Martin D-45 Forest

1968 Martin D-45

Vintage D-45s are broadly categorized into three periods: the pre-war models from 1933 to '42, the reissued models from '68 to '69, and those made from the 1970s onward.

In 1968, Martin responded to numerous requests and decided to resume production of the D-45. After building two prototypes, they began the production run in July of that same year.

However, due to CITES regulations, the company was forced to switch from Brazilian rosewood to Indian rosewood in 1970. Consequently, only 229 guitars produced over two years—1968 (67 units) and 1969 (162 units)—feature the original Brazilian rosewood model.

This number from the late 1960s can be considered as rare as the 91 pre-war models. Another characteristic is the head shape, which became more rounded around this time.

TOP: German Spruce
BACK & SIDES: Brazilian Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany, Ebony Truss Rod
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
BRIDGE: Ebony
TUNERS: Grover

1969 marked the final period for Brazilian rosewood sides and backs, with Indian rosewood gradually replacing it starting the following year, 1970.
This instrument is a rare piece crafted from precious Brazilian rosewood, and the beauty of its straight grain clearly indicates the use of high-quality wood.

Starting in 1970, the rosewood used for the sides and back was changed from Brazilian rosewood to straight-grained Indian rosewood (with some Brazilian rosewood still mixed in).

Changes can also be seen in the body end block, where the 1969 model features a 3P design while the 1973 model has a 1P design.

This specimen, with its eye-catching brown coloring, is known as a Shaded Top. Its defining feature is the shaded coloring along the edges of its body.
With only 192 D-45s produced in 1975, this instrument is one of the rare examples featuring a Shaded Top.
It exudes a charm distinct from natural colors.

The hexagon inlay on the fingerboard is one of the defining features of the D-45.
The abalone shell used for the inlay is characterized by its iridescent beauty, but this instrument features a shell with a strong white color reminiscent of white mother-of-pearl.
This is the unique character that only natural materials can offer.

The number of D-45s produced this year was 291.

Production totals for 1977–1978 were 116 guitars combined (76 in '77 and 40 in '78). The reason for this significant variation in production numbers is that these two years coincided with strikes at Martin Guitars, leading to a sharp drop in output.

Considering this, one can imagine that the production volume of the D-45 in 1979 was the result of craftsmen pushing their skills to the absolute limit in an effort to make up for the two years lost to the strike.

Starting in 1979, the tuning machines changed from GROVER 102G to Schaller M6 with the Martin logo engraved.

By 1980, the head's paint finish becomes smoother (though some units resembling the 1979 model may still exist).

As you can see, the left image shows a distinct wood grain, while the right image has a smooth surface.

Starting this year, the color of the hard case will change from the commonly known Blue Case to the Black Case (the shape remains the same). Along with this change, the color of the case's interior lining has also been changed from blue to brown.

Many people may have been drawn to the blue case, but the black one also gives off a chic impression.

This inlay alone uses over several hundred shell parts.
The D-45's splendor is further enhanced by the luxurious inlays adorning its fingerboard, overwhelming the viewer.

This Tree of Life inlay varies depending on the model being crafted, appearing as an inlay on various locations such as the headstock, pickguard, bridge, or body back. However, this particular instrument features the Tree of Life inlay exclusively on the fingerboard.

It makes a statement without being overbearing, yet it's glamorous. It's understated, yet it still gives a distinctly luxurious impression.

1984 marked the year Martin's truss rod mechanism transitioned from square rods to adjustable rods. This is a prime example of the pre-transition SQ neck specification. The body top, beautifully aged to a warm amber hue, bears subtle picking scratches, creating a stunning presence that perfectly balances elegance and gravitas.

The body top features Sitka spruce, the sides and back are Indian rosewood, and the fingerboard/bridge is ebony. Even at first glance, you can tell it uses higher-grade wood compared to the standard models of the era. The headstock boasts original Schaller tuners with the Martin logo, which look splendid. Note that the pickguard has been replaced.

Of course, the sound quality is also top-notch. The lustrous, sparkling high frequencies that emerge the instant you strike a single stroke.
The total sound felt from its rich overtones, even when played acoustically, is like a spatial effect.EffectorThe sound spreads as if it were being projected, filling the entire space around you with the D-45's signature tone. With such expansive sound, the low end often tends to become muddy, but this particular instrument shows no sign of that at all, nor does it sound harsh. It truly is a sound only the Martin D-45 can deliver.While guitars from around the 80s typically have a more cohesive sound, this one retains that wild, glass-shattering edge, delivering a tone that rivals the 70s models in sheer brilliance.

TOP: Sitka Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Indian Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Ebony
NUT WIDTH: 42mm
SCALE: 645mm

Starting in 1985, the truss rod installed in the neck was changed from a square rod to an adjustable rod capable of correcting neck warping.

A metal rod can be seen protruding from the neck block. Additionally, it appears that the specifications from the neck block to the sound hole have changed accordingly.

The number of crack-resistant sheets affixed to the sides inside the body will be changed.
The 1980 model had 18 pieces, while models from 1985 onward have 12 pieces, which is 6 fewer.

Compared to the 1985 model, the 1995 model features a slightly more angular headstock shape. It's also interesting to note that the shell inlay pattern is completely different when viewed in photos.

You can see that the color combinations used for the backstripes have also changed.

The adjustable rod installation on the 1985 model is concealed, whereas on the 1995 model, the truss rod tip is visible.

Additionally, the bridge plate has been changed from a large Indian rosewood size to a small maple size.

The D-45 from the 1990s was owned by musicians like Koji Tamaki and Tetsuro Oda, and it remains beloved by top-tier musicians.
The truss rod is adjustable, and the bracing is scalloped X-bracing. As Martin's bestseller, its 'powerful' and 'rich sound' captivates many players and is truly impressive.
The spruce top has developed a pleasant amber hue,NewIt possesses an aura distinct from the ordinary. The sides and back are densely grained, displaying a bold presence with a dense pattern of black lines—a rare feature in East Indian rosewood.
This is a masterpiece worthy of fulfilling your dreams.

BRACING: Standard Scalloped X-Bracing
TOP: Sitka Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Indian Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany (Adjustable Truss Rod)
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Ebony
Nut Width: 43.5mm
SCALE: 645mm
CASE: Original Hard Shell Case

The Avalon shell used features vivid colors. Its iridescent, sparkling appearance gives the impression of being studded with jewels.

The top is made of amber-stained Engelmann spruce.
It has the feel of an Old Martin.

The sides and back feature luxurious use of beautiful striped rosewood.

The Snowflake inlay was used on the 1938 model, while the Hexagon inlay was adopted starting in 1939. Furthermore, the abalone shell decoration along the fretboard's edge is a custom specification not found on the original D-45.

The hexagon inlay design changed starting in 1939, so it's reasonable to assume this Custom Shop model recreates the very first D-45 from around 1938. The headstock features elegant abalone shell inlay along the edge. The top veneer uses Brazilian rosewood, displaying a distinct grain pattern different from Indian rosewood.

The tuning machines feature Waverly open-back tuners, giving it a more authentic look.

The ebony bridge features a long saddle and snowflake inlays on the sides. Luxurious abalone shell is also used for the bridge pin dots.

The bridge plate uses a small-sized maple.

The adjustable saddle is concealed more discreetly compared to the 1995 model.