1980 Martin D-45 Mandolin Brothers Commemorative

 Along with The Music Emporium, Staten Island, New York's Mandolin Brothers were on the forefront of vintage instrument sales and pioneers of the idea of a "reissue" instrument. The physical location closed in 2017, but is remembered for its fine instruments, famous clientele, and charismatic owner Stan Jay. 

This lovely D45 Mandolin Brothers Commemorative is in fantastic shape. This historical instrument has been lovingly cared for and shows very minimal play wear. There is an engraved plaque on reading "C.F Martin Exclusive Series made for Mandolin Brothers LTD Custom 21 of 91 Serial #423764"

This exquisite instrument is the quintessential Martin Dreadnaught with ample volume, tight, clear bass, and soaring highs. It has had a recent neck reset, so there is ample room for action adjustment. Currently setup with Martin Lifespan Mediums. 

Original case included. 

From Stan Jay:

"We are credited with having initiated the C F Martin Custom Shop. We ordered around 250 HD-28 1934 Reissues and 91 D-45 Reissues starting back in 1977 when the notion of the "reissue" style didn't exist on any level. It was audacious, to say the last, for a company that had been a Martin dealer for less than one year to go to Chris' father, Frank Herbert Martin, and ask them to build us 341 custom guitars for our sole distribution, but that's what we did and the rest is history (since now just about every manufacturer makes reissue guitars).

Our D-45 was made with the best materials available to us at that time.  Although we had them make maybe 5 of these guitars in Brazilian rosewood, all the rest were select grade East Indian Rosewood and  Sitka Spruce. During the late 70's and early 80's Martin guitars had a T-Bar and not an adjustable truss rod, and also at that time Martin guitars had what we now call "The Old Martin Neck Shape" which was a big, rounded neck. The combination of not having an adjustable truss rod and the big neck shape, and the fine materials, and the scalloped bracing, causes the instrument to sound HUGE. These are magnificent instruments and they have taken on a legendary reputation of their own."