Martin D-42 Special Acoustic Guitar – Natural

Inspired by Iconic Martin Designer Dick Boak

Martin’s D-42 series is legendary for taking their classic dreadnought design and loading it up with just about every high-class visual appointment in the book, and the D-42 Special manages to take that formula to bold new heights! Under the hood, the D-42 Special is very similar to a standard D-42, boasting a premium-grade Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back and sides, and scalloped forward-shifted X-braces to deliver Martin’s signature roaring low-end power and lush, resonant highs. However, the thing that makes the D-42 Special so special is the beautifully intricate floral inlay work on the fingerboard, headstock, and even the pickguard! Finally, if you ever manage to tear your eyes away from this guitar’s exquisite visuals, its comfortable Modified Low-oval profile mahogany neck and jet-black ebony fingerboard make the D-42 Special an absolute joy to play.

Dick Boak-designed pickguard inlays

Close to a quarter-century in the making, the Martin D-42 Special’s floral pickguard was designed by Dick Boak when Martin received their very first laser engraving machine. Unfortunately, the design was simply not feasible at the time, but with modern engraving technology and the help of Bill Seymour and Jeremy Chism at Pearlworks, Dick’s dream is now a reality! Originally a one-off, the design was so well received by Chris Martin IV that Dick’s floral pattern has been extended to both the fingerboard and headstock, resulting in a truly unique spin on the iconic D-42 formula.

High-performance neck profile

While the D-42 Special might look like a vintage classic, it sports a Modified Low-oval neck profile that’s built for modern performance. This neck’s slightly thinned-down style is comfortable for players of almost any genre, with just enough girth to reduce fatigue when playing through a long set or practice session. What’s more, the smooth ebony fingerboard boasts Plek’d frets for an exceptionally precise, buzz-free playability.

Exquisite looks and tone

A quality acoustic guitar is all about the wood, and the D-42 Special serves up a classic tonewood cocktail with no compromises. Its Sitka spruce top yields big projection and spectacular note clarity. Its beautifully figured East Indian rosewood back and sides contribute a deep, warm, and projective bass response that’s enhanced by its large dreadnought body. This attractive acoustic also features a mahogany neck and easy-playing ebony fingerboard. Lastly, the D-42 Special boasts a scalloped forward-shifted X-braced pattern that increases its volume and tone quality — a feature guitarists here at City Music have come to appreciate over years of playing other bracing designs.

Martin D-42 Special Acoustic Guitar Features:

• Designed by legendary Martin designer Dick Boak
• Soundboard constructed from Martin’s highest grade of Sitka spruce for an unmatched response
• Gorgeous East Indian rosewood back and sides deliver an overtone-laden high end and Martin’s signature bass-biased power
• Genuine mahogany neck carved into a comfortable Modified Low-oval profile
• Jet-black ebony fingerboard with beautiful Dick Boak-designed custom inlays
• Stunning abalone trim around the top, back, rosette, and neck extension
• Pearl-inlaid pickguard that simply demands attention
• Scalloped forward-shifted X-bracing and dreadnought design delivers thunderous low end and a massive projection