1968 Martin D-45 Brazilian Rosewood w/ Ameritage Gold Case

1968 Martin D-45 Brazilian w/ Ameritage Gold Case

One of 63 made in 1968. As purchased by Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and several other rock legends.

 Near Mint Condition Martin Brazilian Rosewood D-45 with Ameritage “Gold” Archtop Case (includes humidifier and hygrometer).

 Has had a recent neck re-set and setup. Action is PERFECT and saddle has not been shaved to attain this. Also, there is a finish separation at center-seam starting below bridge. It can't be seen in a photo or in person. You can feel it, though. To be safe, the center-seam was glued and cleated in 2 places, as can be seen in the picture. It has not affected the sound. There were 2 small screw holes in the top of the headstock that were filled and professionally over-sprayed. Almost impossible to see in person.

 This guitar looks like BRAND NEW and is absolutely stunning. It sounds like a cannon, which it should, considering it was made 50 years ago and the Brazilian rosewood is probably far older. SN# 241136 Shop order# 276 stamped December 17, 1968.

 I am the 3d owner and have the provenance of ownership since 1968. I will include that information as well as an original 1968 Martin marketing piece on the D-45 and a new set of D’Addario light-gauge phosphor bronze strings. The original owner from 1968 to 1986 was bluegrass legend Paul Champion, (Florida Bluegrass Boys) a friend of Mike Longworth.

The guitar has been kept in my studio at 70 degrees and 50% humidity for the past 3 years.

The Martin Brazilian rosewood D-45 and was reissued in 1968 and part of 1969 only, in a total run of 229 instruments.     Here’s a quote from Mike Longworth’s out-of-print 1988 book, Martin Guitars: a History, paraphrased recently on page 83 of the new edition of that reference work, now titled Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference.   What Mike left out of his own book is that it was he, himself, who was hired by Martin in 1968, who was responsible for the revival of this venerated totem from the stylish, fashionable ‘30s.

 “The D-45 [originally made from 1933 to 1942] was re-issued in 1968 by popular demand. There were two prototypes, #232933 and #236913.   Regular production began in July of that year with a set of five, #236914 to -918. Brazilian rosewood was used in the D-45 at that time. The production models had German spruce tops.”

The first D-45 to use Indian rosewood was #245237.

The Ameritage Gold dreadnought case features their humidity control system to help maintain the ideal level of humidity for the guitar. Durable cordura plus covering, exclusive valance closure, protective trim machine-stitched to wood shell. Retails new for $614. In near-mint condition.