1973 D-45

🔽Tokyo's Shin-Okubo New Landmark: "Martin D-45 Forest"
~A Thorough Comparison of 13 Guitars Including Pre-War Models Up to 1998~

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Martin / 1973 D-45

Martin's pinnacle model, the "D-45"
Only 194 D-45s were made in 1973. Since German spruce was generally used for the top wood on models up to this period, this is an extremely popular instrument.
This particular guitar also has some minor specification changes, so let's take a closer look together.

German Spruce

The spruce used for the top is German Spruce (also known as German Pine), sourced from Germany in Europe.
It features a beautiful, fine-grained figure.
This wood is also a rare material used in the 40 series, making instruments crafted with it highly sought-after.
The cream-colored pickguard is complemented by the beautiful, shimmering abalone shell purfling.

The rosette also features beautiful abalone shell inlay.

The sides and back feature straight-grained Indian rosewood.
Although rosewood was changed in the 70s, the beautiful brown contrast of the selected wood makes you hardly notice it.
Like the top, it features beautiful abalone shell inlay.

A multicolor backstrip is employed.
It is assembled with intricate, colorful parts.

Ebony is used for the fingerboard, where the D-45's signature hexagonal inlay shines beautifully.

The neck is mahogany, featuring a soft V-shape with just the right thickness that naturally fits the hand.
It feels comfortable to hold, providing a natural grip even for low or barre chords.

The ebony down-bow bridge is fitted with a short saddle.

The Indian rosewood veneer headstock shape was modified to a more angular design starting in 1968.
The vertical inlay (commonly known as the vertical logo) adds a touch of elegance.

It features GROVER 102 tuning machines.
A notable feature is the absence of the PAT stamp on models from this period.

The D-45 offers not only luxurious decoration but also evolves with specification changes over time, producing a beautiful tone unique to each era.
Please give it a try!

[Specs/Case Included]
TOP : German Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Indian Rosewood
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Ebony
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH : 43mm
SCALE : 644mm
CASE: Original Hard Shell Case

[Condition]
-Although over 50 years old, it remains in exceptionally good condition and looks beautiful.
-No muffled or blocked notes; plays beautifully.
- String height at the 12th fret: 6th string side 2.5mm, 1st string side 1.9mm
- Nut height: Approximately 2.5mm to 3.0mm
- Repairs have been made to cracks: one at the center of the body top, two on the lower right side of the body, one on the left side, and one along the pickguard edge below the soundhole on the right.
- Pickguard has been replaced.

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
For mail-order purchases, since we cannot provide an opportunity for you to try the instrument, we offer a 6-day trial period after the product arrives.
Please try the product thoroughly at home. If you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
*Round-trip shipping costs are the customer's responsibility.

February 25, 2026