C.F. Martin & Co D-42

Essential Information About the Martin D-42 Guitar

• Premium Martin sound: very defined trebles and deep bass, ideal for accompaniment as well as fingerstyle playing.


• High-end luthiery: solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides for generous projection and rich sustain.


• "Pre-war" spirit: Style 45 "snowflake" inlays and abalone binding around the top, elegance without excess.


• Modern comfort: Modified Low Oval neck with High Performance taper, designed for smooth playability across the entire neck.

An exceptional dreadnought inspired by Martin's "42" codes

The Martin D-42 is aimed at guitarists who want to access the sonic aura of the great Nazareth dreadnoughts without necessarily adopting the decorative extravagance of some even more ornate models. Its aesthetics incorporate iconic elements from pre-war Martins: "snowflake" inlays on the fretboard, abalone binding around the top, and the immediately recognizable Martin visual identity. A prestigious guitar that focuses more on class and tradition than ostentation.

For which guitarists and styles?

With its dreadnought format and carefully balanced tonal response, the D-42 is perfectly suited for intermediate to expert musicians seeking an inspiring instrument both daily and in the studio. It excels in folk, pop, americana, bluegrass, and vocal accompaniment, while remaining very convincing in fingerstyle thanks to its clarity and dynamics. Its long scale length provides stability, projection, and a crisp response to attack.

Sound

The combination of a solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides gives the D-42 a full and refined tonal signature: precise attack, rich harmonics, and generous sustain. The scalloped X-bracing promotes a responsive top with a wide frequency range and powerful projection typical of dreadnoughts. The result: clear and articulate trebles that remain distinct in the mix, and deep basses that fill the space without muddiness, whether played with a pick or fingers.

Recommended compatible accessories

This D-42 comes with a case and is factory-strung with Martin SP Acoustic 92/8 Phosphor Bronze Medium MSP4200 steel strings. The safest recommendation is to stick with this gauge if you want to maintain the balance and response intended by the manufacturer (same feel under the fingers, same bass presence).

Technical specifications

Category	Steel String Shaped Body	Fingerboard	Ebony
Format	Dreadnought	Marker	Style 45 snowflakes
Strings	Steel	Nbrs of frets	20
Nbr of strings	6	Scale (mm)	645 mm
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce	Tuning pegs	Open
Back&Sides	Solid eastern Indian rosewood	Bridge	Ebony
Bracing	X indented	Nut	Compensated bone
Nets	Antique Wite	Original Strings	SP Acoustic 92/8 Phosphor Bronze Medium (MSP4200)
Neck	Solid mahogany	Cover/case	Case
Neck format	Modified low oval	Color	Natural
Radius	406 mm	Finishing	Glossy
Nut Width	44.4 mm	Hardware	Gold

Back & sides	Solid East Indian rosewood	Scale length	645 mm / 25.39"
Binding	Antique White	Inlays	Style 45 snowflakes
Finish	Gloss varnish	Tuners	Open gear
Neck shape	Modified low oval	Nuts	Compensated bone
Fretboard	Ebony	Number of strings	6
Number of frets	20	Case	Case included