1977 Martin SOM-45

$9,999.00

  • Year: 1977
  • Manufacturer: Martin
  • Model: SOM-45
  • Case: Original Hard
  • Color: Natural
  • Condition: Brand New
  • Description: We purchased this Martin SOM-45 new from Martin in 1977 and it has been in storage since that time. It is likely that only 56 of these instruments were built. This is an amazing guitar that is the revival of the OM-45 that was discontinued in 1933. Several key people were involved in the development of the SOM-45 including Walter Scott, Eric Shoenberg and Les Davidson who was the head of Martin's repair department and was a Martin collector. The back and sides are made of the highest grade Indian rosewood and the top is Engleman spruce hand selected by Mike Longworth. The SOM-45 is 40" in overall length, 15" at the lower bout, 1 11/16" at the nut and has a 25 1/2" scale. The size and shape are similar to the Martin 000. Some of the intricate work was outsourced to Doug Unger who had a staff trained to do intricate pearl binding. The bound neck has 20 frets with 14 to the body, eight snowflke diamond shaped abalone inlays, and an ebony fretboard. The pearl/abalone inlays around the soundhole ring, fingerboard borders and the back and front of body show incredible workmanship. Other features include a three ply ivoroid bound headstock, a bone nut, and gold Grover tuners. There are a couple barely perceptible finish scratches on the lower bout. We understand that Steve Howe of Yes has owned a Martin SOM-45. In addition to being a highly collectable guitar this Martin is a great fingerpicking instrument and has a particulaily good bottom end. It comes with its original hardshell case and warranty card.