1940 C.F. Martin & Co. D-45

A late pre-war D-45 — among the final examples before WWII halted production in 1942. These instruments would not be made again for 26 years. Full abalone, scalloped bracing, Brazilian rosewood at its finest.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$475,000$1,100,000
Very Good
$280,000$475,000
Good
$165,000$280,000
Fair
$85,000$165,000

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodSpruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides — maximum abalone ornament)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardEbony
Scale Length25.400"
Frets20
Pickup ConfigNone (acoustic)
BridgeEbony belly bridge (with abalone inlay)
TunersGrover Sta-Tite (gold)
Finish OptionsNatural
Est. Production15

Pickups & Electronics

Pure acoustic — full abalone inlay treatment.

What Changed in 1940

Late pre-war D-45 production. WWII is approaching and these are among the last pre-war D-45s. Full abalone ornamentation, scalloped bracing, Brazilian rosewood, Adirondack spruce. Production would cease entirely by 1942.

Collector's Notes

Late pre-war D-45s (1940-1942) are the most 'available' pre-war examples, though still extremely rare. The model would not be reintroduced until 1968. Every surviving example is tracked by collectors.