A Signature Guitar for the Man in Black
Picture this: It's the early 1970s, and Johnny Cash walks into Martin Guitar with an unusual request — an all-black dreadnought. Martin had never done it before, but for the Man in Black, they made it happen. Cash played that custom D-35 on stage for the next 20 years, and it became as iconic as the man himself. The DX Johnny Cash brings that legendary look and spirit into a road-ready package that won't empty your wallet. Built in collaboration with John Carter Cash and the Cash Foundation, this guitar honors more than five decades of history between America's oldest guitar company and one of its most influential artists.
This isn't just black paint on a guitar — it's jet-black high-pressure laminate from top to back to sides, giving you that bold Cash aesthetic with serious durability. The dreadnought body delivers the projection and low-end power Martin is known for, while Fishman MX electronics mean you can plug in and play anywhere. Star inlays march up the Richlite fingerboard, and the word "CASH" sits proudly at the 18th fret. Johnny's signature appears on both the rosette and the interior label. Whether you're a longtime Cash fan or just appreciate a guitar with some attitude, the DX Johnny Cash makes a statement before you play a single note.
The Performing Artist neck profile keeps things comfortable through long playing sessions, with a slim taper that fits naturally in your hand. At 25.4" scale length and 1-3/4" nut width, it's familiar territory for most acoustic players. This guitar was designed to be accessible — a way for players at any level to connect with Cash's legacy without needing a vault full of cash to do it.
Built for the Stage and the Road
High-pressure laminate might not be exotic wood, but it brings real advantages if you're gigging, traveling, or just want a guitar that can handle life outside a climate-controlled room. The HPL construction resists humidity changes and temperature swings that would make solid wood guitars need constant adjustments. It's also highly resistant to the bumps and scratches that come with regular use. Martin built this guitar to be played, not babied.
The scalloped X-bracing inside gives you balanced tone with good projection. You get the classic dreadnought voice — strong bass, clear mids, and enough volume to hold your own in a jam session. Unplugged, it delivers that familiar Martin character. Plugged in, the Fishman MX system really shines. The undersaddle Sonicore pickup captures your tone naturally, and the soundhole-mounted controls give you volume and tone adjustments right at your fingertips. The system includes a Body Blend control that lets you shape your amplified sound with ease, whether you're recording or playing live.
The black Richlite fingerboard is an eco-friendly alternative to ebony that's unaffected by humidity changes. It provides a smooth, consistent playing surface across all 20 frets. The bridge is also Richlite, fitted with a compensated black Tusq saddle and a black Corian nut. Even the tuners — chrome enclosed-gear machines — keep everything in the black-and-white color scheme while providing reliable tuning stability.
Details That Honor a Legend
Every element of this guitar pays tribute to Johnny Cash. The custom ink rosette features Cash's signature, and you'll find it again on the interior label. The fingerboard tells its own story with white star inlays running up the neck, culminating in the bold "CASH" logo in custom ink at the 18th fret. It's the kind of detail that transforms this from just another black guitar into a proper signature model.
The all-black aesthetic extends to every part of the instrument — black HPL top, back, and sides; black birch laminate neck with hand-rubbed finish; black headstock overlay; black pickguard; even the nut and saddle are black. The only contrast comes from the white star inlays and the silver script Martin logo on the headstock. It's bold, it's distinctive, and it's instantly recognizable as a tribute to the Man in Black.
This guitar comes with a soft gig bag embroidered with the "CASH" logo and is strung with Martin's Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 strings (light gauge, .012-.054). Whether you're playing Cash classics, writing your own songs, or exploring any genre in between, the DX Johnny Cash gives you a reliable, stage-ready instrument with genuine Martin craftsmanship.
Product Features:
- Dreadnought body shape for powerful projection and balanced tone
- Jet-black HPL construction throughout — top, back, and sides for durability and iconic look
- Scalloped X-bracing for rich, resonant sound with strong bass response
- Fishman MX electronics with Sonicore undersaddle pickup and soundhole-mounted controls
- Performing Artist neck profile with High-Performance Taper for comfortable playability
- FSC-certified Richlite fingerboard with custom star inlays and "CASH" logo at 18th fret
- 25.4" scale length with 1-3/4" nut width and 20 frets
- Johnny Cash signature on rosette and interior label
- Black birch laminate neck with hand-rubbed finish
- Chrome enclosed-gear tuning machines for reliable tuning stability
- Soft gig bag embroidered with "CASH" logo included
Brand: Martin
Model: DX Johnny Cash
SKU: DXJOHNNYCASH
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
