The unique custom rosette that adorns the soundhole features a center ring of Martin's traditional small Mother Of Pearl slotted square inlays set against a black background (a custom design by Pearl Works). Fine pattern herringbone encircles the top, while bold pattern herringbone bordered in white bisects the back. The polished headplate provides an elegant backdrop for Martin's elaborate "alternative torch" inlay, a design originally created on one of the first Martin 00-45s in 1902 and revived in 2000 for Eric Clapton 000-42EC Signature Edition. Equally striking are specially made sterling silver-plated Schaller tuners with sterling silver-plated buttons. The fingerboard features Martin's Style 45 snowflake inlays, with "Bellezza Nera" inlaid in script above the last fret in mother of pearl. To allow its elegance to shine unrestrained, this guitar comes without a pickguard. Within the Bellezza Nera's handsome appointments lies a tone monster, crafted in the Martin tradition. Premium Solid tonewoods are featured throughout. The top is Italian alpine spruce, (the same tone wood used by Antonio Stradivari) revered for its rich, powerful tone. The back and sides are crafted from East Indian rosewood, which provides both strong projection and roundness to the tonal palette. Carved from solid genuine mahogany, the neck features Martin's diamond volute at the base of the headstock. Each Bellezza Nera includes a special black interior label personally signed by Eric Clapton, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Martin Artist Relations head Dick Boak and Martin Chairman C.F. Martin IV. In keeping with the black theme, this guitar comes with a special Geib™ style hardshell case with black plush interior and black anodized hardware. Also included with this unique guitar is the original Martin poster of this Ltd Ed Model.