1934 C.F. Martin & Co. D-45
A 1934 D-45 — only 2 made in the second year of production. Extreme rarity and historical significance. Full abalone ornamentation, 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 | 2 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic — full abalone inlay treatment.
What Changed in 1934
Second year of D-45 production — only 2 made. Gene Autry's success with the model was driving additional orders. Full abalone inlay, scalloped bracing, Adirondack spruce, Brazilian rosewood.
Collector's Notes
With only 2 made, 1934 D-45s are essentially individual instruments. Each is documented and tracked. Museum-level authentication required.
How to Authenticate a 1934 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 1934, 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.