1991 Martin Guitars Custom D, based on D-45 - Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
This guitar is from the Martin Custom Shop and is essentially a D-45 with the Martin "Tree of Life" inlay pattern inlaid by pearl artist David Nichols. It has a circle "E" stamped on the heel block. Additional custom features include Brazilian Rosewood, an inlaid pickguard and inlaid bridge. Martin confirmed a new guitar with similar features would be at over $40,000 and probably much more. This is a rare and collectible Brazilian Rosewood Martin with that strong, powerful voice.
Audio played by Al Petteway
Artists who play instruments by this builder: Eric Clapton, Norman Blake, John Mayer, Clarence White, Richie Sambora, Steve Earle, Beck, Roger McGuinn, Steven Stills, Graham Nash, Paul Simon, Nancy Wilson, Merle Haggard, George Jones
This guitar is from the Martin Custom Shop and is essentially a D-45 with the Martin "Tree of Life" inlay pattern inlaid by pearl artist David Nichols. It has a circle "E" stamped on the heel block. Additional custom features include Brazilian Rosewood, an inlaid pickguard and inlaid bridge. Martin confirmed a new guitar with similar features would be at over $40,000 and probably much more. This is a rare and collectible Brazilian Rosewood Martin with that strong, powerful voice.
- Woods & Trim
- Back/Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
- Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Neck Wood: Mahogany, 1 Piece
- Bridge: Ebony Belly with custom abalone inlay
- Rosette: 45 Style Abalone
- Binding: Ivoroid
- Fingerboard Bindings: Ivoroid
- Headplate: Brazilian Rosewood
- Headstock Bindings: Ivoroid
- Headstock Inlay: Builder Logo
- Top Trim: Abalone
- Back Strip: Marquetry
- Fret Markers: Tree of Life
- Tuners: C.F.Martin/Schaller
- Tuner Finish: Gold
- Measurements
- Body Size: Dreadnought
- Scale: 25 2/5 in. (645.2 mm)
- Nut Width: 1 11/16 in. (42.9 mm)
- String Spacing: 2 1/8 in. (54 mm)
- Body Length: 20 in.
- Upper Bout: 11 1/2 in.
- Lower Bout: 15 3/4 in.
- Serial #: 510212
- Body Depth @Neck Heel: 3 3/4 in.
- Body Depth @Tail Block: 4 7/8 in.
- Frets to body: 14
- Extras
- Cutaway: None
- Pickguard: Black with custom abalone inlay
- Case: Hardshell Case Martin
- Pickup: None
- Condition: Excellent, few minor marks/scuffs, but overall very clean.
Player Reviews:
"What a rare find, this is a custom shop Dreadnought from Martin will gorgeous appointments including wonderful inlay work by Dave Nichols. His tree of life inlays are famous and this one has his usual hearts in the center of each flower. The 45 style abalone is present on every surface and the fingerboard and bridge are both custom inlaid. The voice is clear and present with great midrange punch. A true find priced well below what a replacement would cost today. " - Paul Heumiller
"Great sounding guitar for flatpicking and I can see this being a very collectible piece since it features the inlay artistry of David Nichols as well as Brazilian Rosewood. " - Al Petteway
