Originally introduced in 1933, the D-45 would become Martin's flagship model. Often copied, but never equalled, the D-45 features Martin's highest grade appointments for a production instrument - albeit, with production runs in very low numbers overall. This 1977 issue of the acclaimed instrument comes to us in good condition with some wear throughout. The top is constructed out of the highest quality Sitka Spruce top with notably wide grain at the center. Fully bound in multi ply and abalone - the 45 appointments elegantly going around the fingerboard extension as well as the sides and back. The back & sides are constructed out of high grade, straight grained Indian rosewood with nice color and depth - a marquetry zipper on its center seam. The gloss finish has extensive checking throughout. The top structurally does retain some wear, and repair internally. There is a sealed crack parallel to the sixth string near the bridge. There is finish wear present near its bridge likely from a past bridge re-glue. Internally, it retains a wide, but thin maple bridge plate (presumably original) that shows some excess glue likely having been repaired in its past. There is a small maple "cleat" present near its X brace, as well as a longer cleat towards its treble side waist. Some excess glue internally indicates some of the bracing has been touched up. That said, the top is flat with no belly or sinking - nor is there any evidence of the back having been off this guitar - the jobs skillfully performed from the exterior. It is outfitted with a nice LR Baggs active pickup, with two piezo contacts at the bridge plate, and one undersaddle - the control at the sound hole for volume and tone. The neck is designed with a standard 25.4" scale length and a 1 23/32" nut width. The neck is made of mahogany, the ebony fingerboard fully bound, with iconic 45 hexagon MOP inlay. The neck itself has a fairly standard C profile with a nice volute, the depth measuring about .82" (slightly thinner) at the first fret, and about .97" at the ninth fret. The frets and fingerboard are both clean, with virtually no wear present - the frets appearing replaced, retaining clean crack free binding. The nut appears original. Original gold Grover tuners present and functional. The neck plays nice, the glossed finish checked throughout. Utilizing a straight edge from the fingerboard extension towards the bridge indicates a fairly close neck angle - currently underset - the straight edge bumping into the front face of the bridge by a hair. Combining this with the compromised saddle, one would most benefit from having this guitars neck reset - a decision best left to the next owner (if you would like us to perform this work, please send us a note). The action is playable, currently measuring about 7/64" in height at the twelfth fret - albeit again, with only about 1/64" of the saddle visible over the slot. The guitar is *well* worth this repair work, and would certainly come out the other side sounding fantastic. It sounds very nice in its current condition, as the quality of wood is there, but the neck reset should deliver more powerful low end, more musical and articulate mid range, and stronger clarity in the treble. Includes Calton Hardshell case