Year: 2001

Model: D-42

Body Style: Dreadnought

Condition: Excellent, professionally maintained

This is a Martin D-42 from the early years of the model’s production, dating to the late 1990s or early 2000s. The D-42 was introduced in 1996 and represents one of Martin’s finest modern dreadnought designs, drawing inspiration from pre-war Style 45 instruments while maintaining its own identity.

Simply put, they do not make them like this anymore. The guitar has a deeply played-in feel and an openness that only comes from decades of aging and proper care.

There is a small rise in the binding towards the bottom of the face of the guitar, I included a picture so you can see. Other than that there are no other imperfections, and the guitar is in pristine condition overall!

Construction and Materials

• Sitka spruce top
• Solid East Indian rosewood back and sides
• Forward-shifted, scalloped X-bracing
• X-brace positioned approximately 1 inch from the soundhole
• Grained ivoroid binding
• Abalone top binding and rosette

Built on Martin’s square-shoulder dreadnought platform, the D-42 carries a lineage that traces directly back to the pre-war D-45.

Neck, Fingerboard, and Appointments

• Ebony fingerboard
• Style 45 snowflake inlays starting at the first fret
• Snowflake inlays at the bridge wings
• Vertically inlaid Martin headstock logo
• Gold plated open-back tuners with butterbean buttons

Tone and Response

This D-42 delivers an extremely rich and detailed voice with exceptional projection.

• Deep, warm, authoritative low end
• Punchy, rounded trebles with bell-like clarity
• Strong note separation and sustain
• A top that has clearly opened up with time

The soundboard has relaxed beautifully over the years, giving the guitar a responsiveness and complexity that newer instruments simply cannot replicate.

Final Notes

The Martin D-42 is widely regarded as one of the finest models Martin has ever released. This early example showcases why. Next to a true pre-war instrument, there is little that surpasses it, and for many players, this represents the sweet spot of vintage tone, modern reliability, and world-class craftsmanship.

A stunning guitar to look at, and truly inspiring to play.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or requests for additional photos