Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
3.5 (2)
$6,399.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$6,399.00
Amazon
5.0 (3)
$6,399.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$6,699.99 New
$3,900.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$6,399.00
Thomann
$6,899.00

Average Price: $6,156

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin OM-42". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the Martin OM-42, a quintessential guitar that perfectly balances tradition and innovation. With an orchestra model design, the OM-42 is a smaller, incredibly comfortable piece that's built for intricate finger-picking and layering. Its East Indian rosewood back and sides, spruce scalloped X-braced top, and hand-fit dovetail neck joint deliver a rich, warm tone that sits beautifully in any mix. The OM-42 is Plek'd for fret consistency and smoothness. This state-of-the-art, computer-guided process ensures that every note in every position rings loud and clear with unblemished tone.

The OM-42 also revels in its exquisite craftsmanship. It features open-geared tuners, antique white binding, a polished gloss finish, and a tortoise colored pickguard, all of which offer shimmer with exemplary tone. The long scale and sleek modified low-oval neck with narrow taper allow for hours of comfortable strumming and picking.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top with scalloped spruce 1/4" X bracing
  • East Indian Rosewood back and sides
  • Hand-fit dovetail neck joint
  • Modified Low Oval neck with High Performance taper
  • Plek'd frets for fret consistency and smoothness
  • Open-geared tuners
  • Antique white binding with abalone/multi-stripe inlay
  • Ebony fingerboard with 20 Plek'd frets
  • 1.75"-wide bone nut; ebony Modern Belly bridge with drop-in Compensated Bone saddle
  • Gold open-gear tuning machines with Butterbean knobs
  • Gloss finish on top, back, and sides
  • Vintage-inspired aging toner applied to top

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, the Martin OM-42 is a must-have for any guitar collection.

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape OM-42 Standard Orchestra
Back & Sides Wood Solid East Indian Rosewood
Top Wood Solid Spruce
Top Finish Gloss
Body Bracing X-brace
Binding Antique White
Neck Wood Genuine Mahogany
Neck Finish Satin
Neck Shape GE Modified Low Oval
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Inlay Style 45 Snowflake
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25.4"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut Material Bone
Saddle Material Compensated Bone
Bridge Material Ebony
Tuning Machines Gold Open-gear
Strings Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0, .012-.054
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Martin OM-42?

The Martin OM-42 offers a balanced tonal palette with rich, full bass and clear, articulate highs, thanks to its solid spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides. This combination makes it ideal for fingerstyle playing and versatile for various music genres.

Is the Martin OM-42 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Martin OM-42 is well-suited for live performances. Its solid construction and high-quality materials provide excellent projection and sustain, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

What is the neck profile of the Martin OM-42 like?

The Martin OM-42 features a GE Modified Low Oval neck shape with a 16" radius, offering a comfortable grip for both chording and intricate fingerstyle work.

Does the Martin OM-42 come with a case?

Yes, the Martin OM-42 comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection and safe transportation for your guitar.

How does the scale length of the Martin OM-42 affect playability?

The Martin OM-42 has a 25.4" scale length, providing a slightly longer reach that enhances string tension and projection, ideal for players who prefer a more responsive and dynamic playing experience.

What type of strings are recommended for the Martin OM-42?

The Martin OM-42 comes with Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 strings (.012-.054), which are recommended for maintaining the guitar's tonal quality and playability.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Martin OM-42 - How Does it Sound?

Video thumbnail for Martin OM-42 - How Does it Sound? by Acoustic Letter

Martin OM-42 - How Does it Sound?

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Martin Standard Series OM-42 Orchestra Model Acoustic Guitar, Natural by Musician's Friend

Martin Standard Series OM-42 Orchestra Model Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Martin OM-42 - Beautiful Balance & Bling! by Acoustic Letter

Martin OM-42 - Beautiful Balance & Bling!

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Martin OM vs. 000 - Expensive Edition! OM-42 vs 000-42 by Alamo Music Center

Martin OM vs. 000 - Expensive Edition! OM-42 vs 000-42

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Martin OM-42 by Artisan Guitars

Martin OM-42

Artisan Guitars

Artisan Guitars

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-42 vs OM-42 – What's the Difference? by Acoustic Letter

Martin 000-42 vs OM-42 – What's the Difference?

