2004 Martin J-41 Special

[Dropq]

Hey guys,

I recently came into possession of two Martins -A J-40 that will be staying with me and a J-41 Special that I’m curious to know if there’s any more info you fine folks might know about.

I’ve seen claims that there were 173 produced, with no actual backup. I know that there’s a difference in the necks and the abalone between the two models as well as some vintage appointments such as the tuners.


Any aficionados out there with knowledge on this particular bird?

The only thing that separates her from dead mint is some polish swirl and some light string rash around the D string tuner that I could see.

[Brucebubs]

Welcome to the AGF.

Can't help you with information but that J-41 is absolutely beautiful with open gear tuners and those snow-flake fret markers are superb.

[Dropq]

Thanks very much for the welcome and kind words!

[Brucebubs]

Just happened to be reading another thread and noticed the OP has a J-41 listed in his signature too with a link to this https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=626031

Maybe he'll see your thread and chip in with some more information.

[lowrider]

I couldn't open your link or I would have posted it for you but I'd be really surprised if they ever made 173 J-41's.

Martin's J body guitars are not big sellers. Jumbo's in general aren't big sellers and the Martin J is kind of a tween'er. As you know it's really a small jumbo with a big sound.

I have two; a J-40 and a Custom Shop J-17 Whiskey Sunset. I also have a GP28 that's within 3/16 of an inch of the J-40 in every dimension. They only made 57 of them.

[Dropq]

I’m not quite sure why the photo link isn’t working, will check it out.

Small guitar / big sound is right! I absolutely love the both of their attitudes!

[Kerbie]

Originally Posted by Dropq

I’m not quite sure why the photo link isn’t working, will check it out.

Welcome! Looks like you linked us to the "Explore" page at Photobucket.

Check out the help post here. PM me if I can help.

[Dropq]

I believe I see the issue. I’m not a chartered member, I’ve just joined! Let me get my contribution in and see if that helps!

[Dropq]

Got it! There she is!

[Brucebubs]

Images are up and looking good!

[Glennwillow]

HI Dropq,

Welcome to the AGF! Great looking Martin guitars!

- Glenn

[Peter Z]

This is a dream guitar!
I wonder why Martin J-body guitars are not more common. I love all my (very different) guitars but in case I had to reduce my little collection to just one, I’d keep my J-40. The D-18 is better in my band but I spend more hours playing alone or with a friend.

[lowrider]

DropQ, welcome to AGF. Ncow I see your pics. It's a beauty!

I love my J body guitars. One reason they don't sell is that the J-40 is one of the most expensive Standard Series guitars. Also, stores don't stock them. I've never seen a J-40 in the store. I've almost never seen an American made Jumbo in the store. I asked a Sam Ash and the salesman said that they don't stock them because people don't buy them.

I think a J-18 would go a long way to making Martin J bodies more affordable adn more poplular.

Here are mine, along with the GP28;

[Brucebubs]

Agree lowrider - I think A J-18 would be a fabulous guitar.

[lowrider]

Bruce, you are the Jumbo King, do you see them in the stores around you?