Martin D-45S Deluxe
1992 Martin D-45S Deluxe
About as good as it gets. This is a guitar of the month D45S Deluxe limited from 1992, and one of only 50 made. Martin took “deluxe” all the way with this one, with the exquisite addition of a continuous strip of abalone inlay in the neck the runs along the fretboard, around the headstock, and heel. An abalone border on the fingerboard itself really takes it over the top, in a good way. But, to me it still sounds better than it looks.
Specs / Measurements
1992
Sitka Spruce (1/4 scalloped bracing) / EI Rosewood back and sides (both Martin’s highest grade)
Brazilian rosewood headstock overlay
~1.80” nut
~25.5” string length
~2.31” string spacing at saddle
12 fret neck
45-style trim, with additional abalone inlay along the entire neck, along the fretboard, around the heel, around the headstock, and on the fretboard.
Gold tuners with “M” abalone inlays in ebony buttons
Original Martin hard case with twist latches
Condition / Setup Notes
The guitar is in excellent(+) condition, perhaps even without considering its rarity and age. There is only the lightest surface wear that is apparent only in raking light. Binding corners shrunk at miters on fretboard end and by the nut. Replacement bone nut and saddle (originals in the case but these are much nicer). Very slight and small section of finish lift on the front edge of the bridge, but inconspicuous and stable with no issues with the bridge or otherwise. String path is beautiful, well dressed frets and a jet black ebony fingerboard. String height currently about 6/64”-4/64” from bass to treble, and playing nicely.
***
I just can’t get enough of this guitar. There was a time I didn’t like so much shell, but something changed and now I can’t get enough of the 42 - 45 style aesthetic. I didn’t think the abalone could get more substantial than a standard 45 but the Deluxe found a way, and grandly at that. Not only is there additional inlay on the neck, each ebony tuning button has an abalone “M” inlaid on either side. Perhaps it could be considered an area of restraint, the old-style 45 inlays on the fretboard are a nice touch. This is a guitar I would be happy just to look at from time to time, but it is such a rewarding experience to play it. The sheer size of the sound is a pleasure to absorb, and for some the wider nut will be a welcome thing. Nice to last details, the case too is a thing of beauty, with twist latches that indicate something special might be inside.
$14500
Thanks for looking, any questions please feel free to get in touch.
This instrument ships for free via UPS Ground.