C. F. Martin D-45 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1993), ser. #526357, original molded black plastic hard shell case.

C. F. Martin D-45 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1993), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 526357, natural lacquer finish, spruce top, rosewood back & sides, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original molded black plastic hard shell case.

"Aged 30 years" is perhaps more applicable to whiskies than guitars but well describes this super clean example of Martin's classic top-of-the-line D-45 made in early/mid 1993. This elaborate pearl-inlaid Dreadnought had been discontinued at the onset of WWII and revived 25 years later due to public demand in 1969. It has always been a deluxe and expensive instrument; by 1993 the standard issue model would be offered alongside various re-issue and limited edition models but remains Martins top-line stock Dreadnought. In any era these splendid pearl-trimmed Dreadnoughts represent the best of what Martin has to offer.

With a lovely tight-grained Sitka spruce top and straight-grained Indian rosewood back and sides, this is a beautiful guitar, even discounting the superlative pearl trim on every edge. In this period the braces were scalloped on this model as a standard feature, with a resulting bonus in the sonic department. This is a very fine instrument in both looks and sound; always a superb showpiece guitar in any context.

Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 cm.), 15 3/4 in. (40 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).

This Martin has been kept in superb shape over the last 30 years, looking not much played with very little to mention in regard to condition. The original finish has not been altered in any way, and shows only very light handling marks with no checking or scratching. The guitar is entirely crack-free; It remains still in great playing shape has never having had or needed a neck set, with the original bridge, saddle, braces and bridgeplate all untouched. The ebony fingerboard and frets have almost no wear. The only noticeable repair is a tiny check in the binding at the seventh fret marker that has been glued down. Other than this, the D-45 has remained in impeccable shape over the last 30 years, a truly excellent player with crisp highs and plenty of depth and punch; just a really fine sounding "modern" Martin Dreadnought in the original HSC. Excellent + Condition.