Martin D-45 ( 80's)

$6,995.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

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$6,995.00 32 available Used

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Average Price: $6,995

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, Martin D-45 ( 80's) is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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The 1980s Martin D-45 is a prime example of craftsmanship from one of the most respected names in acoustic guitars. This iconic model, cherished by musicians and collectors alike, embodies the elegance and rich tonal quality Martin guitars are known for. Built during a decade renowned for its innovation, the D-45 features the highest level of appointments available at that time, ensuring it stands out both visually and sonically.

Constructed with a solid spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides, the D-45 delivers a balanced sound with pronounced clarity and depth. Its intricate abalone inlays along the body, neck, and headstock add a touch of luxury, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears. The guitar’s dreadnought body shape is designed to project with great volume, making it suitable for both stage and studio use.

The 1980s Martin D-45 also features a low-profile neck that offers smooth playability, ideal for both intricate fingerpicking and robust strumming styles. Whether you’re performing solo or in a full band, this guitar’s resonant voice ensures you'll be heard.

Key Features:

Solid spruce top
Solid rosewood back and sides
Dreadnought body shape
Abalone inlays on body, neck, and headstock
Low-profile neck for comfortable playability
High-quality Martin craftsmanship from the 1980s
Known for its rich, resonant sound and visual elegance

Product specs

Brand	Martin
Model	D-45
Finish	Natural
Year	1968 - 1992
Made In	United States
Categories	Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Rosewood
Body Shape	Dreadnought
Color Family	Natural
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Model Family	Martin D-45
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Martin Post-War Era
Sides Material	Rosewood
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the 1980s Martin D-45?: The 1980s Martin D-45 features rosewood for both the back and sides, contributing to its rich, full-bodied sound and aesthetic appeal.
Is the 1980s Martin D-45 suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the Martin D-45's dreadnought body and responsive spruce top make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering a balanced tone and ample volume.
Does the 1980s Martin D-45 come with any electronics or pickups?: No, the 1980s Martin D-45 does not come with built-in electronics or pickups, maintaining its traditional acoustic design.
How many frets does the 1980s Martin D-45 have?: The 1980s Martin D-45 features 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of playability across the fretboard.
What is the neck material of the 1980s Martin D-45?: The neck of the 1980s Martin D-45 is made from mahogany, providing durability and a warm tonal quality.

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-45 ( 80's).

Value and pricing

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A 1988 standard D-45 retailed for $4,500, indicating a mint 30-year-old model can now sell between $6,000-$8,000.
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The historical significance of guitars like the pre-war Martin D-45 often outweighs their sound quality in determining their high market value.
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1970s Martins aren't typically considered "true vintage" and may not justify premium pricing unless they exhibit exceptional tonal qualities.
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Features and functionality

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Pre-2018 D-45 models often feature a 1.69" nut width and rear-shifted bracing, while newer models have forward-shifted bracing.
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Comparisons

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The D-42 is a cheaper alternative to the D-45 with less abalone and always features forward-shifted scalloped bracing for more bass response.
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Blueridge dreadnaughts, like the BR-160, are praised for their impressive sound quality and affordability, offering a viable alternative to vintage Martins for some players.
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Some owners note that 1930s and 1940s Martins have unique tonal qualities, such as sweeter midrange in mahogany models, not found in later decades.
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Setup and maintenance

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Older D-45s from the 1970s and 1980s have unscalloped bracing and heavy rosewood bridge plates, which can affect tonal qualities.
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Owners of 1970s Martins often face neck reset needs due to the absence of a truss rod, requiring professional adjustments for optimal playability.
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User experience

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Vintage Martins, such as pre-war models, are noted for their exceptional resonance, lightweight build, and comfortable necks that enhance playability.
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Owners of vintage guitars often describe a unique richness in tone, especially in the bass and highs, not typically found in newer models.
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One 1976 D-18 owner reports a satisfying bass presence missing in previous Alvarez and Ibanez guitars, though it lacks the high-end sparkle of some Taylor models.
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Use cases and applications

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High-value vintage guitars, like the pre-war Martin D-45, are often preserved rather than played, despite being built for performance.
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A 1949 D-18 with tapered bracing is favored for its enhanced bass response, particularly in early 1950s models, ideal for fingerstyle country blues.
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Build quality

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Older Martin guitars are sometimes constructed with rare materials, such as Brazilian rosewood and horse glue, contributing to their unique tonal characteristics.
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Mid to late 1970s Martins sometimes suffer from inconsistent assembly due to worn jigs, affecting bridge placement and bracing tolerances.
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