Martin D-45 Modern Deluxe (Compared to D-45 Standard)

New for 2022… the Martin D-45 Modern Deluxe with some new features and benefits! And, as a bonus, we're comparing it to the D-45 Standard. Do you think the subtle changes will make a big tone difference? Let us know what you think in the comments and thanks for watching!
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DESCRIPTION:
The D-45 Modern Deluxe is a new take on Martin Vintage. This guitar is packed with custom features and modern technology that you have to see, feel, and hear for yourself. The vintage appointments include a Sitka spruce VINTAGE TONE SYSTEM® (