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Description

The Martin D-42 Purple Martin is an acoustic-electric marvel, crafted for those who cherish both aesthetics and superior sound. As the third in its series, this limited-edition gem is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and aural excellence. With a back and sides made from katalox, also known as Mexican royal ebony, this guitar delivers deep lows and tight highs. The remarkable Engelmann spruce top adds a layer of warmth, creating a sound that is both full-bodied and rich in overtones.

The dreadnought body style enhances projection, making it ideal for both intimate performances and studio recordings. Whether you're strumming under the stars or recording your next album, its balanced tone ensures every note resonates with clarity. The modified low-oval neck with a smooth ebony fingerboard offers a playing experience that's both comfortable and precise, appealing to guitarists of all styles and skills.

Embellished with Purple Martin Theme fingerboard inlays and European flamed maple binding, this guitar is as visually stunning as it is sonically impressive. Schaller open-gear tuners and bone-colored liquid metal bridge pins provide durability and precision tuning. Limited to just 50 pieces, each guitar carries a label signed by Chris Martin, making it a collector’s dream and a player’s delight.

Key Features:

  • Katalox back and sides for deep lows and tight highs
  • Engelmann spruce top for warmth and overtones
  • Dreadnought body for superior projection
  • Low-oval neck profile for smooth playability
  • Ebony fingerboard with Purple Martin Theme inlays
  • Schaller Gold GrandTune open-gear tuners
  • Limited edition with a label signed by Chris Martin

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model D-42 Purple Martin Engelmann Spruce / Plum Katalox Dreadnought
Finish Natural
Year 2018
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Martin D-42
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Custom Shop
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What materials are used in the construction of the Martin D-42 Purple Martin?

The Martin D-42 Purple Martin features a Bearclaw Engelmann spruce top, flamed myrtle back and sides, and a mahogany neck. The fretboard is made of ebony, and the guitar is adorned with 42 style pearl inlays and decorative inlays of the purple martin bird and mountain laurel flowers.

Is the Martin D-42 Purple Martin suitable for live performances?

While the Martin D-42 Purple Martin is an acoustic guitar without a built-in pickup, it offers excellent acoustic sound quality suitable for live performances. However, players may need to use an external microphone or install a pickup system for amplification.

How many strings does the Martin D-42 Purple Martin have, and what type are they?

The Martin D-42 Purple Martin is a 6-string acoustic guitar strung with Martin's Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 medium gauge steel strings for a rich and full sound.

What is the body shape of the Martin D-42 Purple Martin, and how does it affect the sound?

The Martin D-42 Purple Martin has a dreadnought body shape, which provides a powerful and balanced sound with a strong bass response, making it ideal for a wide range of musical styles.

Is the Martin D-42 Purple Martin a limited edition model?

Yes, the Martin D-42 Purple Martin is a limited edition model with only 100 units produced, making it a collectible item for guitar enthusiasts.

Martin Guitar

Martin Guitar

D-42 Purple Martin

Video thumbnail for D-42 Purple Martin by Martin Guitar

D-42 Purple Martin

Martin Guitar

Martin Guitar

Video thumbnail for Martin D-42 Purple Martin & John Mayer D-45 | Winter NAMM 2018 by Reverb

Martin D-42 Purple Martin & John Mayer D-45 | Winter NAMM 2018

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for 2018 Limited Martin D-42 Purple Martin Acoustic Guitar - Only 50 Made! by Alamo Music Center

2018 Limited Martin D-42 Purple Martin Acoustic Guitar - Only 50 Made!

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for The Martin D-42 Purple Martin at Maury’s Music by Maury's Music

The Martin D-42 Purple Martin at Maury’s Music

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for Martin D-42 Purple Martin Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar | New from NAMM 2018 by Guitar Center

Martin D-42 Purple Martin Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar | New from NAMM 2018

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for MARTIN D-42 PURPLE MARTIN FLAMED MYRTLE X WALT GRACE VINTAGE by Walt Grace Vintage

MARTIN D-42 PURPLE MARTIN FLAMED MYRTLE X WALT GRACE VINTAGE

Walt Grace Vintage

Walt Grace Vintage

Video thumbnail for The Martin D-42 Purple Martin at Maury's Music by Maury's Music

The Martin D-42 Purple Martin at Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for Martin Guitar Limited Editions D-42 Purple by SOUND EnterMaNia SOUND

Martin Guitar Limited Editions D-42 Purple

SOUND EnterMaNia SOUND

SOUND EnterMaNia SOUND

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-42 Purple Martin.

Build quality

  • The 2025 D-42 features a mahogany neck with a gloss finish, contrasting with the rosewood back, providing a visually striking combination.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 2025 D-42 includes a thinner fingerboard with rolled edges, enhancing comfort and playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 2025 D-42 offers a more balanced tone with sweeter treble compared to the 2024 D-41, which was noted to be too bright.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the 2025 neck, describing it as slightly fuller in the lower frets despite the continued use of the MLO neck profile.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 2025 D-42 is considered better suited for accompanying vocals due to its balanced tone and shimmer, compared to the 1937 CS model, which favors bluegrass or flatpicking.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Paul Stanley uses Martin D-42 Purple Martin

Paul Stanley

Singer, Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

"Spent the morning at @martinguitar touring their amazing museum and seeing true craftsman and women at work. I COULDN’T leave without this D-42 Purple Flamed Myrtle. An incredible guitar. There’s a reason Martins are the standard by which others are judged. Great people too!"

Genre Usage

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