Martin D-45 Forest

Martin D-45 Forest
Photo Gallery Tracing 14 Legendary Instruments

Tokyo's Shin-Okubo: A New Landmark

14 D-45s (1939–)

The D-45 has been thoroughly documented in numerous books. Advance Guitars has handled many D-45s and continues to share their appeal with our customers. However, we wanted to delve deeper into the D-45's charm from our unique perspective. We believed observing each actual D-45 we've handled in the past would reveal something special, leading us to write this column.

Here, we introduce a total of 14 D-45s we've handled, ranging from valuable pre-war models to those from the 90s.
Even though they share the same D-45 model name, each possesses its own distinct charm. We invite you to experience this through the photographs.

~A Photo Gallery of 14 D-45~

1939 Martin D-45S (Pre-War Model)

The world's most famous repairman, T.J. Thompson, spent eight years restoring this historic instrument. The D-45 was first crafted in 1933 as a custom order for country singer Gene Autry, with 91 units produced by 1942.It is said that only about 70 exist today, and since most are owned by major artists and collectors, it is extremely rare for one to come up for sale. Among the original D-45s, there is a model named 'D-45S'. The 'S' in the model name stands for Special Order, and a total of seven D-45S guitars were produced.This instrument is one of them.

The original owner of this guitar specified a 1 5/8" nut, which was slightly narrower than the 1 11/16" or 1 3/4" standard for Martin guitars in 1939. Country artist Wilma Lee Cooper once owned this guitar and requested repairs and restoration from Sho-Bud in Nashville.At that time, the top was too thin to support the string tension. The next owner sent this guitar to renowned luthier T.J. Thompson, who performed extensive repairs to restore it to playable condition. The repairs took eight years and cost several million yen. This is a valuable model when discussing pre-war D-45s.

TOP: Adirondack Spruce
BACK & SIDES: Brazilian Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
TUNERS: Closed Grover G-111 Tuners Gold
NUT-WIDTH: 41.3mm (1 5/8")

1942 Martin D-45 Jimmie Dolan

This is another extremely rare original D-45, the ultimate guitar.

At the time, the '45' series was checked more strictly than any other Martin model in terms of materials and quality control, so only a small number were produced and only skilled craftsmen were allowed to make them.The Brazilian rosewood used for the sides and back of pre-war guitars is all straight-grained, and unlike Gibson guitars, the weather checking of the finish is unique, giving the impression that the finish has blended into the wood.Furthermore, the Japanese-made abalone shell used for the inlay is particularly fine-grained, giving it a completely different luster compared to more recent models. The D-45 was reintroduced in 1968 and remains Martin's flagship model, continuing to influence numerous manufacturers and luthiers to this day. The sound achieved through the finest materials and Martin's outstanding craftsmanship is transcendent in every way, producing a rich and brilliant resonance.

This instrument was originally owned by Jimmie Dolan, a country musician from California who had a hit in the 1950s. It has been loved by professional musicians for many years, so it sounds very good. Its subdued appearance gives it a mysterious aura that only the finest vintage items can exude.It was made in 1942, the final year of production for the original D-45, and features an ebony rod specification adopted due to metal shortages during the war. It weighs a light 1.88 kg and has a stress-free, free-spirited sound that is very pleasant. It is the ultimate Martin freak's dream, a truly miraculous gem.

TOP: Adirondack Spruce
BACK & SIDES: Brazilian Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany, Ebony Truss Rod
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
BRIDGE: Ebony
TUNERS: WAVERLY
NUT-WIDTH: 42.3mm
WEIGHT: 1.88kg
SOUNDHOLE TO X-BRACING: 43mm

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1968 Martin D-45

1968 Martin D-45

Vintage D-45s are broadly categorized into the pre-war period from 1933 to '42, the reissue period from '68 to '69, and those made in the 1970s and later.

In 1968, Martin responded to popular demand and decided to reintroduce the D-45. After two prototypes, production began in July of that year.

However, due to regulations under the Washington Convention, Martin was forced to switch from Brazilian to Indian rosewood in 1970. Consequently, only 229 guitars produced during the two-year period of 1968 and 1969 (67 in '68 and 162 in '69) feature the same Brazilian rosewood as the original models.

This number from the late '60s rivals the rarity of the 91 pre-war guitars. Another characteristic is the headstock 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 Martin D-45

1969 marked the final period for side/back Brazilian rosewood, with Indian rosewood gradually replacing it starting the following year in 1970.
This instrument is a rare example utilizing precious Brazilian rosewood, and the beauty of its straight grain clearly indicates the use of high-quality wood.

1973 Martin D-45

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

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

1975 Martin D-45

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

One of the defining features of the D-45 is its hexagon inlay on the fingerboard.
While the abalone shell used for the inlay is typically known for its iridescent beauty, this instrument features a shell with a stronger white pearl-like hue.
This is also a characteristic expression unique to natural materials.

1979 Martin D-45

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

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

Considering this, it's conceivable that the craftsmen maximized their skills in 1979 to make up for the two strike years.

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

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1980 Martin D-45

By 1980, the head coating becomes smoother (though some units resembling the 1979 model may still exist).

You can see that the left image shows a clearly visible wood grain, while the right image has a smooth surface.

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

While many may have longed for the blue case, the black version also offers a sleek, sophisticated impression.

