Martin Custom D-42 Madagascar Rosewood – Mastergrade

Body Construction

Top:

• Material: Mastergrade Adirondack Spruce (Grade 8)

• Thickness: Standard Martin spec (approx 0.110")

• Bracing: Forward-shifted scalloped X-pattern

  • Brace Material: Adirondack Spruce

  • Brace Size: 5/16" (Golden Era dimensions)

  • Brace Shape: Hand-scalloped for optimal resonance

• Finish: High-gloss nitrocellulose (unaged clear)

Back & Sides:

• Material: Premium Madagascar Rosewood (Dalbergia baronii)

  • Grade: 4 (Mastergrade)

  • Configuration: 2-piece bookmatched back

  • Purfling: Style 45 mosaic pattern (multi-layer)

• Side Reinforcement: Spanish cedar kerfing with cloth strips

Neck & Fingerboard

Neck:

• Material: 12/4 Genuine Honduran Mahogany

• Profile: Modified Low Oval (0.82" at 1st fret, 0.87" at 9th fret)

• Joint: Traditional dovetail (hide glue)

• Reinforcement: Dual-action truss rod

• Finish: Gloss nitrocellulose (mahogany stain)

Fingerboard:

• Material: African Black Ebony (Grade 4)

• Radius: 16" compound

• Inlays: Style 45 Snowflake Long Pattern

  • Material: AAA Select Abalone (0.085" thickness)

  • Position: 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th (double), 15th, 17th frets

• Binding: European Flamed Maple (0.060" width)

Hardware & Components

Tuning Machines:

• Model: Waverly Gold 4060-G W16

• Ratio: 18:1

• Buttons: Butterbean (gold-plated)

• Plate Engraving: Custom "CF Martin" script

Bridge:

• Material: African Black Ebony

• Style: Modern Belly (2.5" string spacing)

• Inlay: 6-point snowflake (AAA abalone)

• Saddle: Compensated bone (0.125" radius)

Other Hardware:

• Nut: Premium bleached bone (1 11/16" width)

• Pins/Endpin: Bone with paua dot inlays

• Strap Buttons: None (player-installed option)

Cosmetic Details

Inlay Work:

• Top Perimeter: 0.064" select abalone purfling

• Rosette: Style 45 pattern (5 rings total)

  • Materials: Black maple fiber/antique white/abalone

• Headstock: CFM block logo (abalone inlaid)

Finish Details:

• Body: High-gloss nitrocellulose

  • Sealer: ICA on back/sides

  • Pore Fill: Rosewood-colored filler

• Neck: Gloss nitrocellulose (mahogany stain)

Performance Specs

Acoustic Properties:

• Scale Length: 25.4" (compensated to 25.470")

• String Gauge: Martin Authentic Acoustic .012-.054

• Projection: 103dB @ 1m (measured)

• Frequency Response: 82Hz-4.2kHz (±3dB)

Playability:

• Action: 6/64" bass, 4/64" treble (12th fret)

• Relief: 0.008" (medium tension)

• Nut Slot Depth: 0.020" clearance on high E

Case & Documentation

Included:

• Case: 5-ply hardshell (tan interior)

• Case Candy:

  • Custom shop credentials book

  • Madagascar rosewood sample

  • Build sheet with luthier signatures

  • Humidity maintenance kit

Authentication:

• Label: Signed by Chris Martin IV

• Serial: CS-prefix with custom shop designation

Technical Notes

Wood Treatment:

• Top: 30-day acoustic tuning

• Back/Sides: 60-day stabilization

• Neck: 14-day tension settling

Construction:

• Adhesives: Hot hide glue (critical joints)

• Pleking: Yes (full fret level/dress)

• QC: 23-point inspection

"This instrument represents approximately 300 hours of skilled craftsmanship, combining modern precision with traditional techniques."

Why Collectors Value This Build:

1. Rarity of Madagascar rosewood (CITES-certified)

2. Mastergrade Adirondack (tight grain <20 lines/inch)

3. Full Style 45 abalone package

4. Golden Era acoustic voicing

5. Investment-grade documentation