Martin 00-42 (1934)

This Martin 00-42 cleared final inspection on May 22, 1934; and it was originally shipped to Boston-based retailer Carl Fischer.

It's been about 91 years since this Martin 00-42 (serial number 55622) was shipped to our neighborhood for the first time: it cleared final inspection on May 22, 1934, and was sent to Boston-based retailer Carl Fischer. It remains largely as it was that same day, with one notable repair in its history. But that fact that it's still so strong & sturdy, and still sounding so wonderful, performing the task it was meant to perform 90 years ago, is an enduring testament to the exceptional standards of craftsmanship pioneered by C.F. Martin in the early 1930's.

This guitar conforms to the expected specifications of Martin's higher-tier "Style -42" appointment level, featuring Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, a Red Spruce top, Ebony bridge and fingerboard, and solid, hand-inlaid abalone top purfling and "Snowflake" inlays. It sports a beautiful, natural patina; and the weathered look of the pearl inlay only increases its attractiveness. Its original Ebony neck support rod has been replaced with a steel tube, most likely by the Martin company itself as a way to combat excessive neck relief under tension of modern bronze strings. All other structural components are original and in beautiful condition.

Please listen as guitarist Jordan Tice capably demonstrates the sort of sound these 1930's Martin 00 are capable of producing in the accompanying video, which features his arrangement of Bob Dylan's "Tryin' to Get to Heaven."