Details
The D-42 entered the Martin catalog as a standard model in 1996, which is always a surprise to us because the 42 style dates back to the 1870s and they have been making dreadnoughts since the early 1930s. Still, however long it took for this beauty to make it into the line, we’re happy it finally made it. From the front, this guitar has all the sparkle of Martin’s top-of-the-line D-45, with abalone trim around the top, soundhole and fretboard extension.
The Modern Deluxe version ups the cosmetic ante over the D-42 Standard. It has one of our favorite inlay patterns, the Style 45 Snowflake, in the fretboard and the Style 45 Torch Inlay in the headstock overlay. The binding is maple and the bridge is inlaid with snowflakes. The back is more austere and apart from the fancy multi-color backstrip, it looks pretty much like a D-28, but made with premium Indian rosewood.
The D-42 Modern Deluxe combines Martin’s legacy of old world craftsmanship with some impressive contemporary features. This guitar has scalloped, forward-shifted x-bracing and the body is constructed using natural protein glue, both features Martin used during the 1930s, the era when the modern flattop guitar was created and refined. The modern features include a carbon fiber bridge-plate, which is light and stiff and helps increase volume and sustain; a Vintage Tone System (VTS) spruce top; long wearing EVO frets; and an new asymmetrical neck shape that gives you maximum comfort up and down the fingerboard.
Specs
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Back sides
East Indian Rosewood
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Binding
European Flamed Maple
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Bracing
Forward Shifted Scalloped X
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Bridge
Ebony
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Fingerboard
Ebony
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Finish
Gloss
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Frets to body
14
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Inlay
Abalone with Multi-Stripe
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Neck material
Genuine Mahogany
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Neck shape
Vintage Deluxe
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Nut width
1 3/4"
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Rosette
Abalone with Multi-Stripe
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Scale length
25.4"
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Top material
Spruce with VTS
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Total frets
20
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Tuners
Gold Open Gear
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Case type
Original Hardshell
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Serial number
2855222
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SKU
MARD42MODDLX-2855222
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UPC
170568
