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  #1  
Old 04-20-2021, 10:53 PM
Don’t Drop it! Don’t Drop it! is offline
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Default is it a real Martin

Hi there
I’m brand shiny new to here and message boards in general so apologies for any schoolboy errors.
I’m thinking of buying a Martin GPC PA 4 rosewood. The seller says it’s a custom model originally from Guitar Centre. As I live in a Bali, Indonesia and it is a local purchase I just wondered if any of you could help me verify it is authentic. I am 90 % sure it is but the serial block on the heel says “custom” above the number not “custom shop”. Has anyone seen this style of block before?
I’ve checked the serial number snd it seems legit for 2013.

https://reverb.com/item/39792606-mar...m_medium=email

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 04-20-2021, 11:12 PM
kizz kizz is offline
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Looks real to me. Do a search on Martin custom/custom shop and you will find answers :-)
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Old 04-20-2021, 11:35 PM
pagedr pagedr is online now
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Yeah that looks legit. The “custom” as opposed to “custom shop” is generally used on larger runs of custom guitars, as opposed to one offs, I believe. So that adds up since the guitar in question was part of a Guitar Center custom run.
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Old 04-20-2021, 11:40 PM
Jeff Scott Jeff Scott is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Don’t Drop it! View Post
Hi there
I’m brand shiny new to here and message boards in general so apologies for any schoolboy errors.
I’m thinking of buying a Martin GPC PA 4 rosewood. The seller says it’s a custom model originally from Guitar Centre. As I live in a Bali, Indonesia and it is a local purchase I just wondered if any of you could help me verify it is authentic. I am 90 % sure it is but the serial block on the heel says “custom” above the number not “custom shop”. Has anyone seen this style of block before?
I’ve checked the serial number snd it seems legit for 2013.

https://reverb.com/item/39792606-mar...m_medium=email

Thanks!
I have a custom OM-18 that only says Custom on the neckblock along with the serial number. Totally legit, and it is an amazing guitar, too.
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Old 04-21-2021, 12:17 AM
Don’t Drop it! Don’t Drop it! is offline
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Ah that’s good news. Put my mind at rest. He’s bringing it down Friday for me to try it out. Apparently has a crocodile skin hard case which I am not that keen on! It’s pretty hard getting good guitars here especially at the moment and especially a Martin so I am hoping this one will feel special
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Old 04-21-2021, 07:34 AM
pickinray pickinray is offline
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It looks like a genuine Martin to me, too.
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Old 04-21-2021, 11:47 AM
DebbieE DebbieE is offline
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It looks real to me, and that is a rosewood back.
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  #8  
Old 04-21-2021, 05:48 PM
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blindboyjimi blindboyjimi is offline
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Default is it a real Martin

Edited: a good friend of mine emailled me just now that my post was only correct for the referenced Style 18 and up Standard series. Plaques apparently are used in the non-dovetail (M&T and simple-dovetail) guitars that Martin produces. Thanks Tim!

Last edited by blindboyjimi; 04-21-2021 at 11:40 PM. Reason: Incorrect information
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  #9  
Old 04-21-2021, 06:35 PM
JimT JimT is offline
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Martin made GPCPA4 in Rosewood as well as Mahogany, well probably Sapele. What about this guitar makes it custom?
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Old 04-21-2021, 07:36 PM
bufflehead bufflehead is offline
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I own a Martin Custom D, and the serial # block looks similar.

"Custom," as opposed to "Custom Shop," is reserved for large guitar shops who order a sizable number of guitars to their own specifications. The Custom D I own was ordered through the Guitar Center and Musician's Friend stores, which are two large chains owned by the same company.

So, I would not worry about the authenticity of the guitar you are considering. If you are, however, please call or email Martin with the serial number, and they should be able to allay your fears.

Welcome to the forum.
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Old 04-24-2021, 01:13 AM
Don’t Drop it! Don’t Drop it! is offline
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Update on the guitar. He brought it around today and I was smitten. The tone and balance is absolutely awesome. For the first time I think I have an inkling what a ‘Martin sound’ is. The phrase from Cocoon came to mind, “ If this is foreplay I’m a dead man”. What I would make of a big boy Martin is hard to fathom!
Thanks for the helpful advice chaps.
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Old 04-24-2021, 01:15 AM
Don’t Drop it! Don’t Drop it! is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimT View Post
Martin made GPCPA4 in Rosewood as well as Mahogany, well probably Sapele. What about this guitar makes it custom?
To answer this it seems to be that it has a binding on all edges which the originals didn’t. Can’t see much else. Oh and it has an alligator skin hard case��

Last edited by Don’t Drop it!; 04-24-2021 at 01:34 AM. Reason: Update
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