The Appeal of the Martin Shaded Top and Rare Vintage Models

First up is the [Shaded Top]. If you view this model as a reference point for comparison, you’ll be able to appreciate the variations in color among individual instruments.The previous year, 1974, is considered the final year for German spruce tops; starting with this 1975 model, Sitka spruce was adopted. Martin does not maintain specific records regarding top wood, and in reality, multiple types of spruce—primarily German spruce—were used up until the previous year, with irregularities apparently occurring in the production of models from the preceding and following years as well. A total of 192 D-45s were produced in 1975.

The [Shaded Top] featured here is characterized by the strongest reddish hue among the eight guitars introduced. The balance of the color gradient is exceptional both toward the neck and toward the endpin, and the relative tones are truly beautiful—it’s literally mesmerizing.
When people think of 1976 at Martin, many likely picture the D-76, a commemorative model marking the 200th anniversary of the United States.It was an era when the music scene was booming—not just at Martin, but across the entire music industry—and, of course, the 【Shaded Top】 was also being produced. In 1976, annual production of the D-45 exceeded 200 units for the first time, reaching 256. Just how many 【Shaded Top】 models were produced that year? As a side note, the following year, 1977, saw a strike, and D-45 production dropped to a mere 76 units.

Here, you can compare two 【Shaded Top】 models from the same year that exhibit contrasting color tones. Due to the aging process unique to lacquer-finished instruments, one features deep, rich coloring along the edges and a substantial appearance, while the other shows significant fading even among the eight instruments in this group, resulting in the palest hue. This bright, pop-art-like appearance, in a sense, offers a look that defies the typical image of a 【Shaded Top】.The way their appearance changes depending on usage and storage conditions is one of the joys of owning a vintage instrument. There’s no “better” option—it’s a matter of personal preference—but it’s rare to be able to compare two 【Shaded Top】 D-45s from the same model year side by side.
The year 1979 marked a transitional period. The 【Shaded Top】 with the deeper color features Schaller tuners, which were introduced later, while the lighter 【Shaded Top】 is equipped with Grover tuners, which were used in the final year of production.

In 1979, the D-45 set a record for its highest annual production total ever, at 291 units. Incidentally, there was a strike at Martin in the previous year, 1978. Partly due to this, only 40 D-45s were produced in 1978.It’s speculated that, coincidentally, Martin may have had a stock of wood from the previous year that couldn’t be used. Although production numbers seemed to stabilize afterward, three years later—in 1982—they plummeted to a mere 45 units. This was an era when whatever they made would likely sell. However, the standards for wood selection remained extremely high, and compromising to increase production volume was simply not an option for Martin. Even at its all-time high, production totaled only 291 units worldwide, underscoring its enduring rarity.

All guitars produced in this year—Martin’s 150th anniversary—feature a brand mark. Commemorative models designed by Martin bear a square label, while custom-ordered instruments feature an oval label. As you can see in the photo, this is a custom-ordered model with an oval label.The headstock, fingerboard, pickguard, bridge, and even the heel cap are lavishly adorned with stunning inlay work. It is truly a collector’s item.
The 【Shaded Top】 design complements this inlay work beautifully. The strong coloration along the edges creates an exquisite three-tone effect.As if by design, the grain and texture of the sides and back perfectly complement the 【Shaded Top】 and the inlays, further enhancing the sense of luxury. While it remains unclear who placed this order with these specifications or under what circumstances, the finished product is nothing short of art—a testament to superb taste. While the basic specifications are the same as those from the 1970s, this model is equipped with Schaller tuners. A total of 74 D-45s were produced in 1983.

Comparing these eight guitars, this one stands out as the most distinct and memorable example of the “Shaded Top.” The black border is clearly visible, and the “Shaded Top” pattern is relatively wide.While vintage Martin collectors eagerly seek out D-28s with herringbone inlays from before 1944, a widely held belief among vintage Martin players is that “the 1950s D-28s are the best.”Coinciding with a period often regarded as America’s most vibrant and iconic, these guitars are highly regarded for both their materials and craftsmanship. Featuring a long saddle, Kluson tuners with covers, and a back and sides crafted from beautiful straight-grained rosewood, this is a top-tier D-28—and a 【Shaded Top】 at that—that’s in a league of its own compared to modern models. You may never come across another one like this. Only 675 of these 1953 D-28s were produced.

Although the color of the edging remains deep and rich, this particular guitar gives the impression of having a slightly narrower “Shaded Top” band. It’s the kind of subtle difference in appearance that you only notice when viewing several guitars side by side. I think the coloration beautifully captures the vibrant character of the original “Shaded Top.”
The high-mid range is pleasantly pronounced, and when playing arpeggios, it truly makes you appreciate why the D-35 is so highly regarded. The rich, full-bodied sound characteristic of that era conveys a sense of volume while remaining refined; the overall impression is delicate with exceptional balance. Depending on the player’s emotion, it can handle everything from dynamic performances to providing a gentle backdrop for melodies. This is a guitar that lets you experience the ultimate in luxury. A total of 6,260 D-35s were produced in 1975.

Although the appearance of the 【Shaded Top】 is similar to that of the D-35 mentioned earlier, the color along the edge is slightly lighter here, with a hint of reddish tones. The range of colors is also slightly narrower. Although it’s a coincidence, since the sides and back are made of mahogany, this slightly paler color seems to match them well. Including the rosewood bridge and fingerboard, the overall color scheme has a distinct character compared to other 【Shaded Top】 models.
The weather checking on the top, resulting from aging, is just right and strikes an exquisite balance with the 【Shaded Top】 finish. Only 3,069 D-18s were produced in 1975—about half the number of D-35s.