Pricing and availability
Average Price: $25,000
High-end/Boutique
$100
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Martin 00-42 is a classic embodiment of elegance and superior craftsmanship that appeals to both seasoned players and budding enthusiasts. As part of the renowned Martin range, this guitar offers an exquisite blend of tradition and innovation, perfectly suited for those who appreciate the subtleties of nylon-string acoustics. Its smaller 00 body size ensures a comfortable playing experience, ideal for fingerstyle players who seek a rich and balanced tonal output.
This guitar is crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top, which provides a crisp and resonant sound. The back and sides are made from East Indian rosewood, offering a warm and robust tonal quality. The intricate abalone inlays and rosette add a touch of visual sophistication, making it not only a joy to play but also a visual masterpiece. With a 12-fret neck joint and a slotted headstock, the 00-42 exudes a vintage charm that is both timeless and elegant.
Whether you are on stage or in a recording studio, this guitar's superior projection and versatile sound make it an excellent choice for a range of musical styles. Its high-quality construction and attention to detail ensure that it will be a treasured part of your collection for years to come.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top for enhanced resonance
- East Indian rosewood back and sides for warm tonal quality
- 12-fret neck joint with a slotted headstock
- Intricate abalone inlays and rosette
- Comfortable 00 body size for fingerstyle playing
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | 00-42 |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 1898 - 1943 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Concert Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Rosewood |
| Body Shape | 00 |
| Color Family | Natural |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Martin 00-42 |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Martin Pre-War Era |
| Sides Material | Rosewood |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin 00-42, and how does it affect the sound?
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The Martin 00-42 features rosewood for the back and sides, which contributes to its rich, warm tone with excellent projection and clarity, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing and intricate melodies.
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Is the Martin 00-42 suitable for classical or nylon-string guitar players?
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The Martin 00-42 is a steel-string guitar, making it more suitable for players accustomed to steel strings rather than classical or nylon-string guitars, which have a different feel and sound.
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What is the body shape of the Martin 00-42, and what are its benefits?
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The Martin 00-42 has a 00 body shape, known for its compact size and balanced tone, providing clear articulation and excellent responsiveness, especially favored by fingerstyle guitarists.
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Does the Martin 00-42 come with a pickup system for amplification?
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No, the Martin 00-42 does not come with a built-in pickup system, making it a purely acoustic instrument, though external pickups can be added if amplification is needed.
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How many frets does the Martin 00-42 have, and what is the material of the fretboard?
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The Martin 00-42 features 20 frets and an ebony fretboard, which offers smooth playability and a luxurious feel under the fingers.
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What is the top material of the Martin 00-42, and how does it influence the guitar's sound?
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The top of the Martin 00-42 is made from spruce, known for its ability to produce a bright, clear tone with strong projection, enhancing the guitar's overall sound quality.
Videos
The Fellowship of Acoustics
Martin 00-42 1926 at The Fellowship of Acoustics
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin 00-42.
Build quality
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The 2013 Martin 00-42s features Madagascar Rosewood back and sides with a grade 8 Adirondack Spruce top, complemented by flamed koa bindings.
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Comparisons
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Owners note the 00-42s sounds superior to both pre-war and modern Martin models, though it's slightly less resonant than the Martin Authentic series.
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Some 00-42 Custom Shop models can exceed the price of a D-45, highlighting the potential for premium craftsmanship in smaller body sizes.
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It's noted that the D-45, while more ornate, may not necessarily offer a superior tone compared to less adorned models like the D-28, due to similar construction.
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Value and pricing
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Acquired for $7,000, this model is considered a wise investment with potential to appreciate in value, though owners often choose to keep it.
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User experience
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Owners report that the 00-42s is an heirloom-quality instrument, often becoming a primary choice over other models like the J-40 due to its deep sound and playability.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this interview, Joe Bonamassa confirms using the Martin 00-42 acoustic guitar in the studio.
Pete Townshend acquired a small-bodied Martin acoustic, possibly as early as 1979 or 1980, and used it on 1989’s Iron Man and subsequent recordings. He purchased this guitar from Frank Lucido, California Guitar in Los Angeles.
Album Usage
The Martin 00-42 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin 00-42, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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