Martin 0-42 Preowned 1926

The Martin 0-42 is one of the most iconic acoustic guitars ever built, and this vintage pre-war 1926 example represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Martin’s golden-era craftsmanship. With only twelve 0-42s produced in 1926, it stands among the most limited and desirable models from the pre-war period. Built with a solid Adirondack spruce top and solid Brazilian rosewood back and sides, this Grand Concert-sized guitar delivers the clear, articulate voice that made the 0-42 a favorite among fingerstyle players and early studio musicians.

This guitar features hallmark Style 42 appointments, including an abalone top border and rosette, ivoroid binding, and a pyramid ebony bridge. True to its era, it sports a slotted headstock with engraved Waverly tuners and no Martin logo — a feature typical before the mid-1930s. Professionally maintained over the years, this example has had a neck reset, refret with a shaved board (possibly retaining the original bar frets or high-quality reproductions), a top crack repair, and a non-original saddle and nut. A small section of abalone was also expertly restored by luthier Jim Cargill, and it comes housed in a non-original generic case. Incredibly, this guitar was owned by the same family for it's entire lifetime, being bought brand new in a Melbourne music store in 1926 by the current owner's father.

Despite its age and restoration history, this 1926 0-42 plays beautifully with extra light steel strings and retains the rich, vintage tonal character that has made pre-war Martins so highly sought after. Its combination of rarity, craftsmanship, and tone make it an exceptional choice for collectors and players alike. It's simply one of the most impressive vintage guitars that any of us mere mortals will ever see, and it's just as good as you'd expect!

Collector’s Summary:

This 1926 Martin 0-42 is a highly collectible pre-war acoustic, representing one of only twelve examples produced that year. With its solid Adirondack spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, and original Style 42 appointments, it embodies Martin’s golden-era craftsmanship. While it has undergone several professional repairs, including a neck reset and refret, it remains structurally sound and highly playable. The tone is rich, open, and complex — exactly what vintage Martin enthusiasts seek. An extraordinary opportunity for serious collectors and players alike.

• Body Size: 0

• Top: Solid Adirondack Spruce

• Back & Sides: Solid Brazilian Rosewood

• Bracing: Scalloped X-bracing

• Neck: Mahogany

• Fingerboard: Ebony

• Bridge: Ebony, Pyramid Style

• Inlays: Abalone Top Border, Rosette, Diamond & Snowflake Fingerboard Inlays

• Headstock: Slotted, No Logo, Waverly Tuners

• Scale Length: 24.9"

• Nut Width: Approx. 1-7/8"

• Neck Joint: 12-Fret Dovetail

• Finish: Likely French Polish or Early Nitrocellulose

• Case: Non-original Generic Case

• Condition Notes: Neck reset, refret with shaved board, crack repair, replaced nut & saddle, partial abalone restoration by Jim Cargill