Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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
John Mayes uses a Martin D-45 in "Where The Light Is" to play the song ''In Your Atmosphere''. It's a signature guitar from Martin that is still available on the Martin website. Mayer also used this guitar for playing "In The Blood" and "I Guess I Just Feel Like" both on stage and recording sessions.
In Michael Heatley's book "Jimi Hendrix Gear", he discusses Hendrix's Martin D-45, which is said to be used on the recording of The Cry of Love album, on page 106.
"For his touring acoustics, Young has been relying on a trio of Martins, all equipped with Cragg’s stereo FRAP (Flat Audio Response Pickup) transducers: the 1968 D-45 used to record much of 1972’s Harvest; “Hank,” an early Forties D-28 formerly owned by Hank Williams; and a second D-28 that Cragg tunes to what Young calls “A# modal” [low to high: A# F A# D# G A#]," reads this article.
Squire states in this question poll that he uses a Martin D-45.
This guitar was mentioned in Music Radar's interview with Stills.
"You know, I don't know specific years. This is not the kind of arcane shit that I remember. I remember cars. [Laughs] I had a Ferrari when we first got money in the Buffalo Springfield. I got a Martin D-45 and a Ferrari."
In this photo, Sam is using a Martin D-45 acoustic whilst performing an acoustic set with Neck Deep band members Ben and Matt.
In this photo from 2015 we can clearly see Steve playing a Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar.
"the one I've got with me now is a Martin D-45 or something, a Dreadnought. And I've got a couple of those, which makes me sound very privileged, but I have a touring collection of guitars"
In this photo, Sam is using a Martin D-45 acoustic whilst performing an acoustic set with Neck Deep band members Ben and Matt.
"After that, I got into Martins. In 2004, I was on Craig’s List and there was a guy who lives near me who was selling quite a few Martins. I went to meet him, and it was Dave Casper, the former wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders. Being a major Raider fan, it was not only great to meet him and see all the memorabilia around his office but to see all these beautiful guitars. I ended up buying two D-45s from him an ’86 and a ’92 – and two Brazilian D-28s, a ’68, and the other one I think was a ’67. "
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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