Introduction
The Martin D-45 is widely considered the pinnacle of acoustic guitar craftsmanship and tone. First introduced in the 1930s, the D-45 has earned an iconic reputation as the "holy grail" for acoustic players and collectors. With its ornate pearl inlays, premium solid wood construction, and top-tier components, the D-45 represents the absolute best in acoustic guitar design.
Renowned for its rich, complex tone and incredible playability, the D-45 has been favored by famous musicians across genres for decades. Everything about the D-45, from its detailed dovetail neck joint to the hand-voiced bracing inside, showcases Martin’s incredible attention to detail and commitment to quality. Owning and playing a D-45 is a dream for many guitarists, and its pristine condition examples are highly sought after.
The D-45 commands a premium price, but it’s easy to justify for those seeking the very finest instrument. Between its heirloom-quality craftsmanship and world-class sound, the D-45 stands in a class of its own. For players and collectors who can afford it, the Martin D-45 is often viewed as the ultimate lifetime acoustic guitar purchase.
Pre-War D-45 History
The Martin D-45 first appeared in the Martin catalog in 1933, during the pre-war era of Martin guitar production. Only 91 original pre-war D-45s were ever built, making these guitars incredibly rare and highly sought after by collectors and musicians today.
The pre-war D-45 featured the ornate pearl inlays and premium tonewood construction that the model is still known for, but many features made these early D-45s unique. They were constructed with Adirondack spruce tops, considered the holy grail of vintage acoustic tonewoods. The backs and sides featured gorgeous Brazilian rosewood. The craftsmanship and materials of these early D-45s contributes to their legendary warm yet complex tone.
In the 1930s and 40s, the D-45 was played by many of the pioneering singers and cowboy artists who shaped the landscape of early country, folk and western music. Legends like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and Tex Ritter all played Martin D-45s and featured them on their recordings. The rich sound of the pre-war D-45 defined the acoustic guitar tone on countless classic country and folk songs from this period.
Today, vintage pre-war Martin D-45s are among the most collectible and valuable acoustic guitars in the world. These rare instruments have sold for over $1 million dollars at auction when in pristine condition. Even models with repairs and wear still command astronomical prices due to their rarity, historical significance, and unparalleled sound. For acoustic guitar collectors and enthusiasts, pre-war Martin D-45s represent the holy grail.
Modern Martin D-45 Models
The Martin D-45 is currently produced in three lines – the Standard Series, Modern Deluxe, and Vintage Series. Each provides a different take on this iconic acoustic guitar.
The Standard Series D-45 is considered the core model in Martin’s catalog. It features a Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back and sides, a dovetail neck joint, and Martin’s high quality craftsmanship. Appointments include multi-ply top binding, herringbone rosette, and pearl script logo. The Standard D-45 produces the balanced and articulate tone the model is famous for, at a starting price around $8,000.
The Modern Deluxe D-45 takes the Standard model and upgrades it even further. It has a bearclaw Sitka spruce top, matched AA-grade rosewood back and sides, antiqued tuning machines, and aged toner top inlays and binding. These premium materials and vintage-inspired looks push the price up to $12,000 and above. The tone is slightly warmer and richer than the Standard.
The Vintage Series D-45 aims to recreate the pre-war D-45s using period-correct materials and build techniques. This includes hide glue construction, scalloped bracing, hot hide glue neck joint, and aged finish. Models with Brazilian rosewood can surpass $15,000. The Vintage D-45 provides the most vintage look and acoustic tone compared to other lines.
Craftsmanship and Build Quality
The Martin D-45 exemplifies the pinnacle of acoustic guitar craftsmanship. Each D-45 is constructed with an incredible attention to detail that makes it stand apart from other acoustic guitars.
The neck joint is one of the most complex aspects of the D-45 build. Martin uses a dovetail neck joint, which is the strongest type of joint for an acoustic guitar. It provides superior stability and resonance by maximizing the gluing surface between the neck and body. The dovetail joint allows optimal transfer of vibration through the guitar for better tone and sustain.
The D-45 is adorned with ornate appointments not found on most acoustics. The fretboard and headstock feature intricate abalone and mother-of-pearl inlays. The binding along the body, neck, and headstock consists of multi-ply bindings with abalone purfling. Even the rosette around the soundhole has an intricate abalone design.
To match the visual beauty, Martin uses premium tonewoods for the D-45 construction. The back and sides utilize highly-figured East Indian rosewood, prized for its beauty, stability and rich tone. The top is solid Sitka spruce, which provides excellent resonance and projection. Even smaller details like the bridge and bridge pins are made from exotic and tonally-superior materials.
Every aspect of the D-45, from the woods to the inlays, comes together to produce an instrument with unparalleled craftsmanship. It exemplifies the pinnacle of what Martin’s master builders can achieve. The D-45’s precision construction contributes greatly to its legendary tone and playability.
Sound and Playability
The Martin D-45 is revered for its rich, balanced, and articulate tone that projects with impressive volume and dynamics for a dreadnought acoustic. The clarity and note separation are exquisite, allowing the complex harmonic overtones to ring out.
When playing a D-45, the feel and resonance are remarkable. The notes sustain beautifully, and the guitar practically plays itself. The tone is clear across all registers, with defined bass, lush midrange, and crystalline treble. The projection allows the D-45 to cut through a mix or fill a room without needing amplification.
Compared to other high-end dreadnought acoustics like the Martin D-28, the D-45 has more complexity in its voice. The overtones are more pronounced, and the bass has more punch and definition. The D-45’s tone is multi-dimensional, with different flavors emerging as you play across the fretboard. It’s no wonder the D-45 is the choice of so many discerning players when recording or performing. The playability and superlative tone simply have no equal.
