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This model is retired but may still be available at a dealer near you. 

Specifications
Description
Reviews

Description

In conjunction with former Martin employee Dick Boak, Martin Guitar is proud to introduce a stunning high-end Dreadnought model: the D-42 Special. The idea for this model began nearly 25 years ago when Martin installed its first laser engraving machine, and Boak began experimenting with various ways to utilize it. Boak created an intricate pen and ink illustration of a complex floral design that was meant to be laser engraved into a tortoise pickguard, but the material proved unable to be safely engraved. Fast-forward 23 years, Boak came across his original illustration and thought it would make a beautiful piece if inlaid with pearl. He was right! Working with Bill Seymour and Jeremy Chism at Pearlworks, the trio modified the artwork to allow for the detailed pearl inlay work. The resulting prototype won the approval of Chris Martin IV, who asked Boak to expand the design to the fingerboard and headstock. The model also features premium-grade East Indian rosewood back and sides, with the highest grade of spruce selected for the soundboard. Scalloped forward-shifted X-bracing ensures the open projection for which Martin guitars are prized. Additional vintage-inspired appointments include antique white bindings; abalone inlay along the perimeter of the top, fingerboard extension, and rosette; a full gloss finish with top aging toner; and nickel open-gear tuning machines with butterbean knobs.

Specifications

Highlights

D-14 Fret body size
East Indian Rosewood back and sides
Spruce top with Aging Toner top color
Modified Low Oval neck with High Performance Taper
1 3/4'' fingerboard width at nut
Ply Hardshell case
Recommended Strings: Authentic Acoustic Lifespan® 2.0 Guitar Strings Phosphor Bronze - Medium
Top Material: Spruce
Finish Top: Gloss
Top Color: Aging Toner
Top Inlay Material: Abalone with Multi-Stripe
Top Detail: None
Binding: Antique White
Bridge Material: Ebony
Bridge Style: Modern Belly - Drop in Saddle
Bridge String Spacing: 2 5/32"
Bridge Pin Material: White Plastic
Bridge Pin Dots: Abalone
Pickguard: Black Acrylic
Pickguard Inlay: Custom Inlay
Rosette: Abalone with Multi-Stripe
Saddle: Compensated Bone
Saddle Radius: 16"
Body Size: D-14 Fret
Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
Back Material: East Indian Rosewood
Side Material: East Indian Rosewood
Back and Sides Finish: Gloss
Back and Sides Color: None
Back Detail: None
Side Detail: None
Back Purfling/Strip: Style 45
Back Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Side Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Bracing Pattern: Forward Shifted X Brace
Brace Shape: Scalloped
Brace Material: Spruce
Brace Size: 5/16"
Endpiece: Antique White
Endpiece Inlay: Multi-Stripe
Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
Neck Taper: High Performance Taper
Neck Material: Genuine Mahogany
Neck Color: Dark Mahogany
Finish Neck: Gloss
Scale Length: 25.4"
Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret
Heelcap: Antique White
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8''
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4''
Fingerboard Inlay Style: Dick Boak Inlay Design
Fingerboard Inlay Material: Mother of Pearl
Fingerboard Binding Material: Antique White
Side Dots: Black
Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper and Diamond
Headplate Material: Ebony
Headplate Logo Style: Custom Inlay
Headplate Binding Material: Antique White
Tuning Machines: Nickel Open Gear
Knob: Butter Bean
Case: Ply Hardshell
Label: Paper Label Signed by CFM IV & Dick Boak, Numbered in Sequence with No Total
Electronics: None
Electronics Options: Not Available
Pleked: true

At A Glance

Body Shape & Volume

D-14 Fret

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Neck Shape

Modified Low Oval

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RETIRED

D-42 Special

D-42 Special

3.1 out of 5 Customer Rating

This model is retired but may still be available at a dealer near you. 

Select Preferred Hand: Right

D-42 Special

Specifications
Description
Reviews
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