1933 C.F. Martin & Co. D-45
The original D-45 — built as a custom order for Gene Autry in 1933. Only one made this year. The most ornate and valuable production acoustic guitar ever created. Full abalone inlay, scalloped bracing, Brazilian rosewood.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides — maximum abalone ornament, scalloped bracing) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony belly bridge (with abalone inlay) |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite (gold) |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 1 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic — the most ornate flat-top ever produced.
What Changed in 1933
First year of the D-45 — built for Gene Autry, the singing cowboy. Only one made in 1933. Abalone pearl inlays around every edge, fingerboard, and headstock. Brazilian rosewood, scalloped bracing, and Adirondack spruce. The most ornate Martin ever.
Notable Examples
Gene Autry's personal D-45 — the guitar that launched the model.
Collector's Notes
The 1933 D-45 is essentially unique. Any claimed example must be rigorously authenticated. This is a museum-grade instrument of incalculable cultural significance.
How to Authenticate a 1933 C.F. Martin & Co. D-45
Martin serial numbers are the most reliable in the industry — verify the number stamped on the neck block (visible through the soundhole) against Martin's published tables. For 1933, the number should fall within the documented range. The back and sides should be Brazilian rosewood — this is the single most important factor in valuation. Brazilian rosewood has distinctive grain variation (chocolate to violet-brown) and a sweet smell. Indian rosewood (post-1969) is more uniform and darker. Scalloped bracing should be visible through the soundhole (use mirror or inspection camera) — this is critical for pre-1944 models. The D-45's distinctive abalone pearl bordering on top, back, sides, fingerboard, and headstock must all be original. Only ~91 pre-war D-45s were made — professional authentication mandatory. Values can exceed $500,000. Check for neck resets, top cracks (especially near soundhole and bridge), and bridge plate condition. Tuners should be Grover Sta-Tite (gold). Finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer with age-appropriate wear. Original case adds value.