Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $9,707
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Martin D-45 Acoustic". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Martin D-45 Acoustic, the flagship dreadnought that effortlessly combines vintage appeal with modern playability. Crafted meticulously using premium materials and time-honored techniques, this guitar is a testament to Martin's commitment to quality and detail.
The D-45 is renowned for its distinctive tone, a result of the solid spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides. The heart of its unique sound lies in the forward-shifted scalloped "X" bracing, a characteristic found in Martins from the 1930s. This bracing pattern provides a warm, balanced tone with articulate bass and crisp treble, making it highly sought after by musicians and collectors alike.
The modified low-oval neck, featuring a slimmer taper and 1-3/4" nut, ensures comfortable fretting for any player, whether you're recording or performing. The D-45 does not merely look stunning; it's also a delight to play, inviting you to pick it up time and again.
The D-45's antique appointments, including butterbean gold tuners, 45-style pearl inlay and an aged toner finish, give it a luxurious prewar look. The ebony accents on the fingerboard and bridge provide crisp note articulation, adding to its premium feel and sound.
Key Features:
- Solid spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides for a rich, full sound
- Forward-shifted scalloped "X" bracing for unique tonal characteristics
- Modified low-oval neck with slimmer taper and 1-3/4" nut for comfortable fretting
- Antique appointments including butterbean gold tuners, 45-style pearl inlay and aged toner finish
- Ebony fingerboard and bridge ensuring crisp note articulation
- Dovetail neck joint for increased tonal transfer between the neck and body
- Premium tonewoods that improve with age and playing time
- Martin's flagship dreadnought acoustic, offering the best of the Martin standard series
Product specs
| String Type | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Back & Sides Wood | East Indian Rosewood |
| Top Wood | Spruce |
| Finish | Gloss |
| Body Bracing | Scalloped Forward Shifted X-bracing |
| Binding | Antique White |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Modified Low Oval, High Performance Taper |
| Radius | 16" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Abalone Style 45 Hexagon |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Scale Length | 25.4" |
| Nut Width | 1.75" |
| Nut/Saddle Material | Bone/Bone |
| Bridge Material | Ebony |
| Tuning Machines | Gold Open Gear |
| Strings | Titanium Core Nickel, .012-.055 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the construction of the Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar?
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The Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar features East Indian Rosewood for the back and sides and a Spruce top, providing a rich, resonant sound with excellent projection.
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Is the Martin D-45 suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Martin D-45's scalloped forward-shifted X-bracing and responsive tonewoods make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering clarity and balance across the strings.
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What is the neck profile of the Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar?
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The Martin D-45 features a Modified Low Oval neck shape with a High Performance Taper, providing a comfortable grip and smooth playability for various playing styles.
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Does the Martin D-45 come with a case?
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Yes, the Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection and easy transport for your instrument.
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How many frets does the Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar have?
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The Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar has 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playability up the neck.
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What kind of strings does the Martin D-45 use?
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The Martin D-45 is equipped with Titanium Core Nickel strings, gauged .012-.055, which contribute to its vibrant tone and durability.
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What are the tuning machines on the Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar?
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The Martin D-45 features gold open gear tuning machines, providing precise tuning stability and a classic aesthetic.
Videos
Martin Guitar
A Word from Chris: The Martin D-45
Reviews
PROS
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Superior craftsmanship with incredible attention to detail
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Endless sustain and amazing playability, likened to a six string Steinway
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Balanced, clear tone with perfect nuances and overtones
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Distinctive Martin sound with a more musical and beautiful delivery
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Clear distinction in design and sound quality above other Martin models
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Ideal for clean fingerpicking with smoother playability
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Top-of-the-line materials and sound quality representing Martin's best
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Aesthetic appeal with a luxurious look and feel
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Highly recommended for those seeking pure Martin tone
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Out-of-the-box quality, no modifications needed
CONS
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High cost, with other stunning guitars available for less
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Not a significant improvement over some other Martin models for strumming
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-45 Acoustic.
Build quality
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Some owners have reported issues with back strap detachment due to subpar glue, especially in variable climates.
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Tool marks and poor fretwork reported, particularly around the binding and fret ends, indicating a lack of attention to detail for a high-end model.
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Several users noted misaligned inlays and binding miters, with gaps that could affect both aesthetics and potential structural integrity.
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Setup and maintenance
Comparisons
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The Taylor 814ce offers a modern, bright sound, while the Gibson J-45 provides strong bass, contrasting with the Martin D-45's balanced tone.
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Users compare the workmanship unfavorably to much cheaper guitars, mentioning brands like Firefly and Yamaha as having superior finish quality at a fraction of the price.
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Use cases and applications
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The guitar's versatile tone suits a range of genres, from soft ballads to energetic folk tunes, ideal for players seeking a wide application.
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User experience
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Some owners suggest Martin's quality control can be inconsistent, with reports of similar issues in multiple guitars, including neck humps and poor finishes.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
On this picture Welch can be seen playing a vintage Martin D-45, which was, according to stories on the internet, a 1942 model formerly owned by country singer Wilma Lee Cooper. Rumors say that she had to pay around $175,000 for it.
Stolen by Charles Manson, as revealed in a Guitar World interview that was excerpted in this November 3, 2023 Guitar World article.
The Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine has revealed that one of his prized Martin acoustic guitars was once stolen by cult leader Charles Manson.
Though Jardine failed to elaborate on the details of the theft, he nonetheless offered up the curio in the latest issue of Guitar World when asked about the guitars from his arsenal he’d save from a burning building.
To that, Jardine responded, “First it’d be my favorite electric, a Gibson 12-string – then my Martin acoustic, a 1976 D-45 Centennial model. Charles Manson actually stole one of my D-45s years ago and I never, ever got it back.”
On the cover of the "Jesus of Cool" album, Nick Lowe is pictured with a Martin D-45 Acoustic guitar, as seen in the user-uploaded photo on Wordpress.
In the live performance video of "American Pie" in Austin, Don McLean is seen playing a Martin D-45 Acoustic guitar.
"Dish Diva" : thespiritsdance says: "Snowfall" is such a beautiful, visual piece. What type/style of guitar was used? "Dan Fogelberg" : Martin D45.
"I bought a couple of nice guitars," explains Roddy, "and I don't want to waste them! My right-hand style was always this terrible hotchpotch of plectrum and fingers, but now I've got the ultimate acoustic - a Martin D-45 - and I'm learning fingerpicking properly. I never realised Chet Atkins stuff was so complicated - but when you've got a great guitar, it makes you want to do it justice. I do a wicked version of Freight Train..."
In the YouTube video titled "Woodshed Ep. 50 - The foundation of my alternate picking," Andy Wood is playing his grandfather's Martin D-45 Acoustic guitar.
Album Usage
The Martin D-45 Acoustic has been featured on the following albums:
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 Acoustic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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