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
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Thinking About Selling Your 1940 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 | 15 |
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.
How to Authenticate a 1940 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 1940, 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.