This 000-45S is a wonderful guitar in excellent condition. The story and
representation of Stephen Stills legacy is paramount to this guitar,
but it does not disappoint tonally. Martin took their time in crafting
each of these guitars within the run of 91 instruments. This is number
66 of the 91 and is extremely resonant and a joy to play. "The 000-45S
Stephen Stills Signature Edition captures most of the design details of
the original 12-fret 000-45, including the use of rare select Adirondack
spruce for the soundboard. The 1/4” Adirondack spruce top braces are
forward-shifted and carefully scalloped for optimal tone.Carved from
genuine mahogany, the neck likewise matches the original: 1-13/16” at
the nut, modified V shape, square slotted headstock with the historic
“C. F. Martin & Co.” pressure stamp on the back, elongated diamond
volute and old style pointed heel. The 25.4” long scale provides power
to complement the design's rich, balanced tone. Back and sides are
crafted from select quality East Indian rosewood for rich and resonant
bass response.Select abalone pearl is utilized throughout in the Style
45 body inlays: around the perimeter of the top, fingerboard extension,
back, sides, end piece, neck joint and rosette. In each case, the inlay
is accented with mitered black/white wood fiber lines. Vintage depth
grained ivoroid binding protects the top, back and sides, and this same
handsome material also serves as the end piece and heel cap. A Golden
Era Style 45 multi-colored mosaic backstrip bisects the back.On the
neck, both the polished East Indian rosewood headplate and the black
African ebony fingerboard are bound in grained ivoroid and inset with
mitered black/white wood fiber inlays. The headplate showcases “C. F.
Martin” in Golden Era Style 45 block letters of abalone pearl, and
Waverly Irving Sloane side mounted tuners with open gears, engraved
mounting plates and ivoroid buttons. Style 45 abalone “snowflake”
position marker inlays grace the fingerboard from the 1st to the 15th
frets, with Stephen Stills distinctive signature inlaid in mother of
pearl between the 17th and 20th frets.In the tradition of the original
000-45, the Stephen Stills Signature Edition sports a black African
ebony pyramid bridge. The non-compensated saddle, nut, bridge and end
pins all are fashioned from fossilized ivory, with the latter two topped
with black pearl dot inlays. Like the originals, this guitar is not
equipped with a pickguard. Adding to its traditional appearance is the
medium straw hue of vintage toner on the top and the rich brown of dark
mahogany stain on the neck. Both the body and neck are flawlessly
finished in polished gloss lacquer." Comes with original Martin hardshell
case.
