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collapse expand iconDescription

The Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe acoustic guitar is a perfect blend of old and new, fusing classic craftmanship with cutting-edge technology. Spec'd in spruce, it has an aged Sitka soundboard supported by Adirondack X-bracing. This D-42 is voiced like a golden-era Martin, but veers from history with a carbon fiber bridge plate and contemporary neck. Decked out with gold, abalone and mother of pearl, the D-42 acoustic is just as striking visually as it is sonically. Read on to discover if the Martin Modern Deluxe has what it takes to become your favorite flattop.

Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe Face

A new guitar that sounds old

Martin ages the Sitka spruce top on this dreadnought acoustic using its Vintage Tone System (VTS). By heating the tonewood at a high temperature—a process known as torrefaction—the soundboard becomes molecularly similar to one from the 1930s. You'll hear it ring with more resonance. The Adirondack spruce braces are also aged; they're arranged in a forward-shifted pattern to increase the low-end response. Rosewood back and sides produce complex overtones with a bright top end.

Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe Headstock

Upscale appointments

Style 42 Martin guitars are the penultimate in terms of bling—only the D-45 is higher in ornamentation. On the D-42, that translates to European flame maple binding, plus the same flame with a multi-stripe inlay on the ebony fingerboard. Fretboard markers are Golden Era snowflakes in abalone and mother of pearl; the motherlode continues with the headstock torch inlay and '30s-style Martin script logo. Gold EVO frets compliment the gold, open-geared butterbean tuners, a crowning touch for a regal instrument.

Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe Neck

Modern updates

The neck profile on the Modern Deluxe D-42 is based on an extremely rare acoustic in the company's archives—a 1930 OM-45 Deluxe. That historic guitar has a slight asymmetrical neck shape that's surprisingly contemporary, making it a perfect fit for the D-42. The High Performance Taper on the ebony fingerboard contributes to a fast, comfortable playing experience. Martin adds a carbon fiber bridge plate that's stronger than maple for more projection and sustain. Liquidmetal bridge pins boost the output by 3dB to 5dB.

Other features include a tortoise-patterned pickguard, plus a bone nut and saddle. The Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe comes with a hardshell case.

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Spruce with VTS top and East Indian rosewood back and sides
  • Mahogany neck in a 25.4” scale length
  • Ebony fingerboard and bridge with 20 frets

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body type: D-14 Fret
  • Top wood: Spruce with VTS
  • Back & sides: East Indian rosewood
  • Bracing pattern: Forward shifted X brace, scalloped shape
  • Body finish: Gloss
Neck
  • Neck shape: Vintage deluxe
  • Nut width: 1.75" (44.45 mm)
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Neck wood: Mahogany
  • Scale length: 25.4"
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Neck finish: Satin
  • Bridge: Ebony
  • Saddle & nut: Compensated bone saddle and bone nut
Other
  • Tuning machines: Open-gear
  • Orientation: Right-handed
  • Number of strings: 6 string
  • Case: Hardshell case
  • Country of origin: United States

collapse expand iconWarranty

One year warranty on Martin Backpackers, Little Martins and Ukuleles. Limited lifetime on other Martin guitars.

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