Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Signature Black w/case

This modern take on the iconic Johnny Cash D-35 honors “The Man in Black” with a stage-ready look, custom inlays, and Martin’s unmistakable dreadnought power. Built to Cash’s original request for an all-black D-35, today’s version pairs a gloss-finished Engelmann spruce top with East Indian rosewood back and sides, producing the warmth, balance, and low-end punch the D-35 is known for—now with a darker, smoother voice thanks to Engelmann’s responsive character.

The blacked-out aesthetic is unmistakable: gloss black top, black-backed rosewood, antique white binding, and Cash’s signature inlaid across the fingerboard in abalone and mother of pearl. Forward-shifted scalloped bracing adds openness and projection, while a modified low oval neck with standard taper keeps it comfortable for both rhythm players and singer-songwriters. Signed labels from C.F. Martin IV and John Carter Cash complete the tribute.

Highlights

• D-14 fret dreadnought inspired by Johnny Cash’s custom all-black Martin
• Engelmann spruce top delivers a warm, responsive, dynamic attack
• East Indian rosewood back and sides for depth and clarity
• Custom fingerboard inlay featuring stars and Cash’s signature
• Forward-shifted scalloped bracing for enhanced projection
• Signed interior label from CFM IV & John Carter Cash
• Includes ply hardshell case

Specifications

Body

• Body Size: D-14 Fret
• Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
• Top: Engelmann Spruce
• Finish: Gloss
• Top Color: Black
• Top Inlay: Multi-Stripe
• Binding: Antique White
• Back & Sides: East Indian Rosewood
• Back/Sides Color: Black
• Back Purfling/Strip: Zig-Zag w/ Black Stripe
• Side Inlay: Multi-Stripe
• Bracing: Forward-Shifted X-Brace
• Brace Shape: Scalloped
• Brace Material: Spruce
• Bridge: Ebony, Modern Belly – Drop-In Saddle
• String Spacing: 2 1/8"
• Saddle: Compensated Bone, 16" radius
• Pickguard: Black

Neck

• Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
• Neck Taper: Standard Taper
• Neck Material: Select Hardwood
• Neck Color: Black
• Scale Length: 25.4"
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Nut Width: 1 11/16"
• Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8"
• Inlays: Stars w/ Johnny Cash Signature (Abalone & MOP)
• Fingerboard Binding: Antique White
• Side Dots: Black
• Neck Finish: Gloss

Headstock

• Headstock Shape: Solid w/ Square Taper
• Headplate: East Indian Rosewood
• Logo: Script Old Style Overlay
• Headplate Binding: Antique White
• Tuners: Chrome Enclosed Gear

Miscellaneous

• Case: Ply Hardshell
• Label: Signed by C.F. Martin IV & John Carter Cash; Numbered in Sequence
• Electronics: None (options available from Martin)
• Pleked: Yes

Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?
At Tone Shop Guitars, every instrument is handled by a knowledgeable team that cares about tone, playability, and the customer experience. Whether you shop in-store or online, we’re here to help you find the guitar that truly fits your sound. Let us know if you’d like additional photos, a hands-on tonal description, or a comparison to other Martins—we’re glad to help.