The Man in Black's Martin, Built for Lefties
In the early '70s, Johnny Cash walked on stage with something nobody had seen before — an all-black Martin D-35 that became as iconic as the man himself. He played that guitar for two decades, and it became inseparable from his sound and image. The Martin DX Johnny Cash brings that bold spirit to left-handed players in a durable, stage-ready package that honors his legacy without the museum-piece price tag.
This isn't just a cosmetic tribute. Built in collaboration with John Carter Cash and the Cash Foundation, the DX Johnny Cash captures the look of Johnny's custom D-35 with jet-black high-pressure laminate construction, and it includes details that matter to fans and players alike: star inlays on the fingerboard, the "CASH" logo at the 18th fret, and Johnny's signature on the rosette and label. It's ready to plug in and play anywhere, thanks to Fishman MX electronics. Whether you're drawn to the history, the sound, or just love the all-black aesthetic, this guitar makes the connection between you and a legend feel real.
Martin designed this left-handed dreadnought to be accessible and playable for all skill levels — but don't mistake accessibility for compromise. It's built to sound like Martin, play like Martin, and take the road like the working guitars Johnny Cash relied on.
Built to Last, Road-Ready from Day One
The DX Johnny Cash features a jet-black high-pressure laminate top, back, and sides — a construction that trades traditional tonewood for durability and consistency. HPL resists dents, scratches, and the humidity swings that can wreck solid-wood guitars on the road. The classic Dreadnought body shape produces the projection and resonance that Martin is known for, with scalloped X-bracing for a balanced tone. That bracing pattern is rooted in Martin's "Golden Era" heritage and brings stability and clarity to every note.
The DX Johnny Cash features an eco-friendly Richlite fretboard that is unaffected by changes in humidity and provides a smooth playing surface that helps eliminate fret buzz. The neck is a comfortable Performing Artist profile designed for comfort during long playing sessions, with a High-Performance Taper that gives you fast, easy access up and down the neck. The 25.4" scale length is familiar to most acoustic players, and the 1 3/4" nut width gives you room to breathe whether you're fingerpicking or flatpicking.
This guitar is made for gigging, campfires, road trips, and real life. It stays in tune, it stands up to wear, and it sounds good unplugged or through a PA.
Fishman MX Electronics — Plug In and Play
The Fishman MX electronics system gives the DX Johnny Cash a natural amplified tone perfect for live performance or recording, with Fishman's discreet undersaddle pickup capturing the nuances of the guitar's tone. The soundhole-mounted controls are simple and intuitive — volume, EQ, and Body Blend controls allow players to shape their sound with ease. No drilling into the side, no complicated preamp panels. Just turn, plug, and go.
Fishman is an industry standard for acoustic amplification, and the MX system in this guitar delivers warm, natural tone without the quack or harshness that plagues budget electronics. If you've ever fought with a cheap pickup, you'll appreciate how easy this one is to dial in.
Product Features:
- Dreadnought body size with D-14 Fret construction for powerful projection
- Jet-black high-pressure laminate top, back, and sides for durability and striking looks
- Performing Artist neck shape with High-Performance Taper for comfortable playability
- FSC Certified Richlite fingerboard with star inlays and "CASH" logo at 18th fret
- Fishman MX electronics with soundhole-mounted volume, EQ, and Body Blend controls
- Scalloped X-bracing for balanced tone and structural stability
- 25.4" scale length with 1 3/4" nut width
- Johnny Cash's signature on the rosette and interior label
- Black Corian nut and compensated Black Tusq saddle
- Mortise and tenon neck joint construction
Brand: Martin
Model: DX Johnny Cash Left-Handed
SKU: 11DXJOHNNYCASHL
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.
