The Martin Dion “The Wanderer” 000CBD is an iconic Limited Edition model released in 2002. This excellent condition signature model is #9 of a total of 57 produced. Designed by Dion along side Martin Guitars, they chose the comfortable 000 body size with a cutaway made from Sitka Spruce and Mahogany with a Martin GoldPlus Natural II active transducer for the stage. A sleek black gloss finish, “The Wanderer’ Pearl inlay, Pearl bird bridge inlays and Abalone New York skyline on the headtock are some of the custom features on this collectible model. The label is signed by Dion DiMucci and C.F. Martin IV labeled #9 of 57.
About the Martin Dion 000CBD:
(excerpt from The Martin Sounding Board, Jan. 2002)
Dion DiMucci. The Wanderer. King Of The New York Streets. Member of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For over
40 years, he’s been a major recording artist and rock n’ roll pioneer and a major inspiration for scores of singers,
songwriters and guitarists.
In honoring Dion and his music, Martin is proud to present “The Wanderer” Dion Signature Edition Model. Designed in close collaboration with Dion, the 000CBD guitar features a 14-fret, 000 body, long scale, with a rounded Venetian cutaway for easy access to the upper frets. “I wanted a guitar that would work well on stage and in the studio,” says Dion. “I think the mid-size 000 offers the best of both – it’s got that great Martin acoustic sound for live dates and it’s very balanced for recording.” Dion also specified the Martin GoldPlus® Natural II active transducer system, which makes this model instantly adaptable for stage and studio use.
The instrument is meticulously crafted of premium, solid tonewoods – mahogany back and sides, Sitka spruce top with scalloped “hybrid” bracing, and a genuine mahogany low profile neck. Body and neck are finished in black polished lacquer. “I think black is definitely a very cool color for a rock n’ roll guitar,” Dion adds.
To contrast the black top, the soundhole is surrounded with a single ring of blue paua shell. Black Boltaron® binding, with contrasting heavy white/black Style 21 top inlay, is used to outline and protect the top and back edges; the side inlay consists of thin black-white-black lines. A colorful Style 45 mosaic backstrip joins the two-piece back.
A ramped belly bridge of black African ebony is inlaid with two small abalone doves on each bridge wing to symbolize Dion’s deep religious faith. Other black appointments include black bridge pins (and endpin) with abalone pearl dots, black Micarta® saddle and nut, ebony heelcap, black Boltaron® end piece with thin white inlay, and large ebony buttons on Schaller M-6 chrome tuning machines.
One of the most stunning features of “The Wanderer” guitar is the headplate. Crafted of prized African ebony, it is carefully inlaid with the New York City skyline and Dion’s signature, both in pearl. The skyline symbolizes Dion’s pioneer stature in New York’s rock n’ roll music history. A raised silver foil C. F. Martin scroll logo and clear polished finish complement the inlays.
