The Martin OM-42 Acoustic Guitar is a stunning example of Martin’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and exceptional tone. This Orchestra Model (OM) guitar features a combination of premium tonewoods, meticulous construction, and elegant appointments that contribute to its superior playability and unmistakable Martin sound.
OM vs. 000, What the difference?
A Martin OM-42 is actually the same shape as a 000-42 Martin guitar. The difference is in the scale length, which is the measurement of the distance from the leading edge of the nut to the leading edge of the saddle. The OM design features the longer 25.4″ scale length, while a 000 is the shorter 24.9″ scale length. The higher string tension of the longer scale contributes to increased volume and projection. Players also notice more balance across the tonal spectrum, from bass to treble, compared to 000 guitars. At the same time, it’s important to consider the slightly greater spacing from fret to fret, as a result of the longer scale.
Body and Construction:
The Martin OM-42 boasts a solid Sitka spruce top, renowned for its excellent projection and dynamic response. The back and sides are made of solid East Indian rosewood, which imparts a rich, warm, and resonant quality to the overall tone. The body is constructed with scalloped X-bracing, a design that provides optimal support for the top while allowing it to vibrate freely, resulting in enhanced sustain and resonance.
The OM-42 features a dovetail neck joint, which ensures a stable connection between the body and neck, contributing to the guitar’s impressive sustain and tonal transfer. The body is finished with a polished gloss, accentuating the beauty of the wood grain and providing a protective layer against wear and tear that doesn’t suppress vibration and tone.
Neck and Fingerboard:
The OM-42’s neck is crafted from genuine mahogany, providing stability and a comfortable feel. The neck features a modified low oval profile with a high-performance taper, ensuring smooth playability and effortless access to the higher frets. The fingerboard is made of solid ebony, offering a sleek surface and excellent durability. The fingerboard features 20 frets with stunning abalone “Style 45” snowflake inlays, adding a touch of elegance to the guitar’s design.
Nut and Saddle:
The nut and saddle of the Martin OM-42 are made from bone, which contributes to the guitar’s tonal clarity and sustain. The nut width is 1-3/4″, providing ample space for comfortable finger placement, while the saddle is a compensated design, ensuring accurate intonation.
Hardware and Appointments:
The OM-42 is adorned with numerous eye-catching appointments, such as a Style 45 rosette with a colorful abalone inlay, antique white binding with abalone pearl top inlay, and a polished East Indian rosewood headplate with a raised gold foil decal logo. The guitar is also equipped with open-geared, gold-plated Waverly tuning machines, providing precise tuning stability and a touch of classic elegance.
The Martin OM-42 ships complete with a molded hardshell case and
Shop more of Martin Standard Series Acoustic Guitars:
- Martin J-40 Standard Series With Case
- Martin Standard Series D-45 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Martin D-35 Standard Series
- Martin D-28 Standard Series Acoustic Guitar
- Sitka spruce top with scalloped X-bracing pattern
- East Indian rosewood back and sides
- Ebony fingerboard with twenty Pleked frets
- Genuine mahogany neck in a modified low oval profile
- Bone nut and compensated bone saddle
- Gold open gear tuning machines
- Gloss body finish and antique white body binding
- Tortoise pattern pickguard
- Martin Guitar ply hardshell case included