1984 Martin D-45 Tree of Life

Among Martin D-45s, the "Tree of Life" model radiates an especially luxurious aura. Crafted by the Martin Custom Shop team of artisans, this model possesses an appearance akin to a work of art.

The Tree of Life occasionally appears as a limited edition, with various inlays applied depending on the year of production and concept (such as Martin anniversary commemorations or customizations including the body). Each model is an extremely rare instrument not produced as a regular model.

Take a look at the decorations added to the D-45.

This inlay alone utilizes over several hundred shell parts.
In addition to the D-45's elegance, the luxurious inlay applied to the fingerboard overwhelms the viewer.

This Tree of Life decoration varies depending on the model being crafted, with inlays added to various locations such as the headstock, pickguard, bridge, and body back. However, this particular instrument features the Tree of Life inlay exclusively on the fingerboard.

It is not overly assertive, yet it is splendid; it is restrained, yet it gives a solid impression of luxury.

1984 Martin D-45

1984 marked the year Martin transitioned its truss rod mechanism from square rods to adjustable rods. This is a rare specimen featuring 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 balances elegance and gravitas.

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

Naturally, the sound quality is also top-tier. The moment you strum, the attack produces a lustrous, sparkling high end.
The total sound, rich with overtones, fills the space around you with the D-45's sound, as if an Effector spatial effect were applied, even when played unamplified.With such expansive sound, the low end often becomes muddy, but this particular instrument shows none of that. Yet, it's not a harsh sound either. It's truly a sound only the "Martin D-45" can deliver. Characteristic of its era, from around the 80s, it has a cohesive sound image, yet it also possesses a wild, glass-shattering nuance, allowing you to enjoy a magnificent tone that rivals the 70s.

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

1985 Martin D-45

The truss rod installed in the neck since 1985 has been changed from a square rod to an adjustable rod that can correct neck bow.

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

The number of crack prevention plates attached to the inside of the body sides has changed.
While the 1980 model has 18 plates, models from 1985 onward have 12 plates, a reduction of 6 plates.

1985 Martin D-45

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

You can also see that the color combination used for the backstrip has changed.

The adjustable rod installation shows that the 1985 model hides it, while the 1995 model leaves the truss rod tip visible.

Additionally, the bridge plate specification changed from a large Indian rosewood plate to a small maple plate.

1996 Martin D-45

The D-45 from the 1990s is cherished by top-tier musicians, including Koji Tamaki and Tetsuro Oda.
It features an adjustable truss rod and scalloped X-bracing. As Martin's bestseller, its 'powerful' and 'rich sound' captivates many players and leaves a strong impression.
The spruce top has developed a beautiful amber patina, giving it a distinct aura compared to the New. The sides and back feature a tight grain pattern, with a bold presence highlighted by dense, black lines—a rare feature in East Indian rosewood.
It is a masterpiece worthy of fulfilling your "dream."

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 abalone shell used features vivid, distinct colors. Its iridescent, sparkling appearance creates an impression reminiscent of jewels scattered across the surface.

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1998 Martin D-45

The top features amber-stained Engelmann spruce.
It evokes the presence of an old Martin.

The sides/back feature luxurious use of beautiful striped Jacaranda wood.

While the Snowflake inlay was used starting in 1938, the Hexagon inlay was adopted beginning in 1939. Furthermore, the abalone shell decoration along the fretboard edges is a custom specification not found on the original D-45.

The hexagon inlay design changed starting in 1939, so we can speculate that this instrument is a Custom Shop recreation of the D-45 from around 1938, the year it first appeared. The headstock also features elegant abalone shell inlay along the edge. Additionally, the top veneer uses Brazilian rosewood. You can see a grain pattern distinct from Indian rosewood.

WAVERLY open-back tuning machines are used, further enhancing the 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.

A small-sized maple bridge plate is employed.

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

Summary

The D-45 began as a custom order for Gene Autry. Later, when members of CSN&Y used the D-45, and artists like Kazuo Katō and Mamoru Horiuchi, influenced by them, began using the D-45 on stage, its brilliant tone—distinct from the dreadnoughts of the time—must have astonished many artists and Martin fans alike.The vertical logo, hexagon inlay, and elegantly gleaming body decoration captivated viewers, surely inspiring the desire to "someday buy and play a D-45."

Following this, artists like Kiyoshi Taguchi, Masashi Sada, Kousetsu Minami, and Yukinosuke Sakazaki owned D-45s. Even today, the D-45's sound lives on through records and videos, carried forward by many artists. The "D-45" remains, even as times change, an aspiration to pursue, perhaps a phantom guitar that captivates players.

At Advance Guitars, we draw upon this history to convey the D-45's allure through the actual instrument itself.
When you visit, please try the D-45. Hearing its sound firsthand will undoubtedly open up a whole new world of the D-45.

Written by: Advance Guitars Manager Inoue - Vintage Guitar Researcher

An expert who has handled thousands of vintage guitars since childhood, specializing in appraisal and sales. Maintains strong connections with international collectors and dealers. Guided by the belief that "A guitar's history can change based on a single color or stamp," he strives to provide passionate and detailed commentary.

A Word: D-45 now? I used to think that too. But having handled numerous D-45s, including pre-war models, I now want to reexamine this pinnacle of acoustic guitars. Examining every detail reveals a continuous stream of discoveries. This was an incredibly rewarding writing project.

Qualifications & Experience: 8 years as an instrument appraiser; writing and supervising contributions to Guitar Magazine, etc

. ▶︎View my articles here

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