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Average Price: $6,799
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$601+
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Description
Crafted with an eye for detail and a heart for tradition, the Martin Custom Shop D-42 is a luxurious addition to any musician's collection. This handcrafted masterpiece is the epitome of Martin's dedication to quality, combining decades of expertise with modern innovation. The D-42 features a solid Sitka spruce top, known for its exceptional resonance and clarity, paired with East Indian rosewood back and sides that enrich the sound with warm overtones. The guitar's forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing enhances the projection and tonal balance, making it a perfect choice for both fingerstyle players and strummers.
The neck is carved from select hardwood and topped with an ebony fingerboard, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the guitar's aesthetic features, including abalone inlays and a beautifully crafted rosette. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Martin Custom Shop D-42 delivers a rich, full-bodied sound that captivates audiences.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top for enhanced resonance and dynamic range
- East Indian rosewood back and sides for warm, rich tones
- Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing for superior projection and tonal balance
- Select hardwood neck with an ebony fingerboard for comfort and playability
- Abalone inlays and rosette for a stunning visual appeal
- Handcrafted in the USA, showcasing Martin's legacy of excellence
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | D-42 |
| Made In | United States |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Model Family | Martin D-42 |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Martin Custom Shop |
| String Type | Steel |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Martin Custom Shop D-42?
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The Martin Custom Shop D-42 features a modified low oval neck profile with a high-performance taper, providing comfortable playability suitable for a range of hand sizes.
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How would you describe the tonal characteristics of the Martin Custom Shop D-42?
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The Martin Custom Shop D-42 delivers a rich, full-bodied sound with excellent projection and clarity, thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides.
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Is the Martin Custom Shop D-42 suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Martin Custom Shop D-42 is well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to its balanced tone and responsive dynamics, allowing for expressive performance across various styles.
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Does the Martin Custom Shop D-42 come with a built-in pickup system?
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No, the Martin Custom Shop D-42 does not include a built-in pickup system, maintaining its traditional acoustic design for pure, unamplified sound.
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What type of strings are recommended for the Martin Custom Shop D-42?
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The Martin Custom Shop D-42 is designed for steel strings, and using high-quality phosphor bronze strings can enhance its tonal richness and sustain.
Videos
Carter Vintage Backstage
Martin Custom Shop D-42 Acoustic Guitar Played By Brian Love (Part One)
Reviews
PROS
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Adirondack top with forward-shifted Adirondack scalloped bracing enhances sound quality
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All hide glue construction for authentic, resonant sound
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Madagascar rosewood back and sides with grained ivoroid binding for a luxurious appearance
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Gold Waverly open tuners add a vintage touch
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Balanced sound with great bass and rich overtones
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Lively and crisp strumming without muddiness
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Unique Koa and East Indian rosewood combination offers a rare custom design
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Pearl alternate torch inlay on headstock adds understated elegance
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Chiming treble strings complement the full, deep sound
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Only 50 made, offering exclusivity
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Custom Shop D-42.
Build quality
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The 2025 D-42 features a mahogany neck with a glossy finish, contrasting with the rosewood back and sides, enhancing its visual appeal.
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The neck inlay, top binding, and rosette of the D-42 are highlighted for their stunning craftsmanship.
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The spruce top on older D-42 models develops a lovely tawny umber color over time due to UV light exposure.
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Setup and maintenance
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The 2025 D-42 has a thinner fingerboard and rolled edges, which improve playability and comfort, especially in the lower frets.
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Ensure humidity remains between 40-60% using a hygrometer and humidipaks; an Eva-Dry E-333 Mini Dehumidifier is recommended for in-case storage.
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A General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter can be used to monitor wood moisture content, enhancing maintenance precision.
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Comparisons
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The 2025 D-42 is noted for its balanced tone, making it more suitable for vocal accompaniment compared to the brighter D-41 or the bluegrass-oriented D28 1937 model.
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Owners often compare the Martin D-42 favorably to the Gibson Custom Shop 1936 J35, noting the D-42's superior tone and playability.
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One user with a Martin D-16 refers to the D-42 as a "big brother," highlighting its elevated status and desirability.
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Features and functionality
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The absence of snowflake inlays on the 2025 D-42 bridge is a notable design change preferred by some users.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the 2025 D-42's dynamic nuances, allowing for creative expression through varied playing attacks.
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The distinctive aroma from the D-42's case is a memorable and overwhelming feature for new owners.
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Owners report the D-42 is hard to put down, enhancing the overall playing experience.
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Owners describe the 1996 D-42 as having no ceiling to its volume, comparing its sound to a plugged-in acoustic amp.
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Owners find the D-42 retains its excellent condition over decades, even with extensive play, when properly cared for.
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