Martin 000-42 Standard vs 000-42 Modern Deluxe

The Martin 000-42 is a fantastic model from Martin that we can barely keep in stock. Today, we're lucky enough to have both the 000-42 Standard and the 000-42 Modern Deluxe. Watch as we compare the two… both for specs and for tone. Do you think the Modern Deluxe is worth the extra $800?? Leave a comment.
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[@WysteriaGuitar]

MD definitely louder but it also sounds a bit "harsher" or not as mellow...

[@radioactivification]

Shares some if the tones of a resonator guitar, not that deep “woody” sound of a typical Martin. Not bad just not my flavor

[@slbolfing56]

Something special about the MD, throughout the entire line. Martin hit on all cylinders with this series!

[@zororosario]

The VTS makes a huge difference in sound together with the other upgrades put it in between the standard and going custom order.

[@texhaines9957]

I love the fuller, deeper, sound of the Modern Deluxe AND the neck profile! Wondering how it compares to a 000-28e Modern Deluxe. I highly recommend a trip to Music Villa. My tip: make a list of things you want to try, so you don't miss anything. Also bring someone who plays so you can hear the guitar as well. Staff will bring other options to try. My ears are always bigger than my wallet! But it's fun. Thanks Paul and Quinton!

[@bluegryp]

Tex, I actually just mentioned this in my post. I went from a 28 with a vts top to a 42 also with a vts top and hands down the 42 sounds much better. The 42 has a more chimey high end and overall just seems more resonant. I know it doesn’t make sense since they are more or less the same guitar with the exception of the bling but thats just been my experience. I suspect it comes down to the higher grade wood used and maybe something to do with how the sound interacts with the abalone.

[@texhaines9957]

@@bluegryp higher grade wood is probably the reason. Also VTS requires a better grade wood from the start. Thanks. I still like to visit MV.

[@TT-wz6xy]

@@bluegryp Shouldn’t be any difference , I’ve tried many and found that it’s pretty even in terms of which is better , I’ve played many 28’s and many 42’s and found it around half the 28’s were better and vice versa , ps the wood is graded on aesthetics only not tonally , so the 40,41,42,45 get the prettier looking wood not necessary the best tonally

[@johncrane6673]

I put liquid-metal pins on my OMCPA4-Rosewood; the difference was very noticeable (not as much as this example, but close). The Modern Deluxe series comes as close to 'boutique' guitars as any I've ever heard, for a price that 'mere-mortals' can someday hope to afford. This 000-42 MD is amazing! Thanks guys. (Now: a 0012-28 MD [cutaway]; the stuff of dreams)

[@heinz_fiction]

It was noticeable because you've changed the strings. That's the trick.

[@paulfoucault5543]

I have a 2003 000-42. It is a wonderful instrument, I have it outfitted with bone pins, nut and saddle. In this comparison (using headphones to listen) I am not sure I'd prefer the MD tone. On my guitar the trebles are very sweet and smooth. To my ears the MD has a metallic jangle. Would be great fun to be able to compare live side by side.

[@Christ-is-King-]

I watch every single video that comes out. I have called the store and spoke with Paul and he has a wealth of knowledge. Thanks again.

[@danielgay4924]

A couple of amazing guitars - thanks guys for another great comparison video.

[@gigifara9312]

i prefer the sound of the standard

[@dcarts5616]

The MD does actually sound better through these Chinese made apple phone speakers. Who’d a thunk!? Beautiful playing Q as usual.

[@bluegryp]

This is interesting. I have a custom shop 42 that’s identical to the standard 42 but with a VTS top. I also did add the titanium bridge pins which I don’t think made much difference. The VTS top however is where I believe you’re hearing the most difference. It’s hard to tell from an iPhone speaker but mine seems to have that deeper sounding bass that you hear in the deluxe. Incidentally I also had a VTS topped 28 which is basically identical to the 42 except for the abalone. Trust me when I say the 42 blows the 28 out of the water. You wouldn’t think it would, but for some reason it does.

[@austingal9869]

That’s surprising and good to know

[@chriss6625]

So the 28 and 42 both have VTS but the 42 blows the 28 away? maybe it's just the wood selection on the 42. From every comparison I've heard (of standard, non-VTS tops) the OM-42 always blows any other version of the OM. ....that's the OM not the 000 but again, it's that 40's series wood selection and extra craftsmanship.

[@mariodriessen9740]

I'd be extremely happy with either one of them.

[@Randorita]

The MD sounded a little better, fuller, and louder, but the standard looked better. I like the darker finish. Thanks veterans! They had a WWII veteran on MNF that was 99 years old! What an inspiration! Not many of those guys around anymore.

[@cfmartin568]

Best thing to do to a Martin is get rid of the plastic or the metal pins. Slot the Bridge and go to a solid light weight pin. Better overall sound and volume saves on your bridge plate.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

Such as ebony pins?

[@cfmartin568]

Or bone. Waverly bone and the others they offer The weight is negligible

[@geoffreycarter3981]

@@cfmartin568 Yeah I've always had ebony pins in my HD28V and I like them, but thought about experimenting with others. I think I'll try bone next. What do you mean by "saves on my bridge plate"? I've had some trouble with swollen belly on this one too.

