1939 Martin OOO-42

$9,499.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jun 06, 2026

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$9,499.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $9,499

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, 1939 Martin OOO-42 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Description

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Crafted with an unwavering commitment to authenticity, the 1939 Martin OOO-42 is a masterpiece that bridges the past with the present. This exquisite auditorium acoustic guitar is a testament to Martin's storied craftsmanship and innovation. At its heart, the solid Adirondack spruce top is enhanced with Martin's Vintage Tone System (VTS), a revolutionary process that replicates the aged tonal qualities of vintage guitars, offering a rich, resonant sound that captivates both the player and the listener. The solid Madagascar rosewood back and sides add depth and warmth, while the black ebony fingerboard and bridge provide a smooth, responsive playing experience.

The dovetail neck joint and hide glue construction pay homage to traditional guitar-making methods, ensuring a structurally robust and sonically superior instrument. Whether you're a collector, a performer, or an aficionado of vintage acoustics, the 1939 Martin OOO-42 promises a lifetime of musical inspiration and enjoyment. Its meticulous design and unparalleled sound make it not just a guitar, but an heirloom to be cherished for generations.

Key Features:

Solid Adirondack spruce top with Vintage Tone System (VTS)
Solid Madagascar rosewood back and sides
Black ebony fingerboard and bridge
Dovetail neck joint with hide glue construction
Rich sustain and crisp tone
Auditorium body shape

Product specs

Brand	Martin
Model	000-42 Authentic 1939
Finish	Natural
Year	2016 - 2019
Made In	United States
Categories	OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Rosewood
Body Shape	000
Color Family	Natural
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Model Family	Martin 000-42
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Martin Authentic Series
Sides Material	Rosewood
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the top of the 1939 Martin OOO-42?: The top of the 1939 Martin OOO-42 is made from Adirondack Spruce, known for its strong tonal qualities and projection, making it ideal for both fingerstyle and strumming.
How does the 000 body shape of the Martin OOO-42 affect its sound?: The 000 body shape provides a balanced tone with a focus on midrange clarity, making it well-suited for fingerstyle playing and offering a comfortable size for most players.
Does the 1939 Martin OOO-42 come with a pickup or preamp system?: No, the 1939 Martin OOO-42 does not come with a pickup or preamp system, maintaining its traditional acoustic sound.
What is the neck profile of the 1939 Martin OOO-42 like?: The 1939 Martin OOO-42 features an Authentic 1939 neck shape, which is designed to replicate the feel of vintage Martin guitars, offering a comfortable grip for most playing styles.
What materials are used for the back and sides of the Martin OOO-42?: The back and sides of the Martin OOO-42 are made from Madagascar Rosewood, known for its rich, resonant sound and beautiful grain patterns.
Is the Martin OOO-42 suitable for professional musicians?: Yes, the Martin OOO-42 is crafted with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, making it an excellent choice for professional musicians seeking a vintage-style acoustic guitar.

Videos

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Guitar Center

Vintage Faves with Joe Bonamassa | 1939 Martin 000-42 Acoustic Guitar

Guitar Center

Great Martins: 1939 000-42

Fretboard Journal

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Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Christies

This guitar was the main instrument for Eric Clapton's MTV Unplugged appearance, one of the pivotal moments in his career. The picture of Clapton playing this guitar which appeared on the c.d. cover for the multi-million seller Unplugged album, has became one of the most enduring images of recent music history. Clapton used it to play the acoustic version of: Layla, Before You Accuse Me and Old Love, as well as early versions of My Father's Eyes and Lonely Stranger.

The guitar first appeared on stage at the first of the Blues only seasons at the Royal Albert Hall in February/March 1993, used in the opening acoustic segments of the show for pre-war Blues covers such as Alabama Women, How Long Blues and Four Until Late. It went on to serve as Clapton's main stage acoustic guitar between 1993 and 1995, mostly used in the opening acoustic segments of the Blues concerts for numbers such as Malted Milk.

When Martin was developing its first Eric Clapton signature model 000-42EC, Eric Clapton requested that the construction of that guitar should be based on the structure of this pre-war 000-42. A Martin publicity photograph at the time shows Clapton holding this guitar in one hand, and the new signature model in the other.

Although Clapton Signature Martin guitars with built-in pickups began to be used for larger concert venues from 1996 onwards, this guitar remained as the main stage acoustic guitar through the 1997 Far Eastern Tour and the first leg of the Pilgrim US Tour in 1998.