Sale Pending Martin J-40 M ENGLEMANN SPRUCE TOP 1990

GASguy · #1 07-08-2018, 10:09 AM

For your consideration as I am downsizing my instrument collection due to downsizing my home:

A Martin J-40 M vintage 1990 with an Englemann Spruce top, I purchased this used from Gryphon Stringed Instruments, they identified and confirmed the top as Englemann Spruce as well as providing their famous quality set up work.

The guitar is in excellent condition for an instrument of this vintage with only a few impressions into the clear coat on the top; nothing through the clear coat or into the wood. The back and sides are in great shape, just a few light clear coat marks, but nothing major, the neck, frets and fretboard are in great shape as well. A single pinpoint darker impression, photo below, and about 4 impressions into the clear coat, 2 bass side 2 treble that may not show in photos; again nothing through the finish or into the wood. Some strum marks on the pickguard and some light strum marks on the clear coat adjacent to the pickguard.

This guitar is very versatile as it can be strummed or flat picked at high volume with plenty of headroom, but still responds very well to a light touch or bare fingers.

I have owned this guitar since 2007, and while it has not been played extensively due to a large instrument collection, the setup and playability have been bulletproof through New Jersey summers and winters; the guitar has always been properly humidified and very well cared for.
Beautiful abalone inlays on the ebony fretboard and classic Martin appointments.
Now asking $2250 plus actual shipping, PayPal fees included.
Thank you for looking.

GASguy · #2 07-08-2018, 10:11 AM

More photos:

GASguy · #3 07-08-2018, 10:16 AM

Back of neck and headstock photos:

GASguy · #4 07-09-2018, 12:16 PM

Bump for a beautiful J-40 M.

ripdotcom · #5 07-09-2018, 01:14 PM

spectacular, I assume it it the standard 1-11/16 nut for the J series?

GASguy · #6 07-09-2018, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ripdotcom

spectacular, I assume it it the standard 1-11/16 nut for the J series?

Thank you.
You are correct sir.

GASguy · #7 07-12-2018, 06:35 PM

Bump for a beautiful and unique J-40 M with ENGLEMANN SPRUCE TOP!

klharper · #8 07-12-2018, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASguy

This guitar is very versatile as it can be strummed or flat picked at high volume with plenty of headroom, but still responds very well to a light touch or bare fingers.

As a fellow J-40 owner, I couldn't agree more with this statement!

These magnificent instruments do literally everything very well. A favorite in my stable, even if it doesn't have a specialty.

Stevien · #9 07-13-2018, 10:19 AM

Curious as to what the "M" stands for in the model name?
Steve

GASguy · #10 07-13-2018, 11:08 AM

The “M” designation is an earlier label for the 0000 size similar in width to Martin F style arch tops, I believe.

The Martin J-40 “M” has the width of a 0000 and dreadnought’s depth.

GASguy · #11 07-14-2018, 07:48 AM

Price drop now priced at $2300 plus shipping and fees.

pjroberts · #12 07-14-2018, 10:05 AM

This is really tempting me, and I already have a J-40, which is THE most underrated Martin in history. Yes, IMO.

It’s got D-28 power, with full spectrum of sound from solid bass to clear mids and articulate highs, but without the boom so many dreads have, and it’s a bit more comfortable than a dread due to the shape. As previously mentioned, this is a real multi-tasking instrument, great for fingerstyle and an awesome strummer.

Mine is due for some major work, also about 25yo and I’m waiting in Brian Kimsey’s long line for some magic rainbow-unicorn setup. If you’ve never played one of these, get in on the secret.

Good luck with the sale.

GASguy · #13 07-15-2018, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjroberts

This is really tempting me, and I already have a J-40, which is THE most underrated Martin in history. Yes, IMO.

It’s got D-28 power, with full spectrum of sound from solid bass to clear mids and articulate highs, but without the boom so many dreads have, and it’s a bit more comfortable than a dread due to the shape. As previously mentioned, this is a real multi-tasking instrument, great for fingerstyle and an awesome strummer.

Mine is due for some major work, also about 25yo and I’m waiting in Brian Kimsey’s long line for some magic rainbow-unicorn setup. If you’ve never played one of these, get in on the secret.

Good luck with the sale.

Thank you for your insightful comments.

The only reason that this J-40 M is up for sale, aside from the need to downsize due to relocating to a smaller home, is that I also have a J-65 M (Martin Maple Jumbo with a German Spruce top), and a Custom Martin 0000-42 in Italian Alpine Spruce and Madagascar Rosewood, unfortunately something has to go.

I would be happy to give a detailed in hand description of the J-40 M to forum members with serious interest.

GASguy · #14 07-18-2018, 02:49 PM

Bump to the top for a beautiful J-40 M with an Englemann Spruce Top.

GASguy · #15 07-19-2018, 05:39 PM

I received some questions about the neck on the J-40 M.

The nut width is 1-11/16”

The neck looks like 2-1/8” wide at the 12th fret.

String spacing at the saddle is 2-1/8”

I would describe the neck profile as a standard Martin medium neck profile.

Of course I played it to get a feel for the neck profile description, and I was once again impressed by the responsiveness and resonance of this guitar when played with bare fingers.