When the original J-40 model was introduced in 1985 it introduced a new timbre to the Martin world. The rosewood body with deep sides delivers ample bass but the narrower waist helps the treble response to balance it. The J-40 is versatile and it pops when you dig in with a flatpick but it also responds well to a lighter fingerpicking touch. That deeper curve at the waist also means the guitar sits lower in your lap when your seated so it feels like a smaller guitar than it actually is. The neck binding and inlays, with a pearl soundhole rosette, are all details that have defined Martin's more deluxe standard models. Combined with its low-profile neck and smooth string action the J-40 is a both iconic and contemporary Martin acoustic guitar.
