Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe Acoustic Guitar Natural

The Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe acoustic guitar is a perfect blend of old and new, fusing classic craftmanship with cutting-edge technology. Spec'd in spruce, it has an aged Sitka soundboard supported by Adirondack X-bracing. This D-42 is voiced like a golden-era Martin, but veers from history with a carbon fiber bridge plate and contemporary neck. Decked out with gold, abalone and mother of pearl, the D-42 acoustic is just as striking visually as it is sonically. Read on to discover if the Martin Modern Deluxe has what it takes to become your favorite flattop.

A new guitar that sounds old

Martin ages the Sitka spruce top on this dreadnought acoustic using its Vintage Tone System (VTS). By heating the tonewood at a high temperaturea process known as torrefactionthe soundboard becomes molecularly similar to one from the 1930s. You'll hear it ring with more resonance. The Adirondack spruce braces are also aged; they're arranged in a forward-shifted pattern to increase the low-end response. Rosewood back and sides produce complex overtones with a bright top end.

Upscale appointments

Style 42 Martin guitars are the penultimate in terms of blingonly the D-45 is higher in ornamentation. On the D-42, that translates to European flame maple binding, plus the same flame with a multi-stripe inlay on the ebony fingerboard. Fretboard markers are Golden Era snowflakes in abalone and mother of pearl; the motherlode continues with the headstock torch inlay and '30s-style Martin script logo. Gold EVO frets compliment the gold, open-geared butterbean tuners, a crowning touch for a regal instrument.

Modern updates

The neck profile on the Modern Deluxe D-42 is based on an extremely rare acoustic in the company's archivesa 1930 OM-45 Deluxe. That historic guitar has a slight asymmetrical neck shape that's surprisingly contemporary, making it a perfect fit for the D-42. The High Performance Taper on the ebony fingerboard contributes to a fast, comfortable playing experience. Martin adds a carbon fiber bridge plate that's stronger than maple for more projection and sustain. Liquidmetal bridge pins boost the output by 3dB to 5dB.

Other features include a tortoise-patterned pickguard, plus a bone nut and saddle. The Martin D-42 Modern Deluxe comes with a hardshell case.