Where else can you find a top of the range Martin D-45 for under 3k….? This is a JAW DROPPING 1984 Martin D-45 that looks like an OLD DOG but sounds superb and has actually been played with original ABS plastic case.

You so rarely see a Martin D-45 that has actually been played and used professionally. Yes, this has not been kept as a wall hanger like most of them, or sat in a glass cabine - this one has actually seen the inside of many, many smokey C&W joints and has been used and played. And this is most of the reason it sounds so good…

Yes, it looks like an old dog with fading, dings, checking all over but when you hear what it sounds like you can soon forgive the funky appearance - rich resonant bass and crisp clear highs. These Martins do get better if they have been played in there is no doubt of that and this certainly has had that.

There are no cracks or repairs to the structure or headstock breaks etc but the bridge may heve been reglued at some point. The frets have decent life left in them, there is no belleying on the top and the action is perfectly playable at the moment with a height of 3mm at the 12th fret on the bass and a shade under 3mm on the treble. There is just over 1mm of saddle left so if you need to have the action lower than this you will ideally need to do a neck set or have the bridge shaved.

Various small dings adourn the guitar all over, the finish is a bit nicotine stained BUT the guitar does not smell in any way! Some of the pearl inlays along the top have started to turn a bit milky looking but all of this just adds to the fantastic vibe this D-45 has. There is a small piece of plastic missing that covers the neck heel at the back, probably because a strap buttom was once mounted there (see pictures).

This is probably the worst looking D-45 I have had for some time but equally, probabloy the finest sounding one - the choice is yours: do you want a museam piece to look at or an amazing sounding guitar to play? If your looking for the former, this is not for you, if the latter then this could be 3 grand very well spent..