Tree of Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Brazilian rosewood model, limited to only 50 pieces worldwide!!

Martin Tree of Life | A thorough explanation of past models and their appeal

Martin D-50 Deluxe

A Brazilian rosewood model, limited to only 50 pieces worldwide!!

 

【Model Specifications】

*The text in red indicates the specifications of the Martin D-50 Koa Deluxe.
MODEL: D-50 Deluxe (Koa Deluxe)
CONSTRUCTION: Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
BODY SIZE: D-14 fret
TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce w/ Heavy Bearclaw
ROSETTE: Herringbone Pearl
TOP BRACING PATTERN: D-OMLE Forward Shifted
TOP BRACES: Solid Adirondack Spruce Scalloped 5/16
BACK MATERIAL: Solid Brazilian Rosewood (Solid Hawaiian Koa)
BACK PURFLING: Fiber/Heart Pearl/BWB Fiber/Herringbone Pearl/BWB Fiber/Heart Pearl/BW fiber (Mitered Inlays And Pearl)
SIDE MATERIAL: Solid Brazilian Rosewood (Solid Hawaiian Koa)
ENDPIECE: Style 45
ENDPIECE INLAY: Boxed, Heart Pearl
BINDING: Grained Ivoroid
TOP INLAY STYLE: Herringbone Pearl with Balck/White/Black Fiber Inlays
SIDE INLAY: Abalone Pearl with Black/White/Black Fiber Inlays
BACK INLAY: Abalone Pearl with Black/White/Black Fiber Inlays
NECK MATERIAL: Genuine Mahogany
NECK SHAPE: Modified V
NUT MATERIAL: Fossilized Ivory
HEADSTOCK: Solid/6 String Diamond/Square Tapered/Heart Pearl Border
HEADPLATE: Solid Brazilian Rosewood/45 Style- Heart Pearl Border
(Solid Hawaiian Koa)
HEELCAP: Brazilian Rosewood (Solid Hawaiian Koa)
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
SCALE LENGTH: 25.4'' (645.2mm)
# OF FRETS CLEAR: 14
# OF FRETS TOTAL: 19
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1 11/16'' (42.9mm)
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2 1/8'' (54.0mm)
FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: MOP with Heart Pearl Border
FINGERBOARD BINDING: Grained Ivoroid
FINISH BACK & SIDES: Polished Gloss
FINISH TOP: Polished Gloss
FINISH NECK: Polished Gloss
BRIDGE MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
BRIDGE STYLE: Standard Belly
BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2 1/8'' (54.0mm)
SADDLE: 16
TUNING MACHINES: Waverly Gold Hand Engraved w/Butterbean Knobs
RECOMMENDED STRINGS: Martin SP 4200 Medium Phosphor Bronze
BRIDGE & END PINS: Fossil Ivory/Star Sapphire Dots Bordered in 14-Karat Gold Settings
PICKGUARD: Black / Beveled/ Tree of Life/Mother of Pearl Border Inlay
CASE: 545DL Geib style
INTERIOR LABEL: Signed by CFM IV- Numbered IN Sequence with Total (50)
ELECTRONICS: Optional

 

Not only the sides and back, but also the headplate and heel cap are made of the finest and rarest Brazilian rosewood (Jacaranda).RecruitThe top is made of high-grade Sitka spruce with heavy bearclaw grain, and the top brace is also made of high-grade Adirondack spruce... Even just hearing these specifications, it's easy to imagine that this is a premium instrument that produces an exquisite sound, but the real eye-catching feature of this model is the numerous artistic inlays.

The "Tree of Life" pattern, densely applied to the jet-black ebony fingerboard, bridge, and pickguard, was designed exclusively for this D-50 Deluxe. At first glance, it looks the same as the regular version, but upon closer inspection, you'll notice that every vine is outlined, making the "Tree of Life" design appear even more luxurious. The vines extend all the way to the headplate, and the "Martin & Co." logo is also outlined in abalone inlay. The herringbone pearl lining running across the body purfling and rosette is truly magnificent, and is more than enough beautiful decoration to tighten the overall impression of the body. The small "Tree of Life" accents on each corner of the sides and back also express a sense of class and sophistication.

