Martin Guitars Custom Shop D-42

All Thanks to Tex

The story of the D-42 begins with Geremino Bisceglia, the son of Italian immigrants better known to the world by his stage name, Tex Fletcher. Tex was one of the most famous singing cowboys of the thirties and forties, and like many acoustic guitar-slingers, he sought to emulate the most popular honey-voiced cowpoke of them all, Gene Autry. So, when Gene custom-ordered the first Martin dreadnought with Style 45 appointments, Tex figured he'd better get a similarly flashy guitar to keep up with the Joneses. Ever the practical man, Tex figured his audience would never see the back of his guitar, so he'd save a few bucks and get one with Style 42 appointments (42-style guitars have all the bling on the front). Thus, out of a cowboy's frugality, the D-42 was born!

The next D-42 didn't appear until 1988, and the Wildwood team is glad it returned because they are some of the coolest-sounding, most luxurious Martins ever to grace our shelves. This Custom Shop version is especially compelling because it comes with upgraded tonewoods (Adirondack spruce and Madagascar rosewood) and all-hide-glue construction, which improves resonance greatly!

The D-42's tone is somehow more compelling than its looks! It features a new twist on a classic tonewood combo--an Adirondack spruce top with Madagascar rosewood back and sides for deep bass and lush, sparkly high-end with plenty of volume and projecting power--that works magic with its forward-shifted scalloped bracing. Forward-shifted bracing enhances responsiveness, bass boom, and overall power. In other words, it makes the D-42 sound like a wooden cannon crossed with a piano! The midrange, of course, still has that classic Martin power, and it really hulks out when you pick hard.

We are proud to present such an inspiring instrument to our exceptional customers, and we know the D-42 will prove itself a steadfast companion on all your acoustic adventures.