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Average Price: $10,700

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$200

$601+

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Description

The Martin Custom Shop D-45 is a masterpiece of acoustic guitar craftsmanship, combining traditional design with modern innovation. Coveted by musicians for its exceptional tonal quality, this steel-string acoustic guitar offers a rich, full-bodied sound that is perfect for both professional performances and personal enjoyment. Each D-45 is meticulously handcrafted, ensuring that every detail meets the high standards set by Martin's illustrious legacy.

The guitar features a solid spruce top paired with East Indian rosewood back and sides, delivering a balanced tonal range with articulate highs and deep, resonant lows. The intricate abalone inlays on the body and fretboard not only enhance the guitar's visual appeal but also showcase the skilled artistry behind its creation. The neck is crafted from select hardwood, providing a comfortable playing experience with smooth action across the fretboard.

With its superior projection and sustain, the Martin Custom Shop D-45 is favored by acoustic guitarists who demand the best in both sound and aesthetics. Ideal for fingerstyle or strumming, this guitar is versatile enough to suit various musical styles, making it a worthy investment for dedicated musicians.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top for enhanced tonal clarity
  • East Indian rosewood back and sides for rich sound
  • Abalone inlays for visual and artistic elegance
  • Select hardwood neck for comfortable playability
  • Superior projection and sustain
  • Handcrafted for exceptional quality and precision

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model D-45
Made In United States
Active Preamp No
Body Shape Dreadnought
Model Family Martin D-45
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Custom Shop
String Type Steel

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Martin Custom Shop D-45?

The Martin Custom Shop D-45 offers a rich, full-bodied sound with excellent projection, characteristic of its dreadnought body shape. It's known for its deep bass, clear mids, and sparkling trebles, making it suitable for various genres, from folk to bluegrass.

Is the Martin Custom Shop D-45 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Martin Custom Shop D-45 is suitable for fingerstyle playing. Its responsive top and balanced tone make it ideal for players who enjoy intricate fingerstyle techniques, allowing for clear note separation and dynamic range.

What materials are used in the construction of the Martin Custom Shop D-45?

The Martin Custom Shop D-45 typically features premium tonewoods, including a solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, which contribute to its rich and resonant sound.

Does the Martin Custom Shop D-45 come with a pickup system?

No, the Martin Custom Shop D-45 does not come with a built-in pickup system, as it is designed to deliver optimal acoustic performance. However, you can have a pickup installed if you require amplification.

How does the Martin Custom Shop D-45 compare to other Martin dreadnoughts?

The Martin Custom Shop D-45 is often considered a flagship model, offering superior craftsmanship and luxurious appointments compared to other Martin dreadnoughts. It features intricate inlays and high-quality materials, providing a premium playing experience.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Custom Shop D-45.

Comparisons

  • Boutique builders like Huss & Dalton, Collings, and Santa Cruz are recommended for personalized tonal optimization, differing from Martin's standardized production methods.

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Value and pricing

  • Martin Authentic series guitars are suggested as an alternative to the D-45, offering similar pricing but often praised for exceptional sound quality.

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Build quality

  • Higher grade woods in Martin D-45 are primarily chosen for aesthetics rather than guaranteed superior tonal qualities.

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  • Reports of poor fret end finishing and tool marks around the binding on new D-45s, with some suggesting it wouldn't pass quality control for much cheaper models.

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  • Concerns about headstock potentially pulling away from the neck; Martin necks and headstocks are typically one solid piece, raising authenticity questions.

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  • The neck block text and inside ribbon may appear sloppy, indicating a potential fake or poor craftsmanship.

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  • Authentic Martin D-45s do not have rosewood fingerboards; they use ebony instead.

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  • Genuine Martin D-45s have a beveled pickguard, not flat or poorly cut ones.

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  • Inlays on genuine models should not have a green tint or appear overly colorful and oddly shaped.

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Use cases and applications

  • For those prioritizing wood quality and cosmetics, a custom shop Martin may offer even higher-grade wood than standard D-45 models.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Martin D-45s are shipped with Martin titanium core nickel wound strings, which may not be preferred by all players.

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User experience

  • Some owners find Martin's craftsmanship inconsistent, with specific issues like binding misalignments and poor miter joints even on high-end models.

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Features and functionality

  • Real Martin D-45s would not have a scarf joint on the headstock.

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