THE significance of a family heirloom often exceeds its material worth.
Such is the case with 1941 C.F. Martin 000-42 guitar, which was presented on Antiques Roadshow and holds not only monetary value but also deep sentimental meaning for its owner.
The guitar’s history traces back to the original owner, affectionately known as “Cowboy Slim,” a man who played live on the radio in the early 1950s.
According to his great-nephew, who now owns the instrument, Slim acquired the guitar in 1952 through a friend who offered him a deal: pay for the guitar when he could.
Slim eventually purchased the guitar for $50, a modest sum even at the time.
He passed away in 1989, leaving the guitar to his nephew, who has safeguarded it ever since.
Although the guitar was appraised in the 1990s for around $10,000, that valuation barely scratched the surface of its true worth today.
STRUMMING ALONG
As an extraordinary example of C.F. Martin craftsmanship, this particular model has become exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Known for its pearl inlay, the 000-42 features pearl around the body, though not on the back or sides, giving it a distinctive yet understated elegance.
C.F. Martin, a company founded in New York City in 1833, had moved its operations to Nazareth, Pennsylvania by the time this guitar was made in 1941.
That year, just before the US entered World War II, marked a time when the company was still producing these intricate instruments, though production would soon halt in the following year as resources were redirected to the war effort.
Interestingly, the 000-42 is considered a “poor man’s pearl guitar,” as it was relatively inexpensive at the time.
REMARKABLE FIND
However, its scarcity has turned it into one of the most desirable of Martin’s pearl-inlayed models.
While fancier versions like the 000-45 exist, the 000-42 has become harder to find due to its limited production run, making it a treasure for guitar enthusiasts.
One of the key details about this guitar is its Brazilian rosewood back and sides, a material highly prized for its tonal qualities and rarity.
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The guitar also features an ebony bridge and fretboard, with ivoroid binding.
Remarkably, the original tuners — a lower-grade type used due to wartime shortages — remain intact, which is an asset, as it preserves the instrument’s originality.
The 000-42 gained renewed attention in the early 1990s when Eric Clapton famously played one on his “Unplugged” album.
Clapton’s use of the guitar not only brought its sound to a wider audience but also solidified its status as a classic among guitar aficionados.
As for its current value, an expert has placed the guitar’s worth between $65,000 and $75,000 in today’s market.
Despite its high monetary value, the current owner isn’t interested in selling.
