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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

What is the neck profile of the Martin Custom Shop D-42?

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.

How would you describe the tonal characteristics of the Martin Custom Shop D-42?

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.

Is the Martin Custom Shop D-42 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

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.

Does the Martin Custom Shop D-42 come with a built-in pickup system?

No, the Martin Custom Shop D-42 does not include a built-in pickup system, maintaining its traditional acoustic design for pure, unamplified sound.

What type of strings are recommended for the Martin Custom Shop D-42?

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.

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Martin Custom Shop D-42 Acoustic Guitar Played By Brian Love (Part One)

Video thumbnail for Martin Custom Shop D-42 Acoustic Guitar Played By Brian Love (Part One) by Carter Vintage Backstage

Martin Custom Shop D-42 Acoustic Guitar Played By Brian Love (Part One)

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Reviews

PROS

  • Adirondack top with forward-shifted Adirondack scalloped bracing enhances sound quality

  • All hide glue construction for authentic, resonant sound

  • Madagascar rosewood back and sides with grained ivoroid binding for a luxurious appearance

  • Gold Waverly open tuners add a vintage touch

  • Balanced sound with great bass and rich overtones

  • Lively and crisp strumming without muddiness

  • Unique Koa and East Indian rosewood combination offers a rare custom design

  • Pearl alternate torch inlay on headstock adds understated elegance

  • Chiming treble strings complement the full, deep sound

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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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