Martin Custom Shop D45 Centennial Ex-Don McLean Cocobolo Adirondack 2016

This Custom Shop guitar once belonged to the personal collection of none other than Don McLean, the man behind the worldwide hit American Pie!

It’s not just any D45 either, as this Centennial Model celebrates one full century of the Dreadnought, which began with the Ditson 111 in 1916. That original round-shouldered model had 12 frets clear of the body, but in 1934 the Dreadnought evolved into the square-shouldered design in response to players’ demand for more frets clear of the body, as seen on this instrument.

Martin built this commemorative model with stunning Cocobolo back and sides, paired with an Adirondack spruce top for impressive volume and plenty of headroom for both strumming and solo work. The tone offers a wide dynamic range thanks to the selected woods, with deep lows, smooth mids, and sparkling highs. Fingerstyle and bluegrass players alike will feel right at home with this guitar.

This beautiful Martin was sold by Matt’s Guitar Shop in Paris, France, in September 2023, and made its way to us via Julien’s Auctions, where it was part of the Icons & Idols: Rock ’n’ Roll sale. The guitar’s authenticity was confirmed by them, and it bears a stamp on the top of the headstock reading “D. McLean.”

The guitar hasn’t been kept as a mere collector’s piece, but has seen some honest playing over the years. There’s light playwear on the top and pickguard, with a bit more on the back and sides. Some small lacquer touch-ups have been done on the back due to the heavy figuring of the Cocobolo. Overall, the guitar remains very clean and is without a doubt a remarkable addition to any fine guitar collection.