 

Martin Guitars has released many models featuring luxurious Brazilian rosewood inlays, such as the D-45 DX CFM, released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of C.F. Martin I, and the D-45 Deluxe, which has been produced in limited quantities every year since 1993 (currently in stock at our store). Among them, the D-50 Deluxe reigns supreme, limited to only 50 units worldwide.

I managed to acquire this item from a collector residing in Canada. Please enjoy this truly exceptional piece.

Martin D-50 Deluxe '02 Ltd. 27 of 50


Tree of Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martin MC-45 '83

Martin MC-45 '83

A Grand Auditorium Cutaway with a Brazilian rosewood finish!!  

This Grand Auditorium Cutaway, crafted from Brazilian rosewood to commemorate Martin's 150th anniversary, is a completely custom-ordered masterpiece. The abalone inlays on the bridge, pickguard, fingerboard, and headstock shine brilliantly, making it a truly magnificent instrument.

The Grand Auditorium (OOOO) boasts a larger 16-inch (406.4mm) full-body compared to the Dreadnought, yet retains the same body thickness (104.8mm) as the Auditorium, making it a truly original instrument. Its elegant yet dynamic sound, thanks to the top-grade Brazilian rosewood, is exceptional. The label features the handwritten signatures of C.F. Martin III and IV.

Top/Spruce, Back & Back/Jacaranda, Neck/Mahogany, Fingerboard & Bridge/Ebony, Cutaway, Tuners/Original Gold (Pearloid White Buttons), Nut Width/42.9mm, Scale Length/645.2mm. Includes original hardshell case.  

 


Tree of Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martin OO-45 Jacaranda "Tree of Life" Custom

Martin OO-45 Jacaranda "Tree of Life" Custom '91

A masterpiece that can be called the ultimate grand concert model!!

The OO-45, a 12-fret joint model known to be a favorite of John Baez, is a 1991 custom-ordered guitar with a German spruce top and Brazilian rosewood (Jacaranda) wood. Its most striking feature is the unparalleled abalone inlays. The torch inlay on the headstock and the magnificent Tree of Life adorning the fretboard are breathtaking, and even the bridge and pickguard are luxuriously crafted with abalone. This is truly an ultimate Grand Concert model, a masterpiece crafted to perfection. Experience the refined tone produced by the superb Brazilian rosewood. Don't miss this opportunity!

Top: German spruce, Back & Back: Brazilian rosewood, Neck: Mahogany, Fingerboard: Ebony (with abalone tree of life inlay), Bridge: Ebony (with abalone inlay), Pickguard: Original black (with abalone inlay), Tuners: Original gold, Nut width: 46.0mm, Scale length: 645.2mm. Comes with original hardshell case.

 


Tree of Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martin D-45 Deluxe Ltd. '93

Martin D-45 Deluxe Ltd. '93

Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide!! A special model that luxuriously uses carefully selected Brazilian rosewood!!

This is an extremely rare Martin D-45 Deluxe, released in 1993 as part of a limited edition of only 50 units worldwide. It's a deluxe edition model that luxuriously utilizes carefully selected, ultra-rare Brazilian rosewood!

The first thing that catches your eye is the artistic Tree of Life on the fretboard! Beautiful abalone inlays adorn the bridge and pickguard, and even the tuning pegs are adorned with intricate details. This alone tells you that this is a special model!

Of course, as this is a special edition using the finest Brazilian rosewood, the sound is more than convincing! It boasts a solid, full-bodied yet elegant bass, clear treble, and a well-balanced midrange! It's a superb sound, adorned with brilliant harmonics!!

As this is a special model, those who manage to get their hands on it are incredibly fortunate to own such a rare and exceptional item!!

Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Sides & Back: Solid Jacaranda
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard & Bridge: Ebony
Nut width: 44mm
Scale: 645mm
Weight: 2.2kg

Author of this article:Advance Guitars Store Manager Inoue - Vintage Guitar Researcher

Having been involved with musical instruments since childhood, he is an expert who has appraised and sold thousands of vintage guitars. He also has strong connections with collectors and dealers overseas. Believing that "the history of a guitar changes with even a single color or stamp," he strives to provide detailed and passionate explanations.

Qualifications and experience: Eight years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser, contributing articles and supervision to Guitar Magazine and other publications.

If you found this article helpful, please show your support!