C.F. Martin & Co J-40 LH 2025

A "Golden Era" Heritage at the Heart of the Standard Series

Crafted in Nazareth using historic lutherie methods, the J-40 LH Golden Era follows in the footsteps of Martin's great concert guitars. Its GE bracing and vintage-inspired details (angled nut, "long diamond" headstock, refined purflings) subtly modernize an icon while preserving the acoustic response, resonance, and American character that have shaped generations of recordings.

For Whom and Which Styles?

Designed for intermediate to expert left-handed guitarists, this Jumbo excels in powerful strumming, flatpicking, folk, country, and acoustic pop/rock. Its dynamic range and definition also make it a credible partner for fingerstyle when seeking a wide stereo image and singing sustain.

Sound Characteristics

The combination of solid Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood delivers deep bass, airy mids, and sparkling highs. The sculpted forward-shifted X bracing (braces ~0.31" / 7.94 mm) frees the top, providing projection, breath, and a quick response to attack. The Jumbo body enhances diffusion and sustain, while the ebony (fingerboard/bridge) and bone nuts emphasize note clarity and articulation. The Golden Era Modern Belly bridge completes a full, precise, and inspiring voice.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Medium (SP7200) string set (.013-.056) to restore original tension, tone, and projection; 6-string acoustic capo with curved radius (compatible with 16" / 406 mm radius); body/rosette humidifier to stabilize humidity and preserve the top and joints.

Technical specifications

Category	Steel String Shaped Body	Fingerboard	Ebony
Format	Jumbo	Nbrs of frets	20
Left handed	Yes	Headstock	East Indian rosewood
Cutaway	No	Neck Type	Glued
Strings	Steel	Electroacoustic	No
Nbr of strings	6	Color	Natural
Top	Spruce	Finishing	Glossy
Neck	Selected wood	Hardware	Nickel

Shape	Jumbo, body/neck joint at 14th fret	Body/neck joint	Glued, dovetail joint
Top bracing	Standard X "Forward Shifted", sculpted (braces 7.94 mm / ~0.31")	Headstock transition	"Long diamond"; vintage-inspired angled nut
Top finish	Gloss lacquer	Number of frets	20
Top purfling	Black/white Boltaron	Scale length	25.4" / 645 mm
Rosette	Style 45	Nut width	1.69" / 42.9 mm
Back	Solid East Indian rosewood	Width at 12th fret	2.13" / 54 mm
Back purfling	Black/white Boltaron; inlay: Style 45	Heelcap veneer	White Boltaron with black/white Boltaron inlay
Sides	Solid East Indian rosewood	Tuners	Closed, gold finish, large buttons
Back & sides finish	Gloss lacquer	Bridge	Solid black ebony, Golden Era Modern Belly style
Sides purfling	Black/white Boltaron	String spacing at bridge	2.13" / 54 mm
Sides joint	White Boltaron with black/white Boltaron inlay	Bridge pins	White with abalone dots
Pickguard	Beveled and polished tortoise	Nut	Bone
Neck finish	Satin lacquer