Martin D-35 Ernest Tubb Commemorative Edition (2003)
A rare Martin dreadnought celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary Texas Troubadour.
Mint Condition, Italian Alpine Spruce Top, Three-piece Rosewood Back featuring a pre-CITIES-certified Brazilian rosewood centre-wedge framed by Indian rosewood wings, 2003 limited edition.
The Martin D-35 Ernest Tubb Commemorative Edition is a distinctive and highly collectible tribute to one of country music’s most influential pioneers. Produced in a strictly limited edition of just 90 instruments, this exceptional model combines Martin’s celebrated dreadnought design with an extraordinary selection of tonewoods, elaborate custom appointments and a wealth of details honouring Ernest Tubb’s enduring musical legacy.
Created to commemorate the artist affectionately known as the Texas Troubadour, this special D-35 is far removed from a standard production instrument. Its rare Italian Alpine spruce soundboard, three-piece rosewood back featuring a pre-CITES-certified Brazilian rosewood centre wedge, and extensive pearl and wood inlay work give it a distinctive identity within Martin’s commemorative guitar history.
Exceptional tonewoods and distinctive construction
At the heart of the instrument is a carefully selected Italian Alpine spruce top, prized for its beauty, responsiveness and broad dynamic potential. The soundboard is supported by unscalloped 1/4-inch Sitka spruce bracing, forming the foundation of a dreadnought designed to deliver the familiar presence and projection associated with Martin’s celebrated acoustic tradition.
The three-piece back is particularly noteworthy. A centre wedge of pre-CITES-certified Brazilian rosewood is framed by Indian rosewood wings, with bookmatched Indian rosewood sides completing the body. This unusual combination creates an elegant contrast of colour and figure while retaining the unmistakable visual character of the D-35.
A solid mahogany low-profile neck, complete with diamond volute, is paired with a Brazilian rosewood headplate and black African ebony fingerboard. The result is an instrument whose materials and construction are as compelling to the discerning collector as its elaborate commemorative design.
Unmistakable Texas character
The appointments make this edition instantly recognisable.
The headstock features the traditional C. F. Martin decal above a striking longhorn cattle-skull inlay executed in bone and mother of pearl—a powerful reference to the Lone Star State and Ernest Tubb’s Texan identity.
The ebony fingerboard is adorned with select green pearl Style 42-inspired inlays, including a silhouette of Texas at the fifth fret and a Lone Star at the ninth. Ernest Tubb’s signature is inlaid in mother of pearl between the eighteenth and twentieth frets, adding a personal touch to the instrument’s commemorative character.
Further detailing includes:
Brown-and-white half-herringbone “rope” purfling around the top.
Tortoise-coloured binding, complemented by contrasting white-and-black purfling.
A Style 45 rosette featuring blue Paua shell inlay.
Green mosaic back strips echoing the fingerboard’s green pearl appointments.
Tortoise-coloured accents at the headstock, neck, back, endpiece and heelcap.
A polished, bevelled tortoise-coloured pickguard.
Gold Waverly tuners with butterbean knobs.
A polished gloss lacquer finish, enhanced by vintage toner on the spruce top.
Every detail contributes to a coherent design that celebrates Ernest Tubb’s heritage without losing sight of Martin’s own visual traditions.
Designed for performance
Although its limited production and elaborate ornamentation make it particularly appealing to collectors, the D-35 Ernest Tubb Commemorative Edition was conceived as a functional musical instrument.
It was supplied with factory-installed Gold+Natural II electronics, providing the option of amplified performance in keeping with Tubb’s long career on stage and radio. A special leatherette-covered Geib-style hardshell case was also included with the model.
A significant Martin commemorative edition
Ernest Tubb’s influence extended well beyond his recordings. His breakthrough hit, Walking the Floor Over You, helped establish the honky-tonk sound that became central to post-war country music. Through his performances with the Texas Troubadours, his Nashville record shop and his Midnight Jamboree broadcast, he also played an important role in supporting the wider country music community.
Martin’s tribute captures this history in a guitar with a genuinely individual specification. The combination of Italian Alpine spruce, a Brazilian rosewood centre wedge, extensive pearl inlay and Texas-inspired detailing distinguishes it from a conventional D-35 and places it among the more characterful artist commemorative models produced by the company.
With production limited to just 90 instruments, each example represents a small part of Martin’s commemorative history and a lasting tribute to one of country music’s defining figures.
Product highlights
Model: Martin D-35 Ernest Tubb Commemorative Edition
Year: 2003 model designation
Edition: Limited production of 90 instruments
Top: Italian Alpine spruce
Bracing: Unscalloped 1/4-inch Sitka spruce
Back: Three-piece construction with pre-CITES-certified Brazilian rosewood centre wedge and Indian rosewood wings
Sides: Bookmatched Indian rosewood
Neck: Solid mahogany, low-profile, with diamond volute
Fingerboard: Black African ebony
Headplate: Brazilian rosewood
Inlays: Green pearl Texas and Lone Star motifs; mother-of-pearl Ernest Tubb signature
Rosette: Style 45 with blue Paua shell inlay
Tuners: Gold Waverly with butterbean knobs
Finish: Polished gloss lacquer with vintage-toned top
Electronics: Factory-installed Gold+Natural II
Case: Special leatherette-covered Geib-style hardshell case
Pure Effect Music
The Martin D-35 Ernest Tubb Commemorative Edition is an exceptional choice for the collector seeking a rare, visually distinctive Martin with genuine musical and historical significance. Its limited production, unusual rosewood construction and richly detailed Texas-inspired appointments combine to create an instrument that celebrates not only a legendary performer, but also the enduring artistry of C. F. Martin & Co.
A remarkable Martin. A tribute to the Texas Troubadour. A distinctive piece of country music history.
