Inspired by Dave Matthews' 914ce, the DMSM is an Indian rosewood/Sitka spruce Grand Auditorium. A custom fretboard inlay blends elements of the popular "Cindy" inlay, which graces Matthews' 914ce, with a design that pays tribute to the band's longtime sax player, LeRoi Moore, who passed away in 2008. Based on a sketch that Matthews provided, a crown inlay between the 11th and 12th frets honors Moore, incorporating ball-tipped points with one ball partially missing in his memory. A nickname of Moore's within the band, "Grux," is inlaid between the 13th and 18th frets. The headstock inlay also was developed from a sketch by Matthews. The guitar top was shaded with an aged toner to approximate the patina Matthews has on his older 914ce. (This guitar was made before "Signature Model" labels were used on the inside of the soundholes).