2005 Martin OM-42

The Martin OM-42 is a masterfully crafted Orchestra Model that embodies the perfect balance of elegance, responsiveness, and tonal sophistication. Built in the highly regarded 000-14 Fret body size, this exceptional instrument delivers the clarity, articulation, and dynamic range that have made the OM design a favorite among discerning fingerstyle players and versatile performers alike. Combining premium tonewoods, traditional construction techniques, and refined appointments, the OM-42 offers an inspiring playing experience that is both intimate and remarkably expressive.

At the heart of the instrument is a solid spruce top finished in a lustrous gloss and enhanced with a warm aging toner that evokes the character of a treasured vintage guitar. Surrounding the top is a stunning abalone and multi-stripe inlay that catches the light with subtle brilliance, complemented by an equally elegant abalone rosette. Antique white binding frames the body beautifully, while a faux tortoise pickguard adds a timeless touch that reflects Martin’s rich heritage of acoustic guitar craftsmanship.

The OM-42’s tonal foundation is built upon solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, finished in high-gloss natural beauty. This celebrated tonewood combination produces a voice that is rich, complex, and balanced, offering deep lows, articulate mids, and shimmering trebles with exceptional harmonic content. Inside, Martin’s traditional dovetail neck joint and GE-scalloped 1/4-inch spruce X-bracing work together to maximize resonance, responsiveness, and sustain. The result is a guitar that responds effortlessly to the lightest touch while maintaining impressive projection and clarity when played with greater intensity.

The ebony fingerboard is adorned with the iconic Style 45 Snowflake inlays crafted from genuine abalone, adding a graceful visual element that has become synonymous with Martin’s finest instruments. Antique white binding with multi-stripe accents surrounds the fingerboard, while black side dots offer subtle position reference. The neck joins the body at the 14th fret, providing excellent upper-fret accessibility across all 20 frets.

The headstock continues the OM-42’s sophisticated aesthetic with a solid square taper and diamond profile topped by an East Indian rosewood headplate. Martin’s Golden Era block inlay logo proudly adorns the face, while antique white binding with multi-stripe detailing enhances its refined appearance. Gold open-gear tuning machines fitted with traditional butterbean knobs provide smooth, reliable tuning stability while reinforcing the guitar’s vintage-inspired character.

Additional appointments such as the Style 45 back purfling with black stripe, multi-stripe back and side inlays, antique white heelcap with multi-stripe detailing, and matching endpiece inlay showcase the meticulous attention to detail found throughout the instrument. Every element contributes to an appearance that is elegant without excess, allowing the OM-42 to stand apart as one of Martin’s most distinguished Orchestra Models.

This 2005 Martin OM-42 is now 21 years old & starting to sound like a true vintage Martin. It’s been in its case & hardly been touched by its 2nd long term owner. It is essentially New Old Stock, truly near mint overall & comes w/its original paperwork, owners ID card & a letter signed by Chris Martin IV all in its original molded hard case.