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
Thinking About Selling Your 1938 C.F. Martin & Co. D-45?
We buy directly from owners — no auction fees, no waiting. Get a fair offer based on current market data.
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.
How to Authenticate a 1938 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 1938, 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.