The Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe is a new take on Martin Vintage. This guitar is packed with custom features and modern technology that you have to see, feel, and hear for yourself.
This Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe offers a tantalizing idea: a traditional-looking/playing premium acoustic, but with high-tech innovations under the hood. Being a revised take on an iconic dreadnought, it brings high expectations. And delivers! As a dread, the acid-test for the D-42 is relatively easy; just give it a big strum and listen for the cannon-powered roar (with balanced treble) that many acoustics promise, but few deliver. Key ingredients here include a solid Sitka Spruce top that has been treated using Martin’s Vintage Tone System (VTS) torrefaction treatment. It has East Indian Rosewood back and sides, and a Genuine Mahogany neck with Ebony fretboard that meets the body at the 14th fret (20 frets total).
Another critical trick is the use of natural protein glue, which lets the tonewoods vibrate for best tonal benefit. Also look for “forward shifted” X bracing, as found in the best Martin flat-tops from the ’30s. For some reason, X braces of this era were closer to the soundhole than the bridge, resulting in that fabled Martin dread tone. She has vintage appointments including a Sitka Spruce VINTAGE TONE SYSTEM® (VTS) top, a dovetail neck joint, and natural protein glue construction giving it the rich, fully aged Martin tone that has inspired generations. The look is unlike anything in our production line with European flamed maple binding (on the body, fingerboard, and headplate), stylish gold frets, gold open-gear tuners, and an ornate torch logo inlaid in pearl on the headstock.
The “modern” part of the equation includes Liquidmetal bridge pins and a composite carbon-fiber bridge plate that increase volume and projection, assisting the D-42’s naturally loud demeanor. The result is a beautifully bold tone, with bass rivaled by few other body shapes. Specifically, it delivers that enormous low-end, but with midrange that’s warm and uncluttered, and sweet high-end. In hand, the asymmetrical neck profile offers a comfortable, fast grip for fingerpicking, strumming, or old-school flatpickin’. Being a D-42, you also get sumptuous inlay on the fretboard, flamed-maple body binding, and more. The headstock Abalone Torch inlay is a particularly impressive piece of artisanry.
The Modern Deluxe D-42 isn’t cheap by any stretch, but she’s a once-in-a-lifetime Martin tone machine that will provide decades of joy. This guitar is anything but standard. Listen to a sound sample by Manos Ploumidis here:
Price includes:
- C.F. Martin Limited lifetime warranty.
- 21% VAT included. VAT will be deducted for buyers from outside the Eurozone.
- We ship worldwide, fully insured: Check your shipping rate HERE.
- 14-day return policy applies.
- All guitars come with a new set of strings and a setup to your liking.
