Here's one of the nicest early Style 45 Martins we've seen in a long while, especially if you like to use regular steel strings instead of nylon or special low-tension steel sets that feel like threads. This 00-45 is remarkably original, but let's start with what has been done to it since it left the old North Street factory almost 80 years ago.

The neck has been reset, with a thin tapered shim under the fretboard just above the soundhole. Although the finish is original, some touch-up has been done to the top just below the high E string, about where a small pickguard would be if one had been added. The ebony pyramid bridge is an exact replica of the original, and that work was done by our own Frank Ford. This guitar was strung left-handed for many years, but the owner saved the original nut, and all that remains to remind us of that change is that the guitar now has edge dots on both sides of the fretboard. Most of the surfaces of this guitar have some slight scratches and dings, although the sides are remarkably clean. The back has a couple of deep scratches, as does the back of the headstock, but overall the finish has a nice patina with some very fine crazing lines we expect to see in an old finish that isn't lacquer. Original parts include: tuners, ivory nut, bridge pins (Ivoroid with black dot), and end pin, and bar stock frets. Martin was making many of its Style 45 models for steel strings by this date, and this one takes regular lights without signs of strain (it's been strung with light gauge steel for many years). We have it currently strung with .011-.050 gauge, and it delivers a lot of warm-toned volume. With D-45 models in far worse condition selling for almost five times this price, a 1927 00-45 like this seems like a bargain, and probably is one. Mike Longworth's production figures list only about 150 00-45 models in total, with around 30 made this year. Once the Great Depression hit, and 14-fret Martins were introduced, these Style 45 models in the old "standard" style were decidely out of fashion.