1936 C.F. Martin & Co. D-45
A mid-1930s pre-war D-45 — among the rarest and most valuable acoustic guitars ever made. Full abalone ornamentation, scalloped bracing, Brazilian rosewood. Fewer than 91 were made in the entire pre-war run.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides — maximum abalone ornament) |
| 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 | 6 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic — the most ornate flat-top ever produced.
What Changed in 1936
Pre-war D-45 — fewer than 91 total made between 1933-1942. Abalone pearl inlays around every edge, scalloped X-bracing, Adirondack spruce, Brazilian rosewood. Only 6 made this year.
Collector's Notes
Every known pre-war D-45 is documented and tracked. Authentication is absolutely essential. The abalone inlay should show consistent aging. Scalloped bracing must be verified.