For any guitar enthusiast, the allure of a Martin guitar is undeniable. After thoroughly enjoying my Eric Clapton signature model, my appreciation for Martin’s craftsmanship was reignited, leading me on a quest for a Martin D-42 guitar. This model, often considered the sweet spot in Martin’s dreadnought line, sits perfectly between the D-41 and the more ornate D-45, offering a blend of elegance, power, and classic Martin tone that is truly captivating. My desire for a D-42 became so strong that I knew I had to make room in my collection for this exceptional instrument.
My first thought in pursuing this dream D42 Guitar was Wildwood Guitars. Known for their excellent selection and customer service, Wildwood is a go-to for many guitar aficionados. While they didn’t have a D-42 in stock at that moment, my trusted contact, Troy Benns, assured me he could order one directly from Martin. The deal was made with a reasonable deposit and a promised six-week wait – a testament to Troy’s ability to offer irresistible deals on incredible guitars.
I eagerly awaited the arrival of my D-42. To my surprise, the wait was significantly shorter than anticipated. Just two weeks later, I received photos from Wildwood showcasing my brand new Martin D-42, fresh from the factory. Troy informed me that the guitar was already undergoing professional setup at Wildwood and would be ready to ship by day’s end! I was truly impressed by Troy’s efficiency and Wildwood’s swift service. True to their word, my Martin D-42 was in my hands the very next day.
One of the first things I noticed about my new d42 guitar was the beautiful silking on the Sitka spruce top, both above and below the bridge. This natural phenomenon is a sign of a high-quality top and was already apparent on this brand-new instrument, which still carried that delightful “musty vanilla” scent of fresh lacquer. For days, my home was filled with the unmistakable aroma of “New Guitar Day.”
Upon receiving the package from Wildwood, I was struck by the lightness of the shipping box. “Surely, they forgot to include the guitar!” I thought. This feeling persisted when I opened the outer box and encountered the molded guitar case – it too felt remarkably light. But upon opening the case, there it was: a stunning Martin D-42 guitar, lighter than I could have imagined.
Martin D-42 guitar in its case
Indeed, Martin guitars are known for their lightweight construction. They possess an almost ethereal lightness that makes them feel as though they could float away. This delicate yet purposeful design is part of the unique charm of Martin guitars, a quality not always found in heavier instruments like a Gibson L5. I deeply appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship that Martin embodies, showcasing a delicate touch within a historically rich aesthetic.
I immediately emailed Troy Benns to express my gratitude, describing the guitar as “beautiful and already playing incredibly well with grace and love.”
Playing the D-42 is a distinctly different experience compared to my Martin Clapton acoustic. While the Clapton model is refined and comfortable, the D-42 possesses a more robust and commanding presence. It demands attention and offers a playing experience that is both challenging and immensely rewarding.
Close-up of the Martin D-42 guitar body
The sound of this d42 guitar is simply breathtaking. It “booms” with a powerful resonance, yet retains a shimmering high-end clarity that sets it apart. The bass response is deep and rich, delivering tones that few other guitars can match. This exceptional quality and heritage are the reasons Martin has remained a family-owned company since 1833, a testament to the enduring importance of quality and history in the world of musical instruments.
For those interested in the specifics, here are the official D-42 specifications from Martin:
- Model: D-42
- Construction: Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
- Body Size: D-14 Fret
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Rosette: Style 45
- Top Bracing Pattern: Standard ”X” Scalloped, Forward Shifted
- Top Braces: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16”
- Back Material: Solid East Indian Rosewood
- Back Purfling: Style 45
- Side Material: Solid East Indian Rosewood
- Endpiece: Grained Ivoroid
- Endpiece Inlay: Black/White Boltaron
- Binding: Grained Ivoroid
- Top Inlay Style: Abalone Pearl with Black/White/Black Boltaron
- Side Inlay: Black/White Boltaron
- Back Inlay: Black/White Boltaron
- Neck Material: Select Hardwood
- Neck Shape: Low Profile
- Nut Material: Bone
- Headstock: Solid/Diamond/SquareTaper
- Headplate: Solid East Indian Rosewood /C.F. Martin Block- Select Abalone Pearl
- Heelcap: Grained Ivoroid with Black/White Boltaron Inlay
- Fingerboard Material: Solid Black Ebony
- Scale Length: 25.4”
- Number Of Frets Clear: 14
- Number Of Frets Total: 20
- Fingerboard Width At Nut: 1-11/16”
- Fingerboard Width At 12Th Fret: 2-1/8”
- Fingerboard Position Inlays: Style 45 Snowflakes – Select Abalone Pearl
- Fingerboard Binding: Grained Ivoroid
- Finish Back & Sides: Polished Gloss
- Finish Top: Polished Gloss w/ Aging Toner ; Sunburst available at additional cost.
- Finish Neck: Polished Gloss
- Bridge Material: Solid Black Ebony
- Bridge Style: Belly
- Bridge String Spacing: 2-1/8”
- Saddle: 16” Radius/Compensated/Bone
- Tuning Machines: Gold Open-Geared w/ Butterbean Knobs
- Recommended Strings: Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Medium Gauge (MSP7200)
- Bridge & End Pins: White w/ Abalone Pearl Dots
- Pickguard: Tortoise Color – Beveled & Polished
- Case: 640 Molded
- Interior Label: none
- Electronics: Optional
Detailed shot of the Martin D-42 headstock and fretboard
I’ve spent the last week thoroughly playing my Martin D-42 guitar, and with each passing day, it reveals new depths and nuances. It’s a remarkable experience to witness a new instrument evolve and mature in my hands.
In a couple of months, this guitar will sound even richer. In two years, it will be truly exceptional. And in twenty years, this Martin D-42 will be transformed into a completely different masterpiece, aged and imbued with a grace that only time can bestow upon the wood.
Guitars are companions on a musical journey. When you embrace them, they guide you towards new levels of creativity and musical exploration. Don’t hesitate – take the plunge and experience the ride.
Full body shot of the Martin D-42 guitar
While my Martin Clapton acoustic is perfect for delicate fingerstyle playing, my larger D-42 excels as a versatile instrument. It’s a superb rhythm guitar, an elegant strummer, a dynamic slide guitar, and equally adept at fingerstyle.
If you’re seeking a high-quality Martin guitar, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Troy Benns and the team at Wildwood Guitars. They are dedicated to helping you find your dream instrument at a great price, ensuring your hands will be “singing in wood” in no time!
