
( Brand: Martin ), ( Model: OM-42 ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String )
The OM-42 Martin guitar is a stunningly beautiful and high-performing instrument that combines the rich, resonant tone of Hawaiian Koa wood with the iconic design and craftsmanship of the Martin brand. This model, a part of Martin's coveted Ownership Series, represents a unique opportunity for guitar players to own a truly special instrument, burdened by none of the concerns of maintaining an aged or vintage piece.
The heart of the OM-42 is its solid Hawaiian Koa top, sourced from the islands of Hawaii. Koa wood is renowned for its tonal properties, offering a balanced and warm sound with excellent clarity and sustain. The back and sides are also constructed of solid Koa, ensuring a uniformity in tone and adding to the guitar's overall beauty. The tonally complementary and visually stunning Sitka Spruce bracing allows for optimal transfer of sound from the topwood to the body, further enhancing the OM-42's impressive acoustic performance.
The OM-42 features a traditional OM-28 body shape, inherently comfortable for players, and equipped with an ingenious X-bracing pattern, which provides the structural support needed for the guitar to project crisp, clear sound. The neck on the OM-42 is crafted from solid Mahogany, providing exceptional stability, responsiveness, and playability. The pointed fingerboard of the guitar is made from ebony, adding a touch of elegance, while also boasting 14 frets clear of the body, allowing for extended range and improved access to the upper register.
Appointed with high-quality appointments, the OM-42 boasts a number of fine details designed to enhance its appearance and functionality. The body binding and headplate is made from walnut, and the backstrip is bound in elegant, herringbone purfling. The bridge and fingerboard feature pearl dot inlays, while the rosette showcases a beautifully intricate herringbone design. The tortoiseshell pickguard further adds to the OM-42's vintage aesthetic.
Hardware on the OM-42 consists of a premium compensated bone saddle and elegant open-gear tuning machines. The guitar comes with a comfortable high-performance Martin SP Lifespan strings, specifically designed for long-lasting tone and performance.
The OM-42 is a remarkable example of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. The caliber of materials, design, and build quality makes this instrument an exceptionally reliable, beautiful, and inspiring tool for any guitar player. Whether you're looking for a versatile and responsive instrument for folk, fingerstyle, or even solo performance, the OM-42 Martin guitar is an excellent choice that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Om-42 Martin Koa is a high-end acoustic guitar known for its superior craftsmanship, beautiful Koa wood body, and rich, projecting tone. Here are the pros and cons of buying an Om-42 Martin Koa:
Pros:1. Superior Craftsmanship: The Om-42 Martin Koa is meticulously crafted, featuring the finest materials and attention to detail. Each guitar is handmade and inspected at multiple stages to ensure top-notch quality.
2. Rich, Projecting Tone: The solid, straight-grain Hawaiian Koa wood used in the construction of this guitar produces a full-bodied, projecting tone with excellent clarity and sustain.
3. Playability: The neck profile and fret work on the Om-42 Martin Koa are designed for comfort and ease of play, making it an ideal instrument for both novice and experienced players.
4. Classical Guitar Design: The Om-42 Martin Koa is based on the classical guitar design, which allows for the use of nylon strings. This design provides a gentle playing action and reduces the strain on the musician's fingers, making it an excellent choice for flamenco and other classical styles.
5. Timeless Investment: Martin guitars are renowned for their longevity and ability to maintain or even increase in value over time. The Om-42 Martin Koa is a worthy investment for any serious guitar enthusiast or collector.
Cons:1. High Price Point: The Om-42 Martin Koa is a premium, high-end instrument and comes with a significant price tag. This may be a barrier for entry for some potential buyers.
2. Nylon String Preference: The use of nylon strings, while favored by classical guitarists, may not appeal to those who prefer traditional steel-string acoustic guitars.
3. Size: The Om-42 Martin Koa is a larger-sized guitar, which may not be suitable for those with smaller frames or limited space for storage or transportation.
Conclusion:The Om-42 Martin Koa is an exceptional acoustic guitar offering unparalleled craftsmanship, beautiful tone, and superior playability. While it may come with a steep price tag, this instrument stands out as a worthy investment for any guitar enthusiast or collector, particularly those with a preference for classical guitar design or nylon strings.
Recommendation:If you are considering the purchase of an Om-42 Martin Koa, it is highly recommended that you try one out in person at a reputable guitar shop to experience its unparalleled craftsmanship, tone, and playability firsthand. Consider this investment in your musical journey as an opportunity to own a beautiful, lasting instrument that will provide you with a rich and rewarding playing experience for years to come.
Vintage touches include the grained ivories binding, small swirl tortoise guard, and gold open back butter bean tuners. This eye catching example features highly figured, book matched back and sides, colorful Paula abalone trim, ornate 45 snowflake fingerboard and bridge, and the vertical pegged logo.
It is visible from close up, see pictures, but has no effect on the sound. I never thought I would sell this guitar but it is time to thin the heard and I cannot justify two om guitars.
Martin offered the om 42k for two years between, in a very limited run. The 15' body sits handily in the lap and produces an even response across the tonal range, without the bass heaviness common to many dreadnoughts. Good luck and happy buying. At just 3lb.
These are not on the market often so take advantage. I bought this guitar in the winter and it cracked due to the change in temperature when it was shipped. The guitar is lightweight, well balanced and versatile, equally at home with blues, country, ragtime, and classic jazz standards. I have owned a few high end guitars 28, Taylor 614ce, om28 GE and this guitar plays smoother than any by far.