My Guitar Notes

acoustic · dreadnought

D-45

D-45 — video still
Video still: twoodfrd
MakerC.F. Martin & Co.
OriginUnited States
Typeacoustic · dreadnought
Introduced1933/1968
PriceUSD 9999.99 (2026-09)
Maker founded1833
Statuscurrent

The D-45 is Martin's most ornamented standard dreadnought, a 14-fret dreadnought with abalone trim around the top and edges.

Watch

YouTube video twoodfrd · 2023-08 — Flatpicking and fingerpicking on a Martin D-45, recorded up close.

Why it matters

Martin lists the D-45 at $9,999.99, which puts it at the head of the Standard Series before the Modern Deluxe and Custom tiers. The trim level goes back to the pre-war period, and those examples trade as collector instruments separate from anything built since. Players who want the same body and bracing without the pearl find the D-42 and HD-28 further down the range.

Note

The flagship with pearl trim; pre-war examples are holy grails.

Specifications

  • Scale length: 645 mm (25.4 in)
  • Neck shape: Golden Era (GE) Modified Low Oval

Before you buy

  • Pearl trim adds cost rather than structure
  • Pre-war examples need authentication before anything else
  • Used prices stay close to new because demand is steady

Other opinions

One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.

  • YouTube video Musician's Friend · 2018-11 · 109,256 views

    “For more info: Speak to a Private Reserve guitar advisor: 1-866-926-1923 1:08 - Flat picking 1:40 - Finger picking 2:04 - Hybrid picking 2:35 - Hybrid picking This guitar was played out of the box with factory strings,…”

    Played demo of a Martin D-45 Standard dreadnought.

  • YouTube video Michael Watts · 2024-09 · 52,490 views

    “The Martin D45 Has been the company's flagship model since the 1930s and has gone through several iterations.”

    Michael Watts plays a Martin D-45 and discusses where it sits in the range.

Sources

Related models

Same era

Same body shape / configuration

See also