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Martin OM-42 - Reimagined for 2018! by Acoustic Letter

Martin OM-42 - Reimagined for 2018!

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Martin OM-42, Indian Rosewood | Grayson Jones by Carter Vintage Backstage

Martin OM-42, Indian Rosewood | Grayson Jones

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Video thumbnail for The Martin OM-42 (2018) at Maury’s Music by Maury's Music

The Martin OM-42 (2018) at Maury’s Music

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for Martin OM-42 by Kauffmann's Guitar Store

Martin OM-42

Kauffmann's Guitar Store

Kauffmann's Guitar Store

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tonal balance and clarity with a warm, deep bass response

  • Stunning visual appeal with tasteful art deco design and bling

  • Perfect craftsmanship and build quality

  • Wide neck ideal for fingerpicking styles

  • Sustains notes for an extended period, creating a resonant playing experience

  • Plays smoothly with a buttery feel, enhancing playability

  • Highly responsive to both fingerstyle and pick playing

  • Lightweight OM model, easy to handle and play

  • Aged wood provides rich harmonics and overtones

  • Considered a valuable investment by many owners

CONS

  • High price point, not accessible for all budgets

  • Some users find the factory tuners subpar, preferring upgrades

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Some owners highlight the OM-42's premium wood grain, with straighter patterns compared to the wavy grain of the OM-28.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Binding separation is a known issue with some Martin models, requiring careful storage with humidi-packs to prevent damage.

    Source
  • Neck resets may be needed after 10-20 years; check neck angle, action height, and saddle height before buying older models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The OM-42 boasts intricate abalone inlays on the sides, rosette, frets, and headstock, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite similar specs and construction, the OM-42 is said to have more attention to detail and potentially higher quality materials than the OM-28.

    Source
  • The OM-45 features more extensive pearl inlays and detailing than the OM-42, which does not significantly affect sound but impacts visual appeal.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the Ernie Ball Earthwood medium light 80/20 bronze strings as a recommended choice for optimal sound quality on the OM-42.

    Source
  • A 2025 model OM-42 reportedly requires a lighter touch than some previous iterations, affecting playability and appeal to various playing styles.

    Source
  • Owners emphasize the importance of playing the guitar before purchasing, especially for high-value instruments with known issues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While the tonal improvement over the OM-28 is debated, the OM-42 is recognized for its stunning appearance, justifying its higher cost to some.

    Source
  • The OM-42 is commonly found on platforms like Reverb, whereas the OM-45 is rarely available, impacting ease of purchase and resale considerations.

    Source
  • A 2000 OM-42 with minor issues is considered overpriced at $5k; similar models might be more reasonable at $4k.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Martin OM-42

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

John Mayer used this Martin OM-42 at the Grammys.

See how Post Malone uses Martin OM-42

Post Malone

Singer, Guitarist

The Fools For You

...
Verified via Photo

It can be seen in this picture from Post's Instagram (One on the far left). It has an added pickup.

See how Paul Simon uses Martin OM-42

Paul Simon

Singer, Guitarist

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Photo

Paul Simon is seen using a Martin OM-42 acoustic guitar, notable for its use in C# tuning, in a 2011 photograph.

See how Mary Spender uses Martin OM-42

Mary Spender

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Mary Spender showcases her customised Martin OM-42 in an Instagram post, stating: "It is time to show you an instrument that truly is a dream come true. Here is my customised OM-42 by the one and only @martinguitar."

See how Hunter Hayes uses Martin OM-42

Hunter Hayes

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Martinguitar

According to Martin's website, Hayes uses Martin OM-42 acoustic.

See how Juan Pablo Villamil uses Martin OM-42

Juan Pablo Villamil

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Juan Pablo Villamil can be seen using a Martin OM-42 from minute 2:07 to 2:09 in the YouTube video titled "Morat & Beret – 'Porfa no te vayas' (Especial Morat 'Hoy, Ahora')" by RTVE Música.

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 OM-42, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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