AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR, MARK KNOPFLER SIGNATURE EDITION, PROTOTYPE 000-40S

Following the huge success of the first signature guitar collaboration between Mark Knopfler and C.F. Martin and Co. (see The Jim Irsay Collection: Online for an example of this model), Dick Boak, head of Martin's Artist Relations, approached Knopfler to propose a follow-up project. The fresh inspiration was built around an instrument that would fill the needs of Knopfler's virtuoso fingerpicking talents. A OOO body size with a 25.4 inch scale was the obvious choice, but rather than a neck with 14 frets clear of the body, Martin's Dick Boak suggested a 12 fret neck and Knopfler agreed. The 12 fret neck allowed for a body length of 20 7⁄16 inches rather than the standard 19 3⁄8 inches on a 14 fret model. This increase in body length related directly to an increase in the resonating air volume of the body. The result was an exceedingly comfortable guitar to play and one that produced a warmer and richer tambour. Named after Knopfler's 2002 solo studio album The Ragpicker's Dream, it was a perfect fit for a fingerstyle player. The new model was introduced at the 2006 Summer NAMM Show in Austin, Texas. The final production models were delivered to Knopfler and band members during their 2006 All The Roadrunning Tour with Emmylou Harris. One of Mark Knopfler's production models - #2 of 155 - was sold from his collection at Christie's, London, 31 January 2024, lot 91 (£88,200).