This 1942 Martin D-45, serial number 81580, is one of the original 91 D-45 made in the pre-war era.
C.F. Martin shop order #682 was for "6 Gtrs. D-45," stamped May 1, 1942. It included the instrument you see in the pictures herein--serial number 81580.
The guitar was originally owner by country musician, Wiley Jordan, and was inherited by his children upon his passing. We are proud to offer it for sale, and, as always--smitten to sit in the presence of one of the original 91 D-45s.
It's interesting to think about the pre-war D-45 in the context of modern guitar collecting: these were the most expensive guitars Martin produced, yet they seem to have been almost exclusively owned by working musicians (not many of whom reached the stature of Johnny Cash). We're much more likely to see a style-18 guitar in amazing, perfectly kept condition. Those instruments would have been much less expensive, bought by people dabbling in music and later giving it up or by people for whom even Martin's cheapest guitars would've been a big purchase. It stands to reason that those buyers might've been a little more protective of their guitars than a country musician whose primary concern was glitz under a spotlight. If a guitar suffered bumps and bruises during performances on a cramped stage--so be it. At least it looked great while it was in service.
As a consequence of this dynamic, 81580 has certainly seen its own handful of repairs of the years. But those modifications don't alter its fundamental place in history: it's one of the rarest and most coveted guitars ever constructed. And mystique and hyperbole aside, its sound is rapturous. Produced in Martin's "wartime" era, when many guitars received Ebony neck reinforcements due to a steel shortage, it's one of the lightest rosewood dreadnoughts you'll ever hold. Its responsiveness for a dreadnought is astounding--it breathes easily under a light touch and demonstrates grand-piano-like balance, clarity, and power across all six strings. Its voice is mature and completely alive, demonstrating openness and complexity that will make a believer out of the most hardened cynic.
This guitar was sent back to Martin for repair and setup several times during the original owner's stewardship. It has been refinished, the neck has been reset, and the original bridge, nut, and tuners have been replaced. We have measured the top and finish thickness, and this guitar's specs are in "best case scenario" territory for a refinished instrument. The top remains stout enough to support medium gauge strings, should a player prefer them; and the neck angle remains prominent enough to allow for future action adjustments without the need for a reset in the near future. Internally, this guitar is very clean, with its original braces, and its original bridge plate, secure and intact.
This guitar is currently housed in a contemporary 5-ply Martin hard case. Calton Cases are available for purchase if an upgrade is desired. We invite interested buyers to contact us for an in-hand description.
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