C. F. Martin 000-42 Custom Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (2008), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 1292532, natural lacquer finish, Madagascar rosewood back and sides, Carpathian spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case.
This is a truly spectacular Martin 000-42 from 2008, the year of their 175th anniversary celebration. This guitar was a full custom order with hand-chosen premium woods and stunning pearl inlay. With not quite 20 years of aging behind it the sound is maturing nicely as well, adding a deep resonance behind the typical 000 clarity and punch. It includes the original Martin order sheets with the highly detailed specs, a 175th Anniversary COA and even a photo of the rosewood used for the back and sides taken when the customer chose it, before the guitar was even begun.
The heel block is marked "Custom" for the model designation above the serial number and the backstrip stamp reads "C.F. Martin 1833-2008 175 years". The back and sides are spectacularly grained Madagascar rosewood with very prominent figure, while the top is super tight even grained Carpathian spruce. The "modified V" neck is premium mahogany with the bound ebony fingerboard featuring the delicate abalone Style 42 inlay pattern; the nut is wide at 1 3/4" as the guitar was intended as a fingerpicking instrument. All cosmetic features are as for a top-line 000-42 with dazzling abalone inlay along the top edge and soundhole and a glimmering torch inlay in the bound headstock. This is a truly superb "modern" Martin, one of the nicest we have handled.
Overall length is 39 3/4 in. (101 cm.), 15 3/16 in. (38.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/16 in. (10.3 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.).
This superb guitar has apparently seen very little use over the past 18 years; it shows only the most superficial wear. The guitar remains in the original case with the order paperwork, a simply splendid instrument and a great example of the finest work the Martin company still turns out. Excellent + Condition.
