Martin O'ahu K-42 Hibiscus

Weight: 4.8 lbs

DESCRIPTION

The Martin O’ahu® K-42 Hibiscus takes inspiration from the historic Kealakai body and reimagines it with modern innovation. Featuring a K-sized 12-fret body fitted with a 14-fret neck—an unprecedented first for Martin—it delivers extra projection and clarity while keeping the deep, powerful voice that shaped the Dreadnought’s origins. Crafted with striking broad-flamed koa back and sides, a reclaimed spruce top—used only once before in Martin’s history—in a dark toasted burst, and adorned with ornate hibiscus inlays, it’s as visually captivating as it is sonically rich. Style 42 details, Madagascar rosewood binding, and Waverly® tuners with Liquidmetal® posts add luxury and performance. Limited to just 100 guitars, the K-42 Hibiscus is the newest member of the Martin O’ahu family—an instrument where heritage and artistry meet.

SPECS

Weight: 4.8 lbs

Case: Hardshell Case 

Year: 2026

Top Material: Sitka Spruce Reclaimed
Finish Top: Gloss
Top Color: Dark Toasted Burst
Top Inlay Material: Abalone with Multi-Stripe
Top Detail: None
Binding: Madagascar Rosewood
Bridge Material: Ebony
Bridge Style: Modern Belly Pyramid- Drop in Saddle
Bridge String Spacing: 2 5/32"
Bridge Pin Material: Liquidmetal®
Bridge Pin Dots: Abalone
Pickguard: Faux Tortoise
Pickguard Inlay: None
Rosette: Style 45 Multi-Stripe
Saddle: Bone
Saddle Radius: 16"
Body Size: K-12 Fret with 14 Fret Neck
Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
Back Material: Figured Koa
Side Material: Figured Koa
Back and Side Finish: Gloss
Back and Sides Color: Natural
Back Detail: None
Side Detail: None
Back Purfling/Strip: Style 45 Golden Era with Stripe
Back Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Side Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Bracing Pattern: X-Brace
Brace Shape: GE-Scalloped
Brace Material: Adirondack Spruce with VTS
Brace Size: 5/16"
Heelcap: Madagascar Rosewood with Multi-Stripe
Endpiece: Madagascar Rosewood
Endpiece Inlay: Multi-Stripe
Neck Shape: GE Modified Low Oval
Neck Taper: High-Performance Taper
Neck Material: Genuine Mahogany
Neck Color: Natural
Finish Neck: Gloss
Scale Length: 25.4"
Number of Frets Total: 20
Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8''
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4''
Fingerboard Inlay Style: Hibiscus Design
Fingerboard Inlay Material: None
Fingerboard Binding Material: None
Side Dots: Abalone
Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper and Diamond
Headplate Material: Ebony
Headplate Logo Style: Martin O'ahu Script Overlay (Back of Headstock)
Headplate Binding Material: None
Tuning Machines: Waverly Gold w/Liquidmetal Post w/Abalone Dot
Knob: Butterbean
Nut Material: Bone

SETUP & INSPECTED BY OUR TECH TEAM

All of our guitars come with a FREE professional setup to a comfortable action as specified by that instrument’s manufacturer. Our setups always include inspection of (and necessary adjustment to): action, intonation, tremolo angle, truss rod, frets, nut, bridge, and more. We can accommodate special setup requests - additional charges and/or shipping delays of 1-2 business days could occur.

INDIVIDUALLY PHOTOGRAPHED

After 15 years of innovation in our photography process, Ish Guitars has developed a way to get you the most accurate true-to-life color of every instrument we sell. We never embellish, oversaturate, or misrepresent our images, so that your buying experience can be as much like visiting our showroom as possible. Keep in mind that various computer screens can show colors a bit differently, so the color on your screen may not match the real thing perfectly no matter how hard we try. Also, unless otherwise noted, we individually list and photo every piece of gear that comes through our doors.

HEAR A LIVE DEMO

Experience our innovative Video Appointment service! Connect with our Gear Experts to hear this instrument played live over Zoom and receive one-on-one guidance. Contact us to schedule your appointment!