A Classic Martin, Revitalized for Modern Players
Martin's D-45 Modern Deluxe is a refreshing take on the classic dreadnought body style, blending old-world style with modern refinements. Its spruce Vintage Tone System (VTS) top has been torrefied for maximum projection and harmonic excitement. The dovetail neck joint reinforces the classic Martin tone. And with its European flamed maple binding, gold frets, gold open-gear tuners, and unique 1930s-style logo on the headstock, the D-45 Modern Deluxe looks unlike anything else from Martin’s production line. Complete with other modern advancements and a Vintage Deluxe neck shape designed for maximum comfort, there’s a lot to love about the Martin D-45 Modern Deluxe acoustic guitar.
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The dreadnought: a fascinating back story
Launched in 1906, Britain's HMS Dreadnought was the first all-big-gun battleship and the first to use steam-turbine propulsion. Larger, faster, quieter, and more deadly than any warship that had come before, it ushered in the modern era of naval warfare. In 1916, Martin, which had been handcrafting fine guitars since 1833, christened their new large-bodied acoustic guitars after the groundbreaking naval vessel. Ubiquitous today across musical genres, dreadnoughts deliver the volume and deep bass that make them ideal for vocal accompaniment, solo work, and many other "unplugged" applications.
Vintage design, modern enhancements
The luthiers at Martin are happy to embrace modern enhancements if it means better tone for you, the player. In the Martin D-45 Modern Deluxe, you’ll find modern advancements such as a steel truss rod and Liquid Metal bridge pins. And the inclusion of a carbon fiber bridge plate boosts volume without adding weight. Even the neck shape has been refined for maximum playability and comfort. Many of us Martin fans at Sweetwater are wary of changes to a winning recipe, but we’ve certainly embraced the sound of the Modern Deluxe's improvements.
VTS top: aged to perfection
Martin has perfected the process of torrefying its top woods and bracings to achieve the sound of an aged, broken-in Martin. The Vintage Tone System (VTS) lets Martin age the woods to a specific age/time period without the typical change in color of the wood from the torrefaction process. A special vintage gloss finish is then hand applied to give the guitar the coloring of a vintage instrument. Martin’s guitars with VTS tops and bracing not only look like vintage guitars, but they also possess that sought-after sound.
Martin D-45 Modern Deluxe Acoustic Guitar Features:
- Classic Martin style and tone with modern refinements
- Vintage Tone System (VTS) ages the woods to a specific age/time period
- Solid spruce top yields great projection and note definition
- Solid East Indian rosewood back and sides for rich, harmonically-complex tone
- Innovative Liquid Metal bridge pins enhance attack and overall volume
- Carbon fiber bridge plate enhances projection and sustain
- Vintage Deluxe neck shape is designed for comfort and playability