[@roior]

I prefer the Standard model, I wonder if it's because my ears is used to this sound. both gr8 would take any of those. Thx !

[@a.m.phaneuf6164]

Yes, louder/more projection on deluxe, but too much thin twang on 1st and second strings

[@chriss6625]

Yeah I may actually like the non-MD more. It's more round and pleasant, perhaps less metallic sounding than the MD.

[@JesseDylanMusic]

The modern deluxe also has Adirondack bracing, and it’s scalloped in the golden era style. That’s probably the biggest difference, other than the thermal aging. And the truss rod!

[@deanmcbride8747]

Just bought a 00042 modern delux. It's gorgeous. It can sit pretty next to my Martin d 42 Martin 00028 custom shop Guatemalian and a Martin 0016M Westside Custom Edition. I'm so lucky Dean 🇬🇧

[@joeldowdy404]

Modern deluxe versions are louder and have more sustain of any model comparison. D18, D28, 00018, 00028, etc.

[@chrisforbes]

My goodness - the Modern Deluxe is incredible - particularly noticeable at the end when you go back and forth.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@chriss6625]

You joked a bit about trying out swapping the bridge pins - I would actually VERY MUCH appreciate a demo. I fall exactly into that category of folks who does not have a guitar store in his state that can enable a live test of these types of guitars. To buy one online takes trusting in the audio and commentary of gentlemen like yourselves-which, I am sure thankful for. Thank you very much! (I did go with the OM-42!) But bridge pins demo of Liquid Metal vs. regular would be fabulous.

[@TheGrasspond]

You guys are great!! I played my 2013 Martin OM 28 marquis along with Quinten to compare. Granted, live comparison way better. But my Marquis tone is hands down my preference. Maybe its the ADK, not sure what the bracing is on those, or just age. But for me its the Marquis all the way. I'll wait till you get a custom OM adk top with GE forward shifted adk bracing and reasonably straight grained (a little wavey ok) cocobolo B & S. 🙂

[@gair1944]

I agree with everyone else who says the MD-00042 has more pop and presence. It sounds punchier and gets my attention right away.

[@jed1166]

Hey Quinton, no “laying back”… dig in! if these people can’t keep up, tell ‘em to get a pencil and paper, and take notes…

[@johnwashburn3793]

I totally agree! Be true to yourself I went to a garden party and I learned, you can't please everyone so you get to please yourself! You kill it and I bought a CEO 7 because of you.

[@ic_1234]

please please compare martin hd28 with a d41! It's supposed to be basically the samw guitar but unfortunately for my pocket I hear differences lol

[@RobinDaelman]

I don't like so much the lighter color of the spruce. I prefer the cedar color or the ones that EC is using.

[@WilliamWaller-vm4wl]

I actually like the sound of the Standard 000-42

[@rickyricardo9917]

Why did Martin stop producing the om-42 modern deluxe ?

[@billyhughes9776]

That modern does pop on the top a more and seems a bit louder? Or is that Q's annoyingly loud strumming? ;-)

[@gosman949]

he has to do some loud strumming to show us the dynamics of the guitar!

[@billyhughes9776]

@@gosman949 I was,..um,...being sarcastic.

[@martinkleinman2522]

WOW x 2. Someone please buy me one of these for xmas. I'll be your best friend....

[@muscle99sav]

Wow these SING!

[@johnmyszka2749]

Modern Deluxe for gigging and standard for recording

[@johnoffutt898]

Modern deluxe sounds more tinner timbre sound. Even the standard sounds tiny. Martin 000-28 sounds alot better. Maybe if swapped out the crappie pins for ebony wood pins it would get rid of the tiny sounds.

[@Jadar...]

Which one has Boltaron binding, which one has celluloid binding ? In other words which one has the removable binding, which one has a less often removable binding (Boltaron or I believe Antique white?) 😧😡

[@gregorycarpenter]

I've played Modern Deluxe D-18's that didn't sound as good as the D-18 Standard.... (?)

[@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr]

☑️ have the stnd version Martin OOO-42 _it was a pretty penny in the day I bought it online but it sounds no better than my $2K$ guitars bought with some better judgement ‼️☻️😎🤑

[@chrisstanford3652]

more bass is better🎵🤗

[@polescalante]

The Standard all day. The MD is like in between a standard and a Taylor. A bit too bright for the Martin sound... That's what I hear at least

[@themayor6836]

WOW $7000 maybe Santa can bring one....LOL

[@rickyricardo9917]

MD a bit louder but not pleasingly

[@westrunningbrook]

How how how do I learn to play like Quinton.

[@jeremystone2658]

Time and practice, brother

[@patrickd1805]

torch all the way!

[@scottywaller9411]

The Standard , which I have , sounds more mellow and not as tinny , if that is a word. Lol

[@Dmvillano]

A little too much top end information is coming off the MD. It's almost like an Irish fingerstyle guitar. Probably a little too much if you're doing a lot of strumming

[@RobinDaelman]

Too much resonance on the MD to my ears but need to play it myself.

[@boudibla4011]

'it depinds' lol

[@cameron9643]

The metal pins is the difference . Just go buy some and replace the plastic.

[@heinz_fiction]

I'll stick with my Sigma 00042R.

[@michaelflorio7913]

The Standard has more overtones