Among vintage Martins, the 000-42 is one of the more elusive standard models. Martin only built 127 of the instruments between 1918 and 1943, and the company wouldn’t reintroduce the model until 2004. This limited supply, combined with the fact that Eric Clapton played a 1939 000-42 on his now-legendary MTV Unplugged show has made the model highly coveted. Several variations of a new 000-42 have been offered in Martin’s standard lineup for a while now, and this year, the company added a new version to its relatively new Modern Deluxe line. I recently had a chance to check out the new model in the Peghead Nation video studio.

As with all of Martin’s Modern Deluxe models, the 000-42 Modern Deluxe masterfully combines traditional design with highly contemporary elements. On the traditional side, the guitar offers all of the fundamental features that define a 000-42. It has rosewood back and sides (in this case, some of the highest-grade Indian rosewood you’ll come across), a spruce top (beautiful Sitka, treated with Martin’s Vintage Tone System process), and, most distinctively, the abalone top purfling, style-45 “snowflake” fingerboard inlay, “torch” inlay in the peghead overlay, etc. However, true to its Modern Deluxe designation, the guitar also has flamed maple binding on the body and the fingerboard, abalone side-dots, Martin’s “Liquidmetal” bridge pins, Evo frets, and, in its most radical departure from tradition, a carbon-fiber bridge plate. High-end models such as this are built by some of Martin’s most experienced craftspeople, and the 000-42 Modern Deluxe doesn’t disappoint when it comes to materials, fit and finish, and overall craftsmanship. 

Remembering how much I enjoyed playing the 000-28E Modern Deluxe I demoed back in 2020, I looked forward to checking out the fancier 000-42 Modern Deluxe. And once again, I was happy to find the qualities that have made 14-fret 000’s so popular with players of different styles. The guitar’s short scale and excellent setup make it easy to play. Its 1¾-inch nut is slightly wider than those on many earlier Martin 000’s, but about the same as prewar examples; and the mid-size body is comfortable to hold. The 000-42 Modern Deluxe has a much slimmer neck profile than those of vintage 000’s, and I suspect that players used to contemporary designs would feel right at home with it. Tonally, the guitar is pure Martin, with great balance, lovely lower mids, great sustain, and excellent clarity. As I’ve noted with other Modern Deluxe models, the 000-42 Modern Deluxe is on the brighter side of the spectrum, a quality that extends its sonic range without ever becoming too trebly.

With the 000-42 Modern Deluxe, Martin has succeeded in updating a classic. The guitar has beautiful materials and delivers a more contemporary tonality than vintage-style re-creations of the model. And players who wish for more tradition don’t need to despair: Martin continues making its standard 000-42!

SPECS: 14-fret 000 body. Sitka spruce top with Vintage Tone System treatment. Scalloped, Adirondack spruce X-bracing. Solid Indian rosewood back and sides. Genuine mahogany neck. Ebony fretboard and bridge. Carbon-fiber bridge plate. 24.9-inch scale. 1¾-inch nut width. 2⁵/₃₂-inch string spacing at the saddle. Gold Waverly tuning machines. Made in USA. $7,199. Martinguitar.com

Martin 000-X2E An affordable mid-size steel-string guitar with traditional dimensions. Read More

Martin D-X2E An affordable dreadnought with an exotic wood finish and built-in electronics. Read More

Martin GPCE Inception Maple A highly innovative instrument featuring “skeletonized” bracing and sustainable woods. Read More

Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe Martin’s contemporary take on a classic high-end model. Read More

Martin DJR-10E Bass A compact acoustic bass guitar that’s easy to play and offers a big sound. Read More

Martin D-28 StreetLegend A rosewood dreadnought with a satin-finish and simulated wear. Read More

Martin D-18 StreetLegend A satin-finished version of the classic dreadnought with a well-worn look. Read More

Martin 012-28 Modern Deluxe and 0012-28 Modern Deluxe A pair of 12-frets that brilliantly combine vintage and contemporary features. Read More

Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 A great vintage-accurate mahogany dreadnought. Read More

Martin 000Jr-10E Shawn Mendes The pop star’s signature model is an affordable small-body guitar built from FSC-certified woods. Read More