1998 Martin OM-45 Deluxe Golden Era

Serial # 665950, # 2 of 14. Prior to 1998, C.F. Martin & Co. had built a total of 14 of the OM-45 Deluxe model ' all in 1930. The guitar featured standard style 45 appointments, with the addition of pearl snowflakes in the bridge wings, an inlaid floral motif on the pickguard, and engraved gold banjo tuners with solid pearl buttons. The model is second only to the pre-war D-45 in value.

Skip ahead some 68 years. C.F. Martin and Co. releases their most accurate Golden Era instrument to date - a faithful reproduction of the original OM-45 Deluxe. In a nod to their own history, Martin built only 14 of this re-issue, bringing the total OM-45 Deluxe production to 28.

With its Brazilian rosewood back and sides, Adirondack Red spruce top, and style 45 Deluxe appointments the OM-45 Deluxe is nothing short of stunning. It's a beautifully designed guitar through and through, featuring Golden Era scalloped Red spruce top bracing, bar frets, engraved gold Banjo tuners with solid pearl buttons, lacquered-over pickguard, fossil ivory nut and saddle, long 1930's style volute, and C.F. Martin & Co stamp of the back of the headstock. Ivoroid bindings, angled bottom nut, intricate mosaic backstrip, and abalone pearl inlays throughout.

The instrument is in excellent condition and is 100% original. It's a gently used guitar with no issues other than a few very light scratches on its back, and a small chip to the finish on one corner of its headstock. The neck is carved to perfection, with a full-feeling rounded V profile and 1-3/4' nut. Scale is 25.4' and string spread at the bridge is 2-5/16'. Interior paper label numbered 2 of 14, and signed by C.F. Martin IV. Setup by Folkway, with fingerstyle action and .012' -.054' strings. Marvelous tone ' it's clear and focused, with rich dark overtones.

As far as modern guitars go, we can't think of too many that rival this one in terms of collectability, desirability, and rarity.

With original hardshell case