BLUE NOTE MUSIC

INSTRUMENT AUTHENTICATION & IDENTIFICATION REPORT

SUBJECT INSTRUMENT

Manufacturer: C. F. Martin & Co.
Model Identification: Most likely Martin GPCPA4 Rosewood
Instrument Type: Steel-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Modification: Confirmed Parsons B-Bender
Case: Hardshell Case Included

I. PURPOSE OF EXAMINATION

This report documents the observable characteristics, identification evidence, confirmed modifications, and known provenance associated with the subject Martin acoustic-electric guitar.

A significant limitation exists in the identification of the instrument: the factory model and serial number markings have been physically obscured by the installation of the internal Parsons B-Bender mechanism. Inspection with a mirror did not reveal an alternative visible serial or model number.

Accordingly, the exact factory model designation cannot presently be confirmed directly from Martin's original identifying markings. The model identification presented in this report is therefore based upon the instrument's physical construction, dimensions, appointments, body configuration, woods, and electronics.

II. CONFIRMED MANUFACTURER

The subject instrument is confirmed to be a C. F. Martin & Co. acoustic-electric guitar.

Identification is supported by the instrument's construction, headstock logo, overall design, body configuration, internal construction, and other characteristic Martin manufacturing features visible during examination.

III. MODEL IDENTIFICATION

MOST LIKELY IDENTIFICATION:

Martin GPCPA4 Rosewood

The instrument exhibits characteristics strongly consistent with the Martin GPCPA4 Rosewood from the Performing Artist Series.

Observed characteristics include:

• Grand Performance body configuration
• Venetian-style cutaway
• Approximately 4-3/8" measured body depth
• 14-fret neck configuration
• Spruce top
• Rosewood-appearing back and sides
• Light-colored body binding
• Performing Artist-style neck configuration
• Martin-branded headstock
• Tortoise-style pickguard
• Acoustic-electric configuration
• Fishman onboard electronics

IDENTIFICATION LIMITATION

The original Martin model designation and serial number are currently obscured by the Parsons B-Bender installation. No additional identifying number was located during mirror inspection of the accessible interior.

Therefore, Martin GPCPA4 Rosewood is considered a high-confidence physical identification rather than a factory-marking-verified identification at the time of this examination.

IV. CONFIRMED PARSONS B-BENDER INSTALLATION

The instrument is confirmed to be fitted with a Parsons B-Bender system.

This is a substantial internal mechanical modification rather than a simple externally mounted accessory. The installation incorporates specialized mechanical components within the guitar and requires significant precision work and permanent modification to the instrument.

The installation is regarded as a specialized procedure requiring considerable knowledge of the Parsons B-Bender system, guitar construction, mechanical alignment, and structural modification.

The presence of this confirmed Parsons B-Bender materially distinguishes the instrument from a standard, unmodified Martin GPCPA4-series guitar.

V. REPORTED INSTALLER: GENE PARSONS

It has been reported that the Parsons B-Bender installation was performed personally by Gene Parsons.

This information was provided through a highly respected musician familiar with the instrument and its history. The reported cost of the installation was approximately $2,800.

At the time of this report, however, no written invoice, certificate, receipt, or other direct documentation confirming that Gene Parsons personally performed the installation has been examined.

Therefore, the following distinction is important:

CONFIRMED:

The instrument is fitted with a genuine Parsons B-Bender system.

NOT YET DOCUMENTARILY VERIFIED:

That Gene Parsons personally performed the installation.

Based upon the specialized nature of the installation, the reported provenance is considered plausible and worthy of further investigation. The reported installation by Gene Parsons should not be represented as conclusively proven until supporting documentation or additional direct provenance is obtained.

There is a possibility that email communications concerning the installation may still exist. Any such communications could be highly significant to the instrument's provenance and should be preserved in their original form.

If documentation can directly connect Gene Parsons to this specific instrument, the provenance should be formally updated.

VI. ELECTRONICS

The guitar is fitted with Fishman electronics.

The electronics configuration is consistent with the general period and model family represented by the current high-confidence identification. The exact electronics model should be further documented through photographs of accessible labels, internal components, and control markings when practical.

VII. CASE

• A later replacement case

VIII. ORIGINALITY & MODIFICATION ASSESSMENT

FACTORY CONFIGURATION

The guitar is not in completely original factory configuration due to the permanent installation of the Parsons B-Bender system.

The B-Bender installation represents a major structural and mechanical modification.

However, this modification should not automatically be characterized as a negative or as ordinary aftermarket damage. A professionally installed Parsons B-Bender is a specialized, historically significant performance modification with its own market and collector interest.

The instrument should therefore be evaluated in two separate contexts:

As a Standard Martin Collectible

The permanent modification reduces factory originality.

As a Specialized Parsons B-Bender Instrument

The confirmed Parsons system creates a distinctive market identity and may add significant appeal to musicians and collectors interested in B-Bender instruments.

If the installation is eventually documented as having been personally performed by Gene Parsons, that provenance could materially increase the instrument's historical interest and market desirability.

IX. AUTHENTICATION CONCLUSION

Based upon the physical evidence examined, the following conclusions are reached:

MANUFACTURER

CONFIRMED: C. F. Martin & Co.

MODEL

HIGH-CONFIDENCE IDENTIFICATION: Martin GPCPA4 Rosewood

The exact factory model designation cannot presently be directly confirmed because the original identifying information is obscured by the Parsons B-Bender installation.

B-BENDER

CONFIRMED: Parsons B-Bender

INSTALLATION BY GENE PARSONS

REPORTED / PLAUSIBLE, BUT NOT YET DOCUMENTARILY VERIFIED

The installation is reported to have been performed by Gene Parsons, based upon information from a highly respected musician familiar with the instrument. This claim remains unverified pending supporting documentation, correspondence, or other direct provenance.

ELECTRONICS

CONFIRMED: Fishman electronics

CASE

INCLUDED: Hardshell case

X. RECOMMENDED PROVENANCE PRESERVATION

This instrument has the potential to become substantially better documented if historical communications concerning the B-Bender installation can be located.

All available emails, photographs, receipts, shipping records, and correspondence relating to the installation should be preserved.

The most important objective is establishing a direct documentary connection between:

1. The specific Martin guitar;
2. The Parsons B-Bender installation; and
3. Gene Parsons, if he personally performed the work.

Until such evidence is obtained, the most accurate description of the instrument is:

C. F. Martin acoustic-electric guitar, identified with high confidence as a GPCPA4 Rosewood, professionally fitted with a confirmed Parsons B-Bender. The B-Bender installation is reportedly believed to have been performed personally by Gene Parsons, though direct documentary verification has not yet been located. Fishman electronics and hardshell case included.

AUTHENTICATION STATUS

Manufacturer: VERIFIED
Parsons B-Bender: VERIFIED
Model Identification: HIGH CONFIDENCE — FACTORY MARKINGS OBSCURED
Gene Parsons Personal Installation: UNVERIFIED — SUPPORTING PROVENANCE REPORTED
Fishman Electronics: VERIFIED
Hardshell Case: VERIFIED AS INCLUDED; ORIGINALITY TO INSTRUMENT NOT DETERMINED

Overall Assessment: The subject instrument is a distinctive, professionally modified Martin acoustic-electric guitar featuring a confirmed Parsons B-Bender. Further recovery of historical correspondence concerning the installation could materially strengthen its provenance and potential collector significance.