Pricing and availability

Average Price: $29,690

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Martin D-45 John Mayer is where tradition meets innovation, offering a sonic experience as rich and dynamic as Mayer's own performances. Crafted with an aged-finished Engelmann spruce top and Guatemalan rosewood back and sides, this dreadnought guitar delivers a sound that is both bold and nuanced. Its design is a nod to Martin's storied past, yet it includes modern elements that make it uniquely Mayer's own.

The guitar's forward-shifted Adirondack X bracing enhances its robust tonal range, making it a versatile choice whether you're a fingerstylist or a flatpicker. A standout feature is the full-thickness mahogany neck, complemented by an ebony fingerboard with distinctive hexagon inlays. This neck not only provides comfort but also contributes to the guitar's powerful resonance and sustain.

Visually, the D-45 John Mayer is a masterpiece. The abalone multi-stripe rosette and grained ivoroid binding add a touch of elegance, while the gold open-gear tuners with butterbean knobs ensure precise tuning stability. And for the collectors, an interior label hand-signed by John Mayer himself adds a personal touch that makes this guitar truly special.

Whether you're looking to capture the classic Martin sound or explore new musical horizons, the Martin D-45 John Mayer offers an exceptional playing experience that musicians will cherish.

Key Features:

  • Aged-finished Engelmann spruce top with Guatemalan rosewood back and sides
  • Forward Shifted Adirondack X Bracing for enhanced tonal balance
  • Full Thickness mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard and hexagon inlays
  • Abalone multi-stripe rosette and grained ivoroid binding
  • Gold open-gear tuners with butterbean knobs
  • Hand-signed interior label by John Mayer

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model D-45 John Mayer
Finish Natural
Year 2018 - 2019
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Artist John Mayer
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 Artist Signature
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What makes the Martin D-45 John Mayer different from other Martin D-45 models?

The Martin D-45 John Mayer features specific design elements chosen by John Mayer, including a unique combination of tonewoods such as rosewood back and sides with a spruce top, delivering a rich, resonant sound tailored to Mayer's style.

Is the Martin D-45 John Mayer suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Martin D-45 John Mayer is well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering a balanced tone and dynamic range that complements intricate fingerpicking techniques.

Does the Martin D-45 John Mayer come with a built-in pickup system?

No, the Martin D-45 John Mayer does not include a built-in pickup system, maintaining its traditional acoustic design for pure, unamplified sound.

What type of wood is used for the fretboard on the Martin D-45 John Mayer?

The fretboard of the Martin D-45 John Mayer is made from ebony, which provides a smooth playing surface and contributes to the guitar's overall tonal clarity.

How does the dreadnought body shape of the Martin D-45 John Mayer affect its sound?

The dreadnought body shape of the Martin D-45 John Mayer produces a powerful, full-bodied sound with strong bass response, ideal for both strumming and flatpicking styles.

Martin Guitar

Martin Guitar

John Mayer D-45

Video thumbnail for John Mayer D-45 by Martin Guitar

John Mayer D-45

Martin Guitar

Martin Guitar

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2018 | John Mayer's $14999 D-45 by Mary Spender

NAMM 2018 | John Mayer's $14999 D-45

Mary Spender

Mary Spender

Video thumbnail for NAMM '18 - Martin 2018 Standard Series & D-45 John Mayer Demos by Premier Guitar

NAMM '18 - Martin 2018 Standard Series & D-45 John Mayer Demos

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for 2018 Martin D-45 John Mayer, Guatemalan Rosewood & Engelmann Spruce by Dream Guitars

2018 Martin D-45 John Mayer, Guatemalan Rosewood & Engelmann Spruce

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Martin D-45 John Mayer at Maury's Music by Maury's Music

The Martin D-45 John Mayer at Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for Martin D-45 John Mayer - One Mans Guitar - onemanz.com by onemanzguitar

Martin D-45 John Mayer - One Mans Guitar - onemanz.com

onemanzguitar

onemanzguitar

Video thumbnail for Playing the John Mayer D-45 by Mitch Fountain

Playing the John Mayer D-45

Mitch Fountain

Mitch Fountain

Video thumbnail for MARTIN - D-45 John Mayer (Guatemalan Rosewood) by Guitar Pro Shop MIKIGAKKI UMEDA

MARTIN - D-45 John Mayer (Guatemalan Rosewood)

Guitar Pro Shop MIKIGAKKI UMEDA

Guitar Pro Shop MIKIGAKKI UMEDA

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Value and pricing

  • Only 45 units of the Martin D-45 John Mayer are being produced, explaining the exclusive $15K price tag.

    Source
  • Despite the $15,000 list price, it's possible to find deals for a bit less, though limited release may make discounts harder to find.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The D-45 John Mayer is part of Martin's Custom Shop, similar to other limited runs like the 00-45SC stagecoach model.

    Source
  • Englemann Spruce, used in this guitar, is described as having a 'softer' sound compared to Sitka or Adirondack spruce, making it unique for a dreadnought.

    Source

User experience

  • John Mayer reportedly receives two units of each limited edition model, highlighting the exclusivity of these guitars.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • John Mayer has been using the D-45 model during his tours with Dead and Co., indicating its suitability for live performances.

    Source
  • Some players feel that Englemann Spruce is better suited for smaller body guitars, suggesting a tonal mismatch for a large dreadnought like this.

    Source

Build quality

  • The D-45 John Mayer model uses Guatemalan Rosewood, which is noted for its scarcity compared to the standard East Indian Rosewood found in other D-45 models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • This model features a gloss finish on the back of the neck, which requires more labor and detail work compared to standard models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Martin Introduces D-45 John Mayer Dreadnought | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Martin D-45 John Mayer is a stunning blend of craftsmanship and artistry, showcasing a Guatemalan rosewood body coupled with an Engelmann spruce top. This guitar promises exceptional sound quality and playability, ideal for any serious musician. However, the steep price tag of $14,999 may deter some potential buyers, making it a lofty investment. While its features are impressive, including a signed interior label and gold tuners, the question remains if the price truly reflects the value for everyday players. Overall, it's a masterpiece for collectors, but practicality may be an issue for the average guitarist.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Martin D-45 John Mayer

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via Photo

In his Instagram stories, John Mayer shared his appreciation for Martin acoustic guitars and posted a few of the ones in his collection. In this image, his "D-45 JM Model" can be seen.

He also shows a closeup of the soundhole and rosette, and says:

Dig the full circle rosette inlay

See how Piyu uses Martin D-45 John Mayer

Piyu

Guitarist, Music Producer

Padi

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video from the Official Piyu Channel titled "KOLEKSI GITAR GIBSON PIYU KEREN-KEREN...SSST...ADA YANG BELI KARENA MENANG JUDI???", Piyu showcases his guitar collection, which includes the Martin D-45 John Mayer.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin D-45 John Mayer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Slash Appetite Les Paul Standard
Gibson Slash Appetite Les Paul Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson L5 CES
Gibson L5 CES Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

More Martin Steel-string Acoustic Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    gchiaren
    gchiaren

    Gear IQ 37547