1970 C.F. Martin & Co. D-45
The first Indian rosewood D-45 — the transition year. Full abalone inlay treatment remains breathtaking. Indian rosewood delivers a slightly different tonal character while the ornate beauty is preserved.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Indian Rosewood (back and sides — first year of Indian rosewood on D-45) |
| 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 | 210 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic — full abalone inlay treatment.
What Changed in 1970
First Indian rosewood D-45 — the transition from Brazilian. The abalone inlay remains identical. Indian rosewood changes the tonal balance slightly but the visual impact is undiminished. A significant price step down from Brazilian examples.
Collector's Notes
The 1970 D-45 marks a significant price boundary. Indian rosewood examples are roughly half the value of Brazilian. Verify rosewood species carefully — the transition was not instantaneous.
How to Authenticate a 1970 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 1970, the number should fall within the documented range. Indian rosewood back and sides — verify correct grain and coloring. Non-scalloped X-bracing pattern for this era — verify through the soundhole. The D-45's distinctive abalone pearl bordering on top, back, sides, fingerboard, and headstock must all be original. Verify all inlay and appointments match factory specifications. 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.