Stunning example of Martin's top-of-the-range guitar in 1975 - the D-45. This guitar is the complete package, ordered by the original owner in 1975 and in his possession ever since, the guitar comes complete with the original Martin Case with warranty registration letters, guitar care booklet and a copy of the 1975 catalogue.
Reintroduced by Martin in 1968 after an absence of about 25 years from the catalog the D-45 would feature the same luxurious trim, top-of-the -range appointments and master craftsmanship as the pre-war examples before it. This model from 1975 is in superb condition featuring a lovely tight-grained Sitka spruce top and straight-grained Indian Rosewood back and sides, master-grade tonewoods that were selected for their tonal properties and their appearance. The appointments are befitting of a 45 Series Instrument with a white bound body with solid Abalone pearl inlays to its top, back and sides and continuing around the heel of the neck and then onto the fretboard and headstock all hand cut and inlayed in the same labour intensive and highly skilled manner as the craftsmen and women would have when the last of the original Style 45’s were produced. Fingerboard and bridge are both flawlessly selected Ebony.
The guitar is a fine example of what is the best guitar that Martin would produce in 1975. It is not uncommon to hear stories of Martins quality control issues during the 1970’s as the companies production numbers rapidly increased but there are no such issues with this guitar. Craftsmanship, playability and tonality are all exactly what you would hope for in a D-45. With a list price of over $2000 and less that 200 produced the D-45 was an incredibly expensive instrument at the time and was produced in very small numbers when compared to the rest of the range.
The guitar has been in regular use and has been used to record but remains in excellent condition throughout, with only minor pick wear a clue to the guitar's use. A replacement pickguard has been fitted as the original black Acetate guard had started to lift - a very common issue. The work was completed by Martin Guitars authorised luthier Dave King. Otherwise the guitar is an excellent, crack free instrument. Playability is great with a medium action with height left on the saddle for adjustment.
This is a fine instrument; easily one of the better sounding guitars from this period of production and a great looking guitar that has aged gracefully for its near 50 years.
The guitar comes complete with the original Martin case, warranty registration letters, guitar care booklet and a copy of the 1975 catalogue. A fantastic guitar for both player and collector.