Up for sale, a 2003 Martin D-45 in excellent, 100% original condition, complete with the original hardshell case and hangtag. Martin's flagship dreadnought, the D-45 can trace its genesis to singing cowboy Gene Autry, who requested Martin make him the, "biggest, fanciest Martin" for the tidy sum of $200 in 1933. Only a handful of D-45s were produced in Martin's Pre-War years, and the model has historically been available in small quantities compared to Martin's other dreadnought output. Abalone marquetry is liberally used throughout, framing the top, rims, back, soundhole, and fretboard extension, with additional ivoroid body binding, and hexagonal abalone inlay extending the length of the fretboard. Further top-tier features include gold hardware and a bound headstock face with vertical C.F. Martin inlay.

Tonewoods comprise a Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back and sides, a mahogany neck, and ebony fretboard and bridge. Detailed and muscular, with exquisite string-to-string balance, notes leap straight off the fingerboard with great immediacy and a dynamic feel. The low ends is tight and clear, with just a touch of brassy growl and a high volume ceiling when digging in hard with a flatpick, and the trebles are punchy and smooth. This D-45 weighs 4lbs 13oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and easy-playing action.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Low oval (medium C), measuring .840” 1st fret, .880” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, hexagonal abalone inlay
-Frets: Slender, light wear beneath B and High E strings on frets 1-6
-Scale Length: 25.4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”
-Headstock: Bound rosewood overlay, vertical C.F. Martin pearl inlay
-Tuners: Schaller-built, Martin-branded

Body Specs:

-Wood: Sitka spruce, Indian rosewood
-Bracing: X
-Bridge: Ebony, compensated saddle
-Plastics: Tortoise pickguard
-Serialization: Stamp on heel block dates to 2003
-Marquetry: Abalone purfling and rosette

This is a crack-free instrument, and this guitar was previously signed across the top at the lower bout. The signature itself has faded away, with a "tan line" remaining and additional ambering of the lacquer over the past 20+ years. Further cosmetic wear is limited to a few minor dings on top and a few mild scuffs in the clear coat on the rims. The smooth finish on the neck profile is nigh flawless.

The original molded hardshell case is included, along with Martin’s Care and Feeding user manual.