1938 C.F. Martin & Co. D-45
The pre-war D-45 — Martin's most ornate and valuable acoustic guitar. Fewer than 91 were made before WWII halted production. The combination of Brazilian rosewood, scalloped bracing, and maximum abalone inlay makes these the apex of the acoustic flat-top form.
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 | 12 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic — the most ornate flat-top ever produced.
What Changed in 1938
A pre-war D-45 — one of fewer than 91 made between 1933-1942. Abalone pearl inlays around every edge, fingerboard, headstock. Brazilian rosewood, scalloped bracing, and ebony fingerboard. Gene Autry's original D-45 order launched this model.
Notable Examples
Gene Autry's personal D-45 launched the model. Elvis Presley played a D-45. The instrument appears in museums and elite collections worldwide.
Collector's Notes
Extreme rarity — every known pre-war D-45 is documented. Any claimed pre-war D-45 must be authenticated by Martin and multiple independent experts. The abalone should show appropriate aging (slight yellowing of adhesive). Fakes exist.