Martin Tree of Life | A Comprehensive Guide to Past Models and Their Appeal

[Model Specifications]

　Not only the sides and back, but also the headplate and heel cap feature the highest-grade, rare Brazilian rosewood (Hacalanda).The top features high-grade Sitka spruce with a heavy bearclaw figure, while the top bracing is crafted from premium Adirondack spruce… Given these specifications alone, it’s not hard to imagine this as a premium masterpiece capable of producing a superb sound, but the real highlight of this model is its array of artistic inlays.

　The “Tree of Life” pattern, densely inlaid on the jet-black ebony fingerboard, bridge, and pickguard, was designed exclusively for this D-50 Deluxe. At first glance, it may appear similar to standard designs, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that every vine is outlined, creating a design that makes the “Tree of Life” stand out even more luxuriously.Another distinctive feature is how the vines extend all the way to the headplate, where the “Martin & Co.” logo is also an outlined abalone inlay.The herringbone pearl inlay that runs along the body purfling and around the rosette is truly magnificent; it is a beautiful decoration that more than sufficiently ties the entire body’s appearance together. Additionally, the single “Tree of Life” motif applied to each corner of the sides and back further enhances the instrument’s elegance.

　Martin Guitar has released numerous Brazilian rosewood models featuring luxurious inlays, such as the D-45 DX CFM—released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of C.F. Martin I’s birth—and the D-45 Deluxe (currently in stock at our store), which has been produced in limited quantities every year since 1993. Among these, the D-50 Deluxe reigns supreme as the pinnacle of the line, with a worldwide limited production run of just 50 pieces.

We managed to acquire this instrument after making a special request to a collector residing in Canada. Please enjoy this truly exceptional piece.

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

　A Grand Auditorium Cutaway with Brazilian rosewood specifications, produced to commemorate Martin’s 150th anniversary. A fully custom-ordered instrument, this magnificent masterpiece features abalone inlays on the bridge, pickguard, fingerboard, and headstock that radiate a stunning luster.

Despite its 16-inch (406.4 mm) full body—larger than a Dreadnought—this Grand Auditorium (OOOO) model boasts the same body depth (104.8 mm) as an Auditorium, making it a truly unique instrument. The elegant yet dynamic sound produced by the premium Brazilian rosewood is simply exquisite. The label features the handwritten signatures of C.F. Martin III and IV.

Top: Spruce; S&B: Jacaranda; Neck: Mahogany; Fingerboard & Bridge: Ebony; Cutaway; Tuners: Original Gold (Parloid White Buttons); Nut Width: 42.9 mm; Scale Length: 645.2 mm. Comes with the original hard case.  

　This OO-45, known for being John Baez’s favorite, features a 12th-fret joint. Ordered in ’91 with a German spruce top and jacaranda back and sides, the sheer opulence of the abalone inlays is simply extraordinary.While the gleaming torch inlay on the headstock and the magnificent “Tree of Life” design spanning the fretboard are truly breathtaking, the bridge and pickguard are also lavishly adorned with abalone. This instrument is truly a masterpiece that can be called the ultimate Grand Concert model. It produces an elegant tone from the finest jacaranda. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Top: German spruce, S&B: 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: 46.0 mm, Scale Length: 645.2 mm. Comes with an original hard case.  

　This is an extremely rare Martin D-45 Deluxe, released in 1993 in a limited edition of only 50 pieces worldwide. It is a Deluxe Edition model that lavishly features carefully selected Brazilian rosewood, an ultra-rare wood!!

The first thing that catches your eye is the artistic “Tree of Life” inlay on the fingerboard! Beautiful abalone inlays adorn the bridge and pickguard, and meticulous detailing extends all the way down to the tuning pegs.This alone makes it clear that this is a truly special model!

Of course, since this is a special edition crafted from the finest Jacaranda, the sound is absolutely compelling! It features a low end with a solid depth yet an elegant tone, clear highs, and a well-balanced midrange! It’s a superb sound rich with dazzling harmonics!!

Given that this is such a special model, anyone lucky enough to get their hands on it is truly fortunate to own this masterpiece!!

Top: Solid Sitka spruce
Sides & Back: Solid Brazilian rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard & Bridge: Ebony
Nut Width: 44mm
Scale Length: 645mm
Weight: 2.2kg