Martin Guitars J-40 Standard Series

Clear midrange and defined treble frequencies thanks to a Sitka spruce top.

In order to produce a well-balanced sound, the manufacturer relies on a close-grained Sitka spruce top, the quality of which can be easily recognized by its even structure and the opposing flames. Its striking vibrational behavior produces a fast-responding tone that fades out long-lasting in the overtones and transitions smoothly into the next note. Bounded by a multi-ply binding, the light coloring of the top and its even texture are displayed in a very aesthetic way, creating a tasteful contrast with the rest of the body materials. The soundhole is surrounded by a matching multi-striped abalone soundhole rosette, which subtly emphasizes the instrument's value. A large pickguard made of faux tortoise with its reddish-brown color reflections creates a soft transition to the dark ebony bridge, which is fitted with white Bridge-Pins with abalone dots.

East Indian rosewood for rich and expressive bass frequencies.

In addition to the large jumbo construction, the back and sides made of East Indian rosewood complement the sound with clear basses, so that a powerful direct tone can be produced even with light strokes. As a result, the J-40 Standard's expansive construction and select woods are perfect for expressive strumming and delicate picking, covering a wide range of musical styles. Divided by an elaborate Style 45 back strip, the straight color gradients of the opened back are particularly effective and, in combination with a multi-ply binding, merge harmoniously and richly contrasting with the rib. A wafer-thin high-gloss lacquer finish also allows a deep insight into the tropical wood, which is alternately bright and dark in colour at even intervals, giving the instrument an additional high-quality touch.

Easy fingering and clean intonation.

The heart of the Martin J-40 Standard Series is the flat mahogany neck equipped with a Modified-Low-Oval, whose black ebony fingerboard bordered by a white Binding on the 14th fret transitions to the tinted top. The combination of a 645 mm scale length, a compensated bridge inlay and a bone nut with a width of 44,45 mm creates plenty of space to easily handle complex chords, or sequences of notes, intonating cleanly at all 20 frets. In addition, generous abalone hexagon inlays are set into the fretboard for marking, perfectly matching the "C.F. Martin & Co." block inlay on the signature headstock. This is fitted with gold open-gear tuners with butterbean buttons that turn easily and guarantee precise tuning of the 6 steel strings. The whole package is rounded off by a sturdy ply hardshell case with a red interior.

The Martin J-40 Standard Series at a glance:

• Full-solid J-14 fret Western guitar from the Standard Series.
• Sitka spruce top with aging toner and forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing
• East Indian rosewood back and sides with Style 45 back strip
• Multi-Stripe bindings and Multi-Stripe soundhole rosette with abalone
• Mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard and reduced hexagon inlays
• Compensated saddle and 44.45 mm wide bone nut
• Ply hardshell case included