Nearly every boutique guitar brand has fashioned OM guitars on the popular Martin model. This Martin OM-42 incorporates high-end detailing with its classic design to produce the perfect acoustic guitar for just about any musician.
A Tasteful Take on Martin’s Traditional Design
Martin’s OM guitars have been around for over 80 years due to their wide spread and long lasting popularity. You no doubt have seen them used with some of the more famous acoustic guitarists like Eric Clapton or Bob Dylan.
The Martin OM-42 uses the company’s second most extravagant detail work, though it’s far less expensive than Martin’s 45 style. In addition to the 42 style around the edge, this acoustic guitar features gold hardware, grained ivroid binding, and smaller inlays on the bridge and headstock. These aesthetic details elegantly accompany the beautiful tone woods without looking gaudy or out of place.
A Sharp Tool for Your Instrumental Arsenal
Much like the Huss & Dalton DS we reviewed last week, the Martin OM-42 is built to be played. The model is like a hammer in your toolbox and is versatile enough to be used in blues, folk, or just about any other acoustic genre.
This Martin OM-42 has forward-shifted, scalloped bracing. Both the placement of the bracing and its design creates a guitar that moves more when you play it, making it more lively, responsive, dynamic, and lighter-weight than other OM guitars.
In addition to the bracing, this Martin OM-42 has a Sitka spruce top that is more responsive than Adirondack tops you may find on other models. While Sitka doesn’t produce the same roar as Adirondack, it is far more articulate, making it a great guitar for recording purposes. In addition, the Sitka top is paired with an Indian rosewood body that gives the guitar those rich overtones that acoustic musicians crave.
Our Verdict
If you care at all about acoustic guitars, there’s something about this Martin OM-42 that you’ll love. While its not necessarily a collector’s item—as everyone’s opinion differs on that front—it will hold its value today better than any other guitar you invest in. However, if the price for a 42 style guitar is outside the depth of your wallet, you may consider our more affordable OM-28. You still get a great Martin OM guitar, but without paying for the aesthetic benefits.