Martin D-45S

Guitar Description

Some guitars are far more than just high-quality musical instruments. They tell stories of musicians, countless performances, and a life filled with music. This extraordinary 1985 Martin D-45S Custom is exactly that kind of instrument. A Martin guitar that’s about 40 years old, custom-ordered with impressive features, a well-documented history, and a very personal musical story.

The history of C. F. Martin & Co. dates back to 1833, when Christian Friedrich Martin, a guitar maker originally from Germany, founded his company in New York. A few years later, the company moved to Pennsylvania, where Martin remains one of the most time-honored manufacturers of high-quality acoustic guitars to this day. Hardly any other manufacturer has had such a lasting impact on the development of the modern steel-string guitar. In particular, the development of the dreadnought body style and the legendary models of the Style 28 and Style 45 series have played a decisive role in shaping the history of the acoustic guitar.

Within this model’s rich history, the D-45 holds a special place. The first D-45 guitars were built in 1933, and with its elaborate mother-of-pearl and abalone inlays, the model became the epitome of a luxuriously appointed Martin. After production of the original D-45 was discontinued in 1942, the model was not reintroduced until 1968. To this day, the D-45 is considered one of the manufacturer’s most prestigious instruments.

The Martin D-45S offered here combines this great tradition with a very unique history. It was personally ordered in 1985 by its first owner as a custom-made instrument through the then-German Martin dealer, Music City in Cologne, from the Martin Custom Shop. The original order documents and the Martin Original Owner’s Card have been preserved to this day and document the guitar’s provenance and special features.

A history this well-documented is by no means a given for a Custom Shop Martin that’s about 40 years old. What’s particularly remarkable is that the guitar comes directly from the musician who originally ordered it and then played it for decades.

The exceptional features alone demonstrate the high standards with which this instrument was originally commissioned. It is based on the classic Martin D-45S with its large 12-fret dreadnought body. Unlike the more common 14-fret design, this traditional construction features a neck-to-body joint at the 12th fret and a bridge positioned accordingly. This results in a body with exceptional resonance and impressive richness and depth of tone.

High-quality German Alpine spruce in AAA grade was selected for the top. This special choice of wood is an interesting detail of the original custom order. German Alpine spruce, often referred to internationally as German or Alpine spruce, has been prized for centuries in European instrument making and is particularly known for its delicate response, clarity, and dynamic qualities.

The back and sides are made of East Indian rosewood. Combined with the Alpine spruce top, this large Martin produces a full, balanced sound rich in overtones. The bass notes possess impressive depth and power, while the mids remain warm and present. The clear, brilliant treble adds further openness and definition to the sound.

Particularly fascinating is the enormous richness of tone produced by the large 12-fret body. Even with a light touch, the guitar produces a full and resonant sound. When played more vigorously, it demonstrates its vast dynamic range and the impressive projection for which these traditional Martin Dreadnoughts are prized. Decades of musical use have also made this instrument a wonderfully broken-in vintage Martin with a character all its own.

Visually, too, this D-45S Custom is one of the most impressive Martin guitars. The elaborate Style 45 inlays made of mother-of-pearl and abalone highlight the instrument’s luxurious character. The ebony fingerboard features the classic Style 45 snowflake inlays made of abalone.

Another highlight is the ornate Torch inlay on the headstock. This classic Martin motif is reminiscent of the particularly elaborate instruments from the manufacturer’s early history and gives the guitar a distinctive look.

Gold-plated M12P tuners, the tortoise pickguard mounted beneath the finish, and the classic Natural Gloss finish round out the high-quality features. The combination of traditional 12-fret construction, select Alpine spruce, and the elaborate Style 45 inlays makes this Martin D-45S Custom an exceptional instrument that stands out distinctly from a standard D-45.

Condition & History

This Martin comes directly from its first owner, a musician who personally commissioned the guitar in 1985 and played it on numerous tours over many years. It was not an instrument that sat untouched in a collection for decades, but rather one that accompanied its owner throughout a long musical life.

Accordingly, the guitar shows authentic signs of play and wear. Minor dents and dings, scratches, and other signs of decades of use give it a unique vintage character. They tell the story of a guitar that was actually played and whose musical history can be traced back to its original owner.

The guitar’s excellent structural condition is particularly impressive. Despite its age and heavy use, the guitar is completely free of cracks. There are no breaks or other structural damage. The neck is straight, and the guitar offers excellent playability across the entire fretboard.

The original case was heavily worn from numerous tours and was replaced by the original owner with a different one. We purchased a matching Martin Geib case for this guitar, which is, of course, included with the purchase.

The original Custom Shop order documents and the Martin Original Owner’s Card are included and, of course, come with the guitar. Especially for a high-quality vintage instrument of this caliber, such documentation is a valuable part of its history.

This Martin D-45S is therefore not only an exceptionally well-equipped vintage guitar, but also an instrument with a personal history that can be traced back over decades.

Setup & Playability

We carefully inspect every guitar and prepare it to ensure a comfortable, clean, and buzz-free playing experience.

The playability of this historic Martin guitar, which does not have an adjustable truss rod, was tested with particular care.

The string action is 2.7 mm on the low E-string and 2.0 mm on the high E-string, measured at the 12th fret.

Specifications

Model: Martin D-45S Custom
Year of manufacture: 1985
Manufacturer: Martin Custom Shop, USA
Body shape: 12-fret dreadnought
Scale length: 645 mm
Saddle width: 47.6 mm
Top: German Alpine Spruce, AAA quality
Top and Sides: East Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard: Ebony
Fingerboard inlays: Style 45 Snowflakes, Abalone
Headplate inlay: Torch, abalone
Bracing: Regular D-45S
Neck rod: Not adjustable
Cabinet Frames: Style 45
Bridge: Regular D-45S
Tuning Machines: M12P Gold
Soundboard: Tortoise, under the varnish
Finish: Natural Gloss, Style 45
Case: Martin Geib Case
Documentation: Original Custom Shop Order Form and Martin Original Owner’s Card

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