Martin, Model 000-45, 1938

Martin / 1938 Model 000-45

[Staff Comment: Inoue]

The pre-war period is considered the most glorious “Golden Era” in the history of acoustic guitars. We are pleased to announce the arrival of a 1938 000-45, a model that reigns supreme even
within that era. With its
carefully selected woods, supreme craftsmanship, and decorative parts that adorn its exterior, this instrument displays a magnificent harmony that transcends time—a presence truly worthy of being called a historic masterpiece.

The inlays and purfling that adorn this guitar are lavishly studded with natural shell. The purfling that frames the body features the finest green abalone, with striking blue and green hues. This is a precious vintage stock—now impossible to obtain—said to have been used in high-end models until the closure of the old factory in 1964.Meanwhile, the snowflake and cat’s-eye inlays on the fingerboard feature a shell—commonly known as “Japan Pearl” (derived from the Madaka abalone found in Japanese and Korean waters)—that emits a subdued silvery luster distinct from that of the body. Although it is actually a type of abalone, it is characterized by an elegant white sheen reminiscent of pearl, possessing a unique beauty that captivates the viewer.

The pegs feature original gold-plated Grover G-98G tuners. Since they were originally made of brass, the verdigris that has appeared in places due to aging, along with the slightly brownish “butterbean” knobs, lend the instrument a sense of awe and dignity unique to vintage instruments.

As for its condition, while the body and neck have been relacquered in later years, there is absolutely no trace of the heavy, tacky finish often associated with such work.
Rather, the finish has worn down just right over the long years, blending beautifully with the wood grain. It remains in exquisite condition, allowing you to fully appreciate the dry texture and raw character unique to vintage instruments.

Another key visual difference from current models is the body’s appearance.
Back then, large pickguards—the same size as those used on Dreadnoughts—were standard, resulting in a distinctive look where the pickguard extends right up to the very edges of the bridge and binding. This appearance, where the pickguard appears a full size larger than on current models, exudes a special aura unique to that era.

It’s also in excellent playing condition; when you actually pick it up, you’ll be amazed by its astonishingly light weight of 1.80 kg—despite its rosewood body. That sensation you get when holding a pre-war Martin—the feeling that it’s so light it seems to float the moment you cradle it—is perfectly captured in this instrument.
The internal structure features forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing.
The year 1938 marks the point at which the bracing shifted toward the rear, making this a highly valuable example from just before that transition. The combination of
this lightness and the forward-shifted bracing produces a sound that surges forward with a rush of air the moment you strum—a sensation entirely different from what you’re used to. The vibration of the top is also remarkable, and you can really feel the power concentrated firmly around the area beneath the bridge.

Before playing it, I had imagined the deep, refined, and elegant low end typical of pre-war rosewood, but the moment I plucked a string, that expectation was completely—and in the best possible way—subverted.
What unfolded was a sound rich in harmonics, yet ferocious and wild, as if baring its fangs.
The overwhelming volume and the persuasive impact of every single note—enough to make you involuntarily murmur, “So this is the pre-war 000-45…”—convey a sense of power and history so profound that this single instrument alone can command the entire room.
Please experience for yourself this supreme masterpiece, a witness to history that transcends the concept of a “lifetime instrument.”

[Specifications/Included Case]
TOP: Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
BRIDGE: Ebony (Replaced)
NUT WIDTH: 44mm
SCALE: 632mm
CASE: Non-Original Hard Shell Case

[Repair/Modification History / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition, etc.]
*Please note that as this is a used/vintage item, the information provided is based on our in-store inspection.
-
Frets, nut, saddle, bridge, and one bridge pin have been replaced
. - Crack repairs (upper right of soundhole, upper right of top, under the bridge [3 locations], lower left of back)
. - There is a jig hole mark on the 6th string side of the body
. - The entire neck and body have been relacquered
.

[Playability]
- String action at the 12th fret: 2.7 mm on the 6th string side, 2.2 mm on the 1st string side -
Saddle projection: approx. 2.0 mm

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
- Since we are unable to offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument when purchasing via mail order, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives.
- Please take your time to try out the product at home; if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price. *The customer is responsible for
round-trip shipping costs.