Martin, 1938, 000-45

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—truly deserving of the title “historic masterpiece.”

The inlays and purfling that adorn this guitar are lavishly studded with natural shell, used without restraint. The purfling that frames the body Recruit top-grade 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 tuners are the original gold-plated Grover G-98G models. Since they were originally made of brass, the verdigris that has appeared in places due to aging, along with the slightly brownish “butterbean” knobs, lend the guitar a sense of awe and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 none 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 and maintaining an exquisite condition that allows you to fully appreciate the dry texture and raw character unique to vintage instruments.

Another aspect that distinctly sets it apart 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, with the pickguard appearing 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 of it floating lightly 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 transition point when the bracing shifted toward the rear, making this a highly valuable example from just before that change. The combination
of this lightness and the forward-shifted bracing produces a sound that surges forward—pushing the air along with it—the moment you strum, an experience 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 the strings, that expectation was completely—and in the best possible way—subverted.
What unfolded was a sound rich in harmonics yet ferociously 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 (Vintage case by Harp Tone)

[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 inspection. -
Frets, nut, saddle, bridge, and one bridge pin replaced - Crack repairs (
upper right of soundhole, upper right of top, under bridge [3 locations], lower left of back) - Jig hole marks on the
6th string
side of the body - Entire neck and body 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

tcgakki.com/pages/guide">[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Peace of Mind Mail-Order Service]
- Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument when purchasing online, 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
. *You are responsible for round-trip shipping costs.