The World of the Martin D-45
A Photo Gallery Tracing 14 Legendary Instruments

1968 Martin D-45

Vintage D-45s are broadly categorized into the "Pre-War" models from 1933 to 1942, the reissued models from 1968 to 1969, and those from the 1970s onward.

In 1968, Martin responded to widespread demand and decided to reissue the D-45; after two prototypes, production began in July of that year.

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

Given the late 1960s production volume, this number is comparable in rarity to the 91 pre-war models. Another characteristic of this period is the headstock shape, which became more rounded.

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

1969 marked the final year of rosewood sides and back; starting the following year, 1970, the company gradually switched to Indian rosewood.
This instrument is a rare example featuring precious Brazilian rosewood, and the beauty of its straight grain clearly indicates the use of high-quality wood.

Starting in 1970, the wood used for the sides and back was changed from Brazilian rosewood to quarter-sawn Indian rosewood (though some Brazilian rosewood was still used in certain models).

Changes can also be seen in the body end block; while the 1969 model features a 3-piece design, the 1973 model features a 1-piece design.

This instrument, with its eye-catching brown finish, is known as a "Shaded Top," characterized by its shading along the edges of the body.
Since only 192 D-45s were produced in 1975, this instrument is one of the rare examples to feature the Shaded Top finish.
It exudes a charm distinct from the standard natural finish.

The hexagon inlays on the fingerboard are one of the defining features of the D-45.
While the abalone shell typically used for these inlays is known for its iridescent beauty, this instrument features a shell with a strong white hue, reminiscent of mother-of-pearl.
This is a unique characteristic of natural materials.

A total of 291 D-45s were produced that year.

The combined production for 1977 and 1978 was 116 units (76 in 1977 and 40 in 1978). The reason for this significant variation in production numbers is that Martin experienced a strike during those two years, and anecdotal evidence suggests that production plummeted as a result.

Considering this, one can imagine that the craftsmen put their skills to the fullest in 1979 to make up for the two years lost to the strikes.

Starting in 1979, the tuning machines were changed from GROVER 102G to Schaller M6, which feature the Martin logo engraved on them.

By 1980, the finish on the headstock became smoother (though some 1979 models with the older finish still exist).

As you can see, the wood grain is clearly visible in the left image, whereas the surface is smooth in the right image.

Starting this year, the color of the hard case changed from the so-called "Blue Case" to a "Black Case" (though the shape remained the same). Consequently, the color of the interior lining also changed from blue to brown.

While many people may have been drawn to the Blue Case, the Black Case also gives off a chic impression.

This inlay alone uses over several hundred pieces of shell.
In addition to the D-45’s inherent elegance, the luxurious inlays on the fingerboard are truly breathtaking.

This decoration, known as the "Tree of Life," varies depending on the model; inlays are added to various locations such as the headstock, pickguard, bridge, and body back, but this particular instrument is characterized by the fact that the Tree of Life is applied only to the fingerboard.

It is neither too flashy nor too understated; while modest, it still conveys a distinctly luxurious impression.

The year 1984 marked the transition of Martin’s truss rod mechanism from a square rod to an adjustable rod. This is a rare gem featuring the pre-transition SQ neck specification. The body top, which has developed a beautiful amber patina, bears scratches from picking, giving it a wonderful appearance that combines elegance with a sense of gravitas.

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

Of course, the sound quality is also top-notch. The lustrous, sparkling high frequencies that emerge the moment you strum a single chord.
The overall sound, rich with harmonics, expands even when played unamplified, as if a spatial effect had been applied, filling the entire space around you with the D-45’s sound. With a sound this expansive, the low end often tends to get muddy, but this particular instrument gives no such impression—nor does it sound harsh. It truly offers a sound that can only be experienced with a "Martin D-45."As for its era-specific characteristics, while the sound has generally been associated with a cohesive tone since the 1980s, this instrument also possesses a wild, glass-shattering edge, allowing you to enjoy a magnificent tone that rivals that of the 1970s.

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 that allows for adjustment of neck curvature.

You can see a metal rod protruding from the neck block. Additionally, it appears that the design from the neck block to the soundhole has also changed as a result.

The number of anti-crack strips attached to the inside of the body sides has changed.
While the 1980 model had 18 pieces, the 1985 model and later have 12 pieces—a reduction of 6.

Compared to the 1985 model, the 1995 model features a headstock with a slightly more angular shape. It is also interesting to note that the shell inlay patterns are completely different when compared in photos.

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

Regarding the truss rod installation, the 1985 model has it hidden, whereas the 1995 model has the tip of the truss rod visible.

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

The D-45 from the 1990s is owned by artists such as Koji Tamaki and Tetsuro Oda, and is beloved by top-tier musicians.
The truss rod is adjustable, and the bracing is scalloped X-bracing. As a Martin bestseller that captivates many players, its "powerful" and "rich tone" is truly impressive.
The spruce on the top has developed a beautiful amber hue, giving it an aura distinct from New. The grain on the sides and back is dense, and the East Indian rosewood features a bold appearance with a dense pattern of black lines—a rarity for this wood.
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 abalone shell used features vivid coloring. Its iridescent, sparkling appearance gives the impression of being studded with jewels.

The top is made of Ingleman spruce finished in a honey-colored tone.
It evokes the presence of an old Martin.

The sides and back are lavishly crafted from Brazilian rosewood with beautiful grain patterns.

While snowflake inlays were used in the 1938 model, hexagon inlays were first introduced in 1939. Additionally, the abalone shell decoration along the edges of the fingerboard is a custom specification not found on the original D-45.

Since the switch to hexagon inlays occurred in 1939, it can be inferred that this instrument is a Custom Shop recreation of the D-45 from around 1938, the year of its debut. The abalone shell decoration along the edge of the headstock further enhances its elegance. Additionally, Brazilian rosewood is used for the veneer, displaying a grain pattern distinct from that of Indian rosewood.

The tuning machines feature WAVERLY open-back pegs, giving the instrument an even more authentic look.

The ebony bridge features a long saddle, and snowflake inlays adorn the sides. Even the bridge pin dots are lavishly crafted from abalone shell.

A small maple bridge plate is installed.

Compared to the 1995 model, the adjustable saddle is now discreetly concealed.