Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
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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
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What kind of sound can I expect from the Martin OM-42?
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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.
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Is the Martin OM-42 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Martin OM-42 like?
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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.
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Does the Martin OM-42 come with a case?
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Yes, the Martin OM-42 comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection and safe transportation for your guitar.
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How does the scale length of the Martin OM-42 affect playability?
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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.
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What type of strings are recommended for the Martin OM-42?
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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.
Videos
Acoustic Letter
Martin OM-42 - How Does it Sound?
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional tonal balance and clarity with a warm, deep bass response
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Stunning visual appeal with tasteful art deco design and bling
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Perfect craftsmanship and build quality
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Wide neck ideal for fingerpicking styles
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Sustains notes for an extended period, creating a resonant playing experience
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Plays smoothly with a buttery feel, enhancing playability
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Highly responsive to both fingerstyle and pick playing
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Lightweight OM model, easy to handle and play
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Aged wood provides rich harmonics and overtones
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Considered a valuable investment by many owners
CONS
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High price point, not accessible for all budgets
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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
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Some owners highlight the OM-42's premium wood grain, with straighter patterns compared to the wavy grain of the OM-28.
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Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
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The OM-42 boasts intricate abalone inlays on the sides, rosette, frets, and headstock, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
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Comparisons
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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.
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The OM-45 features more extensive pearl inlays and detailing than the OM-42, which does not significantly affect sound but impacts visual appeal.
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User experience
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Owners note the Ernie Ball Earthwood medium light 80/20 bronze strings as a recommended choice for optimal sound quality on the OM-42.
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A 2025 model OM-42 reportedly requires a lighter touch than some previous iterations, affecting playability and appeal to various playing styles.
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Owners emphasize the importance of playing the guitar before purchasing, especially for high-value instruments with known issues.
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Value and pricing
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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.
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The OM-42 is commonly found on platforms like Reverb, whereas the OM-45 is rarely available, impacting ease of purchase and resale considerations.
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A 2000 OM-42 with minor issues is considered overpriced at $5k; similar models might be more reasonable at $4k.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
It can be seen in this picture from Post's Instagram (One on the far left). It has an added pickup.
Paul Simon is seen using a Martin OM-42 acoustic guitar, notable for its use in C# tuning, in a 2011 photograph.
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."
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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