D-28 due to its richer sound.
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Owners often choose the D-35 for its warmer, bassier tone compared to models like the D-28 and Gibson J-45, highlighting its fuller sound.
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The Gibson J-45 was considered for its built-in electronics and unique black finish, but concerns about inconsistent sound quality led to opting for the D-35.
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Features and functionality
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The D-35 features 1/4" lighter bracing, which enhances bass and scoops mids compared to the D-18 and D-28.
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Use cases and applications
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The D-35 is particularly associated with artists like Johnny Cash and David Gilmour, making it ideal for fans seeking that signature sound.
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User experience
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Owners note that the D-35 can evoke strong emotional responses, with its sound embodying the quintessential acoustic guitar tone.
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Transitioning from a Taylor, users report significant satisfaction with the Martin's sound and build, noting the rewarding feeling after saving for it.
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The process of acquiring a D-35 often involves weighing options like the D-28 and Gibson J-45, with personal sound preference being a deciding factor.
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Build quality
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The D-35's distinctive three-piece back design was initially used to maximize the use of Brazilian rosewood.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
82
An awesome piece of Martin
This Guitar is a wonderful example of a bassy dreadnought guitar. No matter what you play the tone is balanced and full with the whole spectrum of frequencies you wanna have your body creating that melodic kind of natural "reverb" .
I've built in (don't hate me for that ;D) the pickup-system L.R.Baggs Anthem and its just incredible how extremely clear and natural the sound gets into the amp.
Artist usage
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Music Radar writes in this article "The guitar: Generally a Martin man who favoured D-28s, Cash had his fair share of Gibsons, and also had a custom Martin D-35."
Cody Simpson uses the Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom acoustic guitar, as detailed on the Martin Guitar website.
I love the way this guitar looks and sounds so I went on a mission to see if I could find the model. You can find it in a lot of Hardy's more recent videos. This video is the best that I have seen showing the full guitar. This sent me on a Martin kick so I went and played a couple. The D-35 and the D-18 sound AMAZING. Even the road series KOA was pleasant for the price point. Decisions, decisions. Hope this helps somone!
Martin D-35 - Johnny Cash https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/D-35-Johnny-Cash.html?cgid=limited-and-special-edition-guitars
Pictured playing the guitar through lockdown, and played the guitar throughout his 2022 tour
In this Instagram post, Yung Gravy confirms owning the Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom.
The picture features Lennon playing with a blacktop Martin guitar with trim around the body and the headstock, as well as Johnny Cash's signature on the second to last fret (and the last visible in the picture). I can reasonably conclude this is the Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom guitar.
You can see Nicola Sirkis play a Martin D-35 Johnny Cash edition on their Black City Parade in 2014.
You can see him play it live in this Viedo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJgtrLrCvxs
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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