Martin 00042 Marquis Rosewood Spruce 2008

This 2008 Martin 000-42 Marquis combines one of Martin's most refined appointment packages with the vintage-focused spec of the Marquis series. With a solid Adirondack spruce top, solid east Indian rosewood back and sides and the elegant pearl inlay of the 42 style, it's a 000 that sounds every bit as special as it looks.

Martin's 42 styling has long sat near the top of the range, just below the ornate 45, and is instantly recognisable by its beautiful abalone trim. The Marquis series adds period-correct touches: an Adirondack spruce top, scalloped X-bracing and a subtle aging toner that lend the guitar the tone and character of a pre-war Martin. In the intimate 000 body shape, this combination has long been a favourite among fingerstyle players and singer-songwriters alike.

The guitar is in excellent condition. There is one small lacquer crack on the top, on the right-hand side of the neck, which really only catches the eye when the light hits it. Beyond that, it has had a neck reset as well as an adjustment to the bridge to improve the saddle placement, both carried out very professionally by another luthier before the guitar was traded in with us. The result is an instrument that plays and holds up beautifully.

That Adirondack top, driven by scalloped bracing, gives the 000-42 a lively, responsive voice with plenty of headroom and a rich spread of overtones, while the east Indian rosewood back and sides add depth and sparkling highs. The 000 body delivers a balanced, articulate tone that lends itself equally to fingerpicking and lighter strumming. The modified V neck profile fills the hand nicely and, together with the 16" ebony fingerboard, makes for a comfortable and inviting player.

This instrument has been carefully inspected for originality, condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note. It comes with its TFOA Passport and original hardshell case.