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

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin 00-42, and how does it affect the sound?

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.

Is the Martin 00-42 suitable for classical or nylon-string guitar players?

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.

What is the body shape of the Martin 00-42, and what are its benefits?

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.

Does the Martin 00-42 come with a pickup system for amplification?

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.

How many frets does the Martin 00-42 have, and what is the material of the fretboard?

The Martin 00-42 features 20 frets and an ebony fretboard, which offers smooth playability and a luxurious feel under the fingers.

What is the top material of the Martin 00-42, and how does it influence the guitar's sound?

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.

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Martin 00-42 1926 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Martin 00-42 1926 at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Martin 00-42 1926 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

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

  • The 2013 Martin 00-42s features Madagascar Rosewood back and sides with a grade 8 Adirondack Spruce top, complemented by flamed koa bindings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • Some 00-42 Custom Shop models can exceed the price of a D-45, highlighting the potential for premium craftsmanship in smaller body sizes.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Acquired for $7,000, this model is considered a wise investment with potential to appreciate in value, though owners often choose to keep it.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 00 series is recommended for players who may find larger body guitars uncomfortable, particularly as they age or deal with shoulder issues.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joe Bonamassa uses Martin 00-42

Joe Bonamassa

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Guitar World

In this interview, Joe Bonamassa confirms using the Martin 00-42 acoustic guitar in the studio.

See how Pete Townshend uses Martin 00-42

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Thewho

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.

See how Brian Fallon uses Martin 00-42

Brian Fallon

Singer, Guitarist

The Gaslight Anthem

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

To accentuate this aspect of Local Honey, the album’s palette is considered and largely acoustic. Fallon played his Martin 00-42, a custom model he picked up at Russo Music in Asbury Park, New Jersey throughout the recording.

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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    Gear IQ 120766