C. F. Martin D-42 Koa Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (2002)
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Item # 9408
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C. F. Martin D-42 Koa Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (2002), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 822280, natural finish, Koa wood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original molded black plastic hard shell case.
Sometimes we find guitars that are interesting variations on traditional forms can go either way in terms of both eye and ear appeal. This 2002 limited edition D-42 Koa Custom is a superb example of a successful new twist on an established design, just a spectacular instrument in every way both visually and sonically. Martin's D-42 is normally built in the classic Dreadnought pattern, the Spruce top paired with Rosewood back and sides. This one substitutes highly flamed koa for the rosewood and the result is a wonderful new take on the classic Dreadnought form.
This guitar is visually stunning with spectacular tiger-stripe koa grain on the back and sides. The spruce top has some subtle cross grain figure as well, set off nicely by the Style 42's trademark feature: Abalone inlaid around the top edge, fingerboard, and soundhole. The triple bound, rosewood-faced headstock has the classic 1930's style C. F. Martin logo executed in Abalone and gold-plated openback G-98 style tuners. The triple-bound ebony fingerboard and belly bridge are ornamented with abalone inlay in a snowflake motif.
All that is fine as pure flash goes, but this D-42 offers far more than just a package of good looks. It plays perfectly, and especially when compared to rosewood Dreadnoughts is extremely responsive with a wide-ranging rich and sparkling tone. The koa adds a certain brilliance, clarity and detail to the sound while retaining sweetness, nicely balancing the bass response that Dreadnoughts are well known for. While not quite the Bluegrass powerhouse its rosewood brethren can be, this koa D-42 is a superbly versatile guitar, suitable for a wide range of playing styles. Another advantage is it's quite a bit lighter than many traditional dreadnoughts. This is one of the neatest Modern Martins we have seen, a simple wood substitution having given an old dawg a whole new bag of tricks.
Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 cm.), 15 3/4 in. (40 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This lovely koa and pearl Martin appears hardly played, exceptionally well cared for over nearly 20 years. There are just a few small scuff marks to the finish, and that's about it. It plays perfectly and sounds just lovely, with a range of tones that escapes a lot of bass-heavier Dreadnoughts. This guitar works as everything from a strummed chord machine to a subtle fingerpicker, and looks downright beautiful doing it. The original Martin molded case is included with the warranty return letter and card, with the original owner's name neatly excised. Near Mint Condition.
Sometimes we find guitars that are interesting variations on traditional forms can go either way in terms of both eye and ear appeal. This 2002 limited edition D-42 Koa Custom is a superb example of a successful new twist on an established design, just a spectacular instrument in every way both visually and sonically. Martin's D-42 is normally built in the classic Dreadnought pattern, the Spruce top paired with Rosewood back and sides. This one substitutes highly flamed koa for the rosewood and the result is a wonderful new take on the classic Dreadnought form.
This guitar is visually stunning with spectacular tiger-stripe koa grain on the back and sides. The spruce top has some subtle cross grain figure as well, set off nicely by the Style 42's trademark feature: Abalone inlaid around the top edge, fingerboard, and soundhole. The triple bound, rosewood-faced headstock has the classic 1930's style C. F. Martin logo executed in Abalone and gold-plated openback G-98 style tuners. The triple-bound ebony fingerboard and belly bridge are ornamented with abalone inlay in a snowflake motif.
All that is fine as pure flash goes, but this D-42 offers far more than just a package of good looks. It plays perfectly, and especially when compared to rosewood Dreadnoughts is extremely responsive with a wide-ranging rich and sparkling tone. The koa adds a certain brilliance, clarity and detail to the sound while retaining sweetness, nicely balancing the bass response that Dreadnoughts are well known for. While not quite the Bluegrass powerhouse its rosewood brethren can be, this koa D-42 is a superbly versatile guitar, suitable for a wide range of playing styles. Another advantage is it's quite a bit lighter than many traditional dreadnoughts. This is one of the neatest Modern Martins we have seen, a simple wood substitution having given an old dawg a whole new bag of tricks.
Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 cm.), 15 3/4 in. (40 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This lovely koa and pearl Martin appears hardly played, exceptionally well cared for over nearly 20 years. There are just a few small scuff marks to the finish, and that's about it. It plays perfectly and sounds just lovely, with a range of tones that escapes a lot of bass-heavier Dreadnoughts. This guitar works as everything from a strummed chord machine to a subtle fingerpicker, and looks downright beautiful doing it. The original Martin molded case is included with the warranty return letter and card, with the original owner's name neatly excised. Near Mint Condition.