“Dire Straits” Guitarist Inspires Dazzling Guitar

HD-40MK Mark Knopfler Signature Edition 2002

Italian Alpine Spruce Top, East Indian Rosewood Back & Sides

Excellent Condition

Known for his fluid, twisting electric leads with Dire Straits,his work as a solo artist, and his delicate acoustic precision on several movie soundtracks, Mark Knopfler has consistently dazzled as a guitarist. Now, after more than 25 years of inspired playing, Knopfler’s personal preferences regarding the ideal acoustic guitar have helped create an extraordinary instrument: the Martin HD-40MK Mark Knopfler Signature Edition model.

The HD-40MK Mark Knopfler Signature Edition reflects Knopfler’s individual taste in tonewoods, construction and appointments. This Dreadnought’s solid East Indian rosewood back and sides are matched to a top of rare bookmatched Italian alpine spruce (the same species used by Antonio Stradivari), cherished by luthiers and players alike for impressive dynamics and string-to-string definition. Scalloped 5/16” top X-braces, advanced to one inch from the soundhole in the pre-war style, give the instrument’s rich tone added depth and clarity. Jumbo frets on the black African ebony fingerboard provide plenty of height for runs, hammer-ons, pull-offs and string bending. The soundhole features an eye-catching ring of "pearl diamond" inlays, inspired by a unique rosette style originated by C. F. Martin in the 1840s. The drama of the rosette is matched by the bound and polished East Indian rosewood headstock overlay, inlaid with the "C. F. Martin & Co." script logo in brilliant mother of pearl.

Mark Knopfler’s strong convictions regarding how the Martin model that bears his name should look and sound come naturally – acoustic guitars have been one of his abiding pleasures. A member of countless bands during his teens in the northeast of England, he gravitated to acoustic playing while working as a journalist in Leeds in the late 1960s. During the next six years, he integrated a variety of influences into his playing but found the source for his acoustic and electric voice in the blues.

He graduated from Leeds University in 1973 and headed straight to London tobreak into the rock scene, but his big break came four years, a couple of bands and a detour through Essex later, when he and three other musicians formed Dire Straits. A five-song demo highlighting Knopfler’s fine playing and songwriting soon netted the band airplay on the BBC, a manager and a recording contract. Released early in 1978, the group’s first single, “Sultans of Swing,” became a worldwide hit, and Knopfler never looked back.

Powered by Knopfler’s distinctive guitar, voice and songs, Dire Straits released eight albums in 16 years and scored several hit singles, including “Skateaway”, “Walk of Life” and “Money for Nothing”. The group also became a huge live act,selling out concert halls and stadiums around the world. As side projects during this period, Knopfler scored the music to five movies, produced Tina Turner’s comeback album and an album by Bob Dylan, returned to his folk roots as a member of The Notting Hillbillies and recorded a duet guitar album with the legendary Chet Atkins.

In the mid-1990s, Knopfler became a solo artist with release of the “Golden Heart” album. His second solo effort, “Sailing to Philadelphia,” provided a fresh set of beautifully crafted songs for the tour of the same name that crossed the United States last April and May. To date, Knopfler has sold more than 105 million albums. In addition, paleontologist fans early this year named a new species of dinosaur discovered in Madagascar after him: Masiakasaurus Knopfleri.

The HD-40MK Mark Knopfler Signature Edition may have some traditional touches, but it’s no dinosaur.

Vintage toner, fine patterned herringbone purfling, ivoroid binding, a black African ebony belly bridge with white inlaid black bridge pins, and an old style beveled and polished tortoise-colored pickguard on the top enhance the instrument’s classic look.

Fine patterned herringbone also highlights the back center strip. The genuine mahogany neck features a modified V-shape, old-style pointed heel, a solid,squared and tapered headstock with diamond volute, and nickel Waverly open gear tuners with butterbean knobs.

The bound fingerboard, 1 11/16” at the nut, showcases Style 42 pearl snowflake inlays beginning at the 5th fret, with an inlay of Mark Knopfler’s unique signature appearing between the 17th and 20th frets. A hand polished, gloss lacquer finish accentuates the beauty of the instrument’s tonewoods and appointments. Knopfler’s dinosaur connection is noted in two subtle ways: in the genuine bone nut and saddle, and in a laser etching of his namesake on the neck block.

Delivered in a Geib™ style hard-shell case with a vintage muave interior, each HD-40MK Mark Knopfler

Signature Edition instrument bears an interior label personally signed by Mark Knopfler and Martin Chairman and CEO C. F. Martin IV, numbered in sequence and showing the total produced.

Pure Effect Music Shipping & Return Policy

Shipping

We take great pride in ensuring your guitar arrives safely and promptly.

International Shipping:
We ship worldwide via DHL Express or FedEx International. Customs duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility. These costs are not included in your order and will be billed to you by the transporter during the customs clearance process or upon delivery.

Time:
Orders are shipped within 1–2 business days after payment is received and cleared.

All instruments are meticulously inspected, photographed, and securely packaged prior to shipment.

Returns

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned to Pure Effect Music within 48 hours of delivery in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.

Return Window:
You may return the guitar if the above conditions are met within 48 hours of delivery for a refund, less shipping costs and restocking fee.

Condition:
Guitar must be returned in the exact condition it was received. Any damage, alterations, or signs of wear may result in a reduced refund.

Restocking Fee:
A 15% restocking fee will be applied to all returns. This covers international customs fees, handling, inspection, and potential loss of sales.

Return Shipping:
Buyer is responsible for fully insured return shipping using a trackable carrier. Please pack with care—including original packaging.

Non-Returnable Items

• Custom orders or modified instruments
• Items sold as-is or listed as non-returnable in the product description

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