Notable D-45 Players and Recordings
The Martin D-45 has been the acoustic guitar of choice for countless musicians over the decades. Its rich tone and unmatched playability have made it a staple in recording studios and on stages worldwide.
Legendary artists like Hank Williams Sr. and Johnny Cash favored the deep bass and shimmering highs of the D-45 for their early country and rockabilly hits. Cash’s early recordings with Sun Records featured his personalized D-45, while Williams’ iconic songs like "Your Cheatin’ Heart" were also recorded with a D-45.
Folk revival stars also relied on the D-45, including Joan Baez, who used her 1960s D-45 on classics like "Diamonds & Rust." Iconic covers of "House of the Rising Sun" and "Blowin’ in the Wind" were also recorded with her D-45.
More modern artists like Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton made the D-45 their six-string companion in the studio and on stage during their rise to fame in the 1960s and 70s. Clapton’s famed "MTV Unplugged" performance was recorded with his trusty D-45 as well.
Contemporary musicians like John Mayer, Zac Brown, and Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons have continued the D-45’s legacy for today’s biggest acts. Mayer’s continuum album features his Custom Shop D-45 on hits like "Waiting on the World to Change."
From early roots music through today’s singer-songwriters, the Martin D-45 has been the definitive acoustic guitar for genres as wide-ranging as country, folk, blues, and rock. Its unmistakable tone and playability have cemented its status as an icon across generations of legendary musicians.
Is the Martin D-45 Worth the High Price?
The Martin D-45 commands a premium price, typically starting around $8,000 for a new Standard Series model and going up from there. For many guitarists, this price tag is hard to justify. However, for discerning players seeking the pinnacle of acoustic guitar craftsmanship, tone, and prestige, the D-45 is well worth the investment.
Several factors contribute to the D-45’s high cost. As Martin’s flagship acoustic guitar, no expense is spared in selecting the finest materials and appointments. The woods, like East Indian rosewood and Sitka spruce, are harvested from mature tonewood trees that have been carefully selected and aged. Master craftsmen spend countless hours hand-shaping and voicing each D-45, ensuring the wood resonates optimally. The ornate pearl inlays, bindings, and rosette add even more meticulous hand-detailing.
Beyond the workmanship, the D-45 delivers a rich, complex tonal palette that other acoustics simply can’t match. The notes have a full-bodied warmth yet still retain articulation and note separation. There’s a three-dimensional quality to the D-45’s voice that has to be heard in person to fully appreciate. For those chasing the ultimate acoustic guitar tone, the D-45 stands alone.
The D-45 also offers long-term value as a family heirloom. Martin has been crafting the D-45 since the 1930s, and with proper care, a new D-45 should last generations. The collectibility factor also comes into play, as vintage D-45s have become highly sought after. Owning a D-45 means investing in a future antique. For players who can afford it, the D-45 represents both a lifelong musical companion and a legacy to be passed down.
Buying a Martin D-45
When it comes to buying a Martin D-45, you have a few options. Many authorized Martin dealers will carry select D-45 models, though availability can fluctuate. Buying directly from the Martin Guitar company is another route, and they may have access to a wider range of models and customization options. You can also find used and vintage D-45s from various sellers online or privately.
If buying a used or vintage D-45, be sure to thoroughly inspect and authenticate the guitar. Check for any damage, repairs, swapped parts, etc. Have the seller provide detailed photos and get a certificate of authenticity if possible. Meeting in person is ideal to fully evaluate condition before purchasing. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Once you’ve purchased your D-45, be sure to properly care for it to protect your investment. Keep the guitar in a humidity-controlled environment between 45-55% relative humidity. Store it in a high-quality hardshell case when not in use. Consider extra insurance coverage given the D-45’s high value. With proper care and maintenance, your D-45 will last for many years and retain its tone and value over time. Treat it as the lifetime heirloom instrument that it is.
Conclusion
The Martin D-45 stands in a class of its own as the pinnacle of acoustic guitar craftsmanship, tone, and prestige. Over its 80+ year history, the D-45 has earned an iconic reputation and almost mythical status among discerning players. Its ornate visual appointments, hand-selected premium tonewoods, and unrivaled attention to detail in construction all contribute to its legendary sound.
The D-45 represents the absolute best Martin has to offer, showcasing the height of their craft. Everything from its resonant and balanced tone, to its vintage-inspired aesthetics, to the generational longevity built into its design cements its status as the holy grail for many players. While the staggering price tag puts it out of reach for most, the lucky few who own a D-45 will cherish it as an heirloom to pass down for generations.
For those with the means and passion for the very finest acoustic guitar, the D-45 is worth every penny. Its tone and playability inspire musicians to reach new creative heights, while its collectibility makes it a sound investment. The Martin D-45 carries a legacy matched by few other instruments, and will long represent the pinnacle of American acoustic guitar craftsmanship.
Video Demo
The Martin D-45’s legendary tone is best experienced first-hand through hearing the guitar played live. Here’s an excellent video demo from YouTube user AcousticLetter that really showcases the D-45’s dynamic range, warmth, and crystalline clarity:
In this video, watch as the player expertly fingerpicks through chord melodies, arpeggios, and lead lines on a standard model Martin D-45. The complexity of the D-45’s overtones comes through so beautifully here. There’s a rich bass, articulate and balanced mids, and a crystalline top end that rings out with sustain. The player also demonstrates the D-45’s dynamic range, going from soft, delicate passages to aggressive flatpicking, and the D-45 handles it all with world-class tone. Hearing the guitar live leaves no doubt about its legendary status. This is the sound that has made the Martin D-45 the holy grail for so many acoustic players over the years.