Martin D-40 FMG Limited Edition (1996) – Quilted Mahogany

C.F. Martin & Co. D-40 FMG Limited Edition (1996) – Quilted Mahogany – Very Good Condition

This Martin D-40 FMG from 1996 — also searched as Martin D40 FMG, Martin D 40 FMG, Martin Figured Mahogany, vintage Martin D-40, or used Martin Limited Edition — is an exceptionally rare and collectible dreadnought from Martin’s prestigious Figured Woods Limited Edition, produced in a limited run of just 150 instruments worldwide.

The D-40 FMG stands out for its spectacular highly figured quilted mahogany back and sides, featuring distinctive three-dimensional grain patterns rarely seen on traditional mahogany guitars. The designation FMG refers to Figured Mahogany, highlighting the exceptional tonewood selected for this special model.

Paired with a solid Sitka spruce top, the quilted mahogany body produces a beautifully balanced acoustic voice with strong fundamentals, warm and woody mids, clear trebles and a tight, articulate bass. The combination delivers the direct, focused character of a traditional mahogany dreadnought with excellent projection and resonance.

Unlike a standard D-18, the D-40 FMG features considerably more elaborate appointments inspired by Martin’s premium Style 40 instruments. These include a Style 45 abalone rosette, elegant abalone hexagon fingerboard inlays, an East Indian rosewood headplate with vertical abalone Martin lettering, and distinctive tortoise-colored binding around the body, fingerboard and headstock.

The guitar also features 5/16” scalloped X-bracing, contributing to its open, responsive sound and excellent dynamic range. The traditional Low Profile mahogany neck and 1 11/16” (42.9 mm) nut width provide the familiar playing feel of Martin dreadnoughts from this era.

The D-40 FMG belongs to Martin’s short-lived Figured Woods series, alongside the D-40 FW in figured walnut and the D-40 QM in quilted maple. With only 150 D-40 FMG instruments produced, it is considerably rarer than most standard Martin dreadnoughts.

This Martin D-40 FMG (1996) is in very good condition, showing light signs of normal use consistent with its age. A beautiful and uncommon Martin combining exceptional figured mahogany, premium decorative appointments and classic dreadnought tone.

Specifications – Martin D-40 FMG Limited Edition (1996)

• Brand: C.F. Martin & Co.
• Model: D-40 FMG
• Year: 1996
• Series: Figured Woods Limited Edition
• Production: Limited to 150 Instruments Worldwide
• Body Size: Dreadnought, 14-Fret
• Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides: Solid Highly Figured / Quilted Mahogany
• Back Inlay: Style 45 Back Purfling
• Bracing: 5/16” Scalloped X-Bracing
• Scale Length: 25.4” (645 mm)
• Nut Width: 1 11/16” (42.9 mm)
• String Spacing at Bridge: 2 1/8” (54 mm)
• Neck: Solid Genuine Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Low Profile
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Bridge: Ebony Belly Bridge
• Fingerboard Inlays: Style 40 Abalone Hexagons
• Fingerboard Binding: Tortoise Color
• Headplate: East Indian Rosewood
• Headstock Logo: Vertical Martin Abalone Lettering
• Headstock Binding: Tortoise Color
• Rosette: Style 45 Abalone
• Body Binding: Tortoise Color
• Pickguard: Tortoise Color
• Original Nut Material: Corian
• Original Saddle Material: Micarta
• Tuners: Gold Gotoh with Large Gold Buttons
• Finish: Gloss Lacquer Body / Satin Neck
• Electronics: None in Standard Specification
• Condition: Very Good