Martin D45

by Jolyn Bien
(Kihei, Hawaii, USA)

I purchased this D45 in 1969. According to the new Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference, on Page 83, my serial no.245237 was the first D45 ever made with Indian rosewood. (I was disappointed at the time since I had traded in my Brazilian rosewood D35 for the D45, oh well that's fate).

Here is a link to the reference page:
http://books.google.com/books?id=tm_T54LtUnIC&pg=PA84&lpg=PA84&dq=martin+D45+%23245237&source=bl&ots=b9jSs6JnJi&sig=DJsP5rqYATZXR2wjXJbH5MsuphM&hl=en&ei=GxfISYKBJZqqtQO9pbGXAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result

Via email, I have verified that this is fact with Martin&Co. as this was the first D45 made with Indian rosewood.
In the last 40 years I've had the guitar refinished once, rosettes inlaid on the belly bridge, extra fret inlay one up from the sound hole with my name engraved, and electric pickup added at the bridge with plug-in access at the bottom strap peg. Also have the original case it came with since I had a cover for the case as well.

Thanks.

ANSWER

Hi, Jolyn--

Beautiful guitar with an interesting story!

Here are the Blue Book Values:

1969-1979 (Indian rosewood)
Excellent $6,000 - 7,500
Average $4,000 - 5,000

The market is pretty much original condition dominated, which means the refinishing, etc. will affect the value by probably 25%.

Best Wishes,
Lynne