Martin D-41 vs D-42 vs D-45 - Powerhouse Martin Guitar Comparison!

Three of Martin's most iconic and powerful dreadnoughts go head to head in this ultimate Martin Dreadnought battle featuring the D-41 vs D-42 vs D-45. Before you watch, do you think you know the differences between the three guitars? Leave a comment

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[Noelhayes]

I bought a D41 last year for my 40th (couldn’t wait another year) …it’s big money … but in my opinion worth it as it will be handed down to my son eventually …for me I would find it hard to buy a D45 unless I won the lotto !

[josephdolinsky]

I really like Martin guitars and have owned a D28 since 1973, as well as a couple of 000 models, a D18 and D28 Marquis. Some of the best music of the past 60 years has been written and played on a Marin D18, D28 or D35. Outside of the glitzy appointments on the 40 series (and extra cost), I’m not really sure if they provide better sound or playability. I guess I prefer a more basic, no frills “workhorse” guitar. Just my humble opinion.

[thisistimwoods]

Nice guitars. One thing demo never mention is how much each guitar has actually been played. This is important because some will have possibly opened up more than others

[paullanier]

My ear thinks the D-42 is the one . If I chose one for looks, D-45.
So I settled on a D-28 a long time ago and played the hell out of it !!!
As Toy said, "Can't be wrong!!!" A line from one of the many songs he wrote .

[trevorm]

All beautiful! The titanium strings on the D-45 had weird ringing harmonics poking out- I bet with the phosphor bronze strings it would have sounded more similar to the others.

[leftystring]

D41 in this batch. i have a '72 D18 and a '72 D28 and i bought a new D42 last year and it blows them both away by far. you just never know til you try but your odds of getting a great one are better with these three models.

[rzh]

The 45 seemed a little brighter than the other two, but can’t go wrong with any of these. Overall liked the 41 sound best. Lifetime purchase.

[michaelg.damons]

The D-41 sounds the best. I use to own one, I have an Eastman E40D that plays and sounds great.

[vocalion]

I’ve got to admit that I liked the sound of the D-42 best, but that’s probably down to it sounding the most like Neil Young (despite the fact that he plays D-45 and a D-28). Appointment-wise, I have always loved the snowflake inlays more than the hexagons, but I could do without the inlaid bridge.

[jamesthefragranceguy]

I've always loved the D-41 more than any other acoustic guitar. And after watching this video I still do

[supermarioxs]

Nothing beats a D-41 in comparison to sound and value …. Spending more for just for a slight or barely different tone to me doesn’t
make sense . I’m happy with my D-41 and it only sounds better with age…. Getting close to 10 years…. Of these 3 the D-41 is the winner.
They all sound amazing though….

[justinray]

Always love the Martin videos! I'd love to have that D-45... Dream guitar

[texhaines]

I can hear differences between the 41, 42 and 45 series. However I find that the Music Villa Martin Custom Shop guitar specifications produce guitars of similar excellent sound with less bling. And possibly lower cost (depending on what is added). Thanks Quinton and Paul

[Terra-ek]

I tried playing d45 and d42 today here in studio 1 vintage guitar New Zealand, d42 is the best smooth and easy

[WysteriaGuitar]

All three are fantastic guitars, I happen to have a D-41 that I love.

[TheThinker]

Very interesting! Thanks! I thought all three sounded so similarly great that I had no preference, which is the way I would hope it would be.

[Randorita]

I thought the 41 sounded best. Tomorrow, it might be the 42. I tried the titanium strings and didn’t really care for them. I liked them even less when the B string broke. I rarely ever break strings, but I do cringe a bit when I am tuning new strings when I get to the B and E. Nice comparison, guys.

[CenterThePendulum]

Things to consider that are often overlooked, that impact sound: More Bling = More wood Routing/more movement + altered contiguity, and D41 has a soundhole located closer to fretboard.

[Drallastadir]

I just do so much misstake 10 years ago when i was like 24 years old. I try one used d42 and the price was 50- 60% of the price of new one. I sit ther in this store and fall in love with that guitar and now for 10 yers i have never seen one used for sale in my contry it was big misstake not buying it, i want it so bad now in my life 😀

[leftyjcw]

I LOVE MARTIN. I’m a lefty. Playing since 1968. I own 5 Martins. 00012-16CE Nylon, 0-18, 000-28 Eric Clapton, 1991 D28S, and my D45.
I actually prefer the D28S over the D45 but she is a lot older. The 0-18 is a FUN guitar.
In this test, to my ear, the D45 earns its place.