Introducing rare pre-war Martin models such as the Model D-18, D-28, and D-45

Martin OOO-45 (Pre-War)

　The OOO-45 was produced from 1906 to 1942, with a total of 265 units made; the 14-fret model, in particular, numbered only 123, making it the third rarest model after the original D-45 and OM-45. Early models featured a 12-fret joint, a slotted headstock, and torch inlays, and Jimmy Rodgers is known to have been a devoted user of this model.In 1934, the 14-fret “OOO-45”—an evolution of the OM model—was introduced, featuring a solid headstock and a vertical logo. It appears that forward X-bracing was discontinued on the OOO-45 model in 1935.

Its compact, well-balanced sound made it highly valued for recording, and it’s a well-known fact that Eric Clapton—famous for his OOO-42—actually played an OOO-45 that had been modified from an OOO-28. Although this particular instrument is an OOO size, it possesses a surprisingly rich volume; combined with its linear response and delicacy, its sound can be described in a single word: magnificent.

*The photo has been removed at the buyer’s request.

Martin D-45 (Pre-War)

The first D-45 was built in 1933 on commission from country singer Gene Autry, and 91 were manufactured by 1942.The second one was ordered by Jackie Moore from Martin in 1934. It is said that only about 70 examples still exist today, and since most are owned by collectors, these are true rarities that almost never appear on the open market.

　The first 17 guitars, made up until 1938, featured snowflake inlays; one of these was owned by the late bluegrass legend Red Smiley. However, by the time he acquired it, the snowflake inlays had already been replaced with hexagons.Among these, the D-45S (where “S” stands for “Special”), of which only two were made in 1936, is a special model with a 16 1/4-inch wide body, making it an exceptionally rare variant even among the original D-45s. One of the two surviving examples is on display at the Martin Museum.In addition, it is said that two D-45s with tortoiseshell-pattern headplates were also produced in 1940, making them extremely rare.

　Models produced up until mid-1938 featured forward-shifted X-bracing. Scalloped bracing was used on every instrument until production ended in 1942. While Grover tuners were originally of the open-back type, closed-back tuners were used from 1939 to 1940.

　At the time, the “45” series was subject to stricter inspections than any other Martin model—in terms of materials and quality control—and as a result, production numbers were low, and only highly skilled craftsmen were permitted to build them.The Brazilian rosewood used for the sides and back on pre-war models features exclusively straight-grained wood, and the weather checking in the finish—unlike that of Gibson guitars—has a unique character, giving the impression that the finish has settled into the wood over time. Additionally, the Japanese abalone used for the inlays features exceptionally fine chips, resulting in a luster that is completely different from that of more recent models. It’s fascinating to observe these details firsthand.

　The D-45, known to have been favored by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Clapton in the late ’70s, was reintroduced in 1968 in response to numerous requests from enthusiasts like Mike Longworth who held a deep passion for the D-45. It remains Martin’s flagship model, continuing to influence countless manufacturers and luthiers to this day.The sound, achieved through the finest materials and Martin’s exceptional craftsmanship, is transcendent in every way, producing a rich and brilliant tone.

*The photo has been removed at the buyer’s request.

Martin D-18 (Pre-War)

　The "D-18" was developed from the "D-1" prototype, which was built in 1931 on commission from Ditson, a major dealer.In 1932, production of the D-18 with a 12-fret joint officially began. In 1934, the D-18 with a 14-fret joint—which would become the standard—was introduced. Only 42 units of the 14-fret D-18 were produced in its first year. The D-18 Sunburst featured here was not part of the standard lineup at the time; it was available only as a custom order, making its very existence extremely rare.

　　In 1938, a top plate brace (a flat reinforcing plate on the underside of the top, near the neck) was added. Models produced up until mid-1938 featured forward-shifted X-bracing. The width of the fingerboard narrowed by approximately 1.5 mm at the nut and approximately 3.2 mm at the 12th fret.The price in 1940 was $65 (compared to $100 for the D-28). When the United States entered World War II following the outbreak of war with Japan in December 1941, the effects of wartime metal shortages began to be felt. In 1942, the neck rod was changed from a steel T-bar to ebony. In 1944, scalloped bracing was discontinued as a measure to address strength deficiencies when using heavy-gauge strings.In 1946, the top wood was changed from Adirondack spruce to Sitka spruce. Additionally, the neck rod was changed back from ebony to a steel T-bar. In 1947, the ebony fingerboard and bridge on the D-18 were replaced with rosewood (known as “Hacalanda” at the time).

　Quarter-sawn mahogany (wood cut from a log such that only one-quarter of the log is used for each board) was used for the sides and back. While the D-28 boasts a powerful sound with rich mid-to-low frequencies, the D-18 is a model known for its delicate sound characterized by brilliant high frequencies.It offers the versatility to accommodate not only strumming but also fingerstyle playing. Numerous artists—including early Elvis Presley, Simon & Garfunkel, and Takahiko Ishikawa—have been captivated by the sound of the D-18.

*The photo has been removed at the buyer’s request.

Martin D-28 (War Time)

　The D-28, considered the standard for modern acoustic guitars, was born as the first Dreadnought model, the “D-28,” which evolved from the “D-2” prototype built in 1931 on commission from the major dealer Ditson.In 1934, the D-28 with a 14th-fret joint was introduced; records show that only 52 of the 14th-fret D-28s were produced in its first year.

　In 1938, a top plate brace (a flat reinforcing plate on the underside of the top, near the neck) was added. In 1939, the forward-shifted X-bracing was discontinued. The width of the fingerboard was reduced by approximately 1.5 mm at the nut and approximately 3.2 mm at the 12th fret.The price in 1940 was $100 (the D-18 was $65). When the United States entered World War II following the outbreak of hostilities with Japan in December 1941, the effects of wartime metal shortages began to be felt.

　In 1942, the neck rod was changed from a steel T-bar to ebony. In late 1944, scalloped bracing was discontinued to address strength issues when using heavy-gauge strings. The fingerboard inlays were changed from slotted diamond and square to a dot pattern.In 1946, the top wood was changed from Adirondack spruce to Sitka spruce. Additionally, the neck rod was changed back from ebony to a steel T-bar. In 1947, the D-28’s herringbone trim and zigzag backstrip were replaced with black-and-white stripes and a checkered backstrip.

　To this day, countless artists have been captivated by the sound of the D-28. The list is endless: country legend Hank Williams, bluegrass icon Lector Flat, folk singer Rambling Jack Elliott, Bob Dylan, Clarence White, the Kingston Trio, Tony Rice… and even Jimmy Page.The D-28 delivers a chord sound with rich mid-low frequencies, excellent power, and superb balance. The tone of instruments from that era is particularly deep, with a solid core and enveloped in rich, natural harmonics.