C.F. Martin & Co. D-45 Price Guide
The Martin D-45 is the pinnacle of the flat-top acoustic guitar — Martin's most ornate and expensive production dreadnought, featuring elaborate abalone pearl inlays around the body, fingerboard, and headstock. Pre-war D-45s (1933-1942) are among the rarest and most valuable acoustic guitars ever made, with fewer than 100 produced before World War II halted production.
Produced: 1933–present
📖 Buyer's Guide
Pre-war D-45s are extraordinary rarities — expect $100,000 to $400,000+ for original examples. Authenticity verification is essential; these are among the most faked guitars in existence. Check abalone inlay integrity (chips are common after 80+ years), top crack repairs, and Brazilian rosewood documentation for international transport.
Value by Year
| Year | Excellent | Very Good | Good | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 | $700,000–$1,500,000 | $400,000–$700,000 | $250,000–$400,000 | Full Details → |
| 1934 | $650,000–$1,400,000 | $380,000–$650,000 | $230,000–$380,000 | Full Details → |
| 1936 | $550,000–$1,300,000 | $320,000–$550,000 | $190,000–$320,000 | Full Details → |
| 1937 | $525,000–$1,250,000 | $310,000–$525,000 | $185,000–$310,000 | Full Details → |
| 1938 | $500,000–$1,200,000 | $300,000–$500,000 | $175,000–$300,000 | Full Details → |
| 1939 | $490,000–$1,150,000 | $290,000–$490,000 | $170,000–$290,000 | Full Details → |
| 1940 | $475,000–$1,100,000 | $280,000–$475,000 | $165,000–$280,000 | Full Details → |
| 1941 | $460,000–$1,080,000 | $275,000–$460,000 | $162,000–$275,000 | Full Details → |
| 1942 | $450,000–$1,050,000 | $270,000–$450,000 | $160,000–$270,000 | Full Details → |
| 1968 | $50,000–$100,000 | $30,000–$50,000 | $20,000–$30,000 | Full Details → |
| 1969 | $45,000–$90,000 | $28,000–$45,000 | $18,000–$28,000 | Full Details → |
| 1970 | $24,000–$45,000 | $15,000–$24,000 | $9,500–$15,000 | Full Details → |
| 1971 | $22,000–$42,000 | $14,000–$22,000 | $8,500–$14,000 | Full Details → |
| 1973 | $20,000–$38,000 | $12,000–$20,000 | $7,500–$12,000 | Full Details → |
| 1974 | $19,000–$36,000 | $12,000–$19,000 | $7,200–$12,000 | Full Details → |
| 1975 | $18,000–$35,000 | $11,000–$18,000 | $7,000–$11,000 | Full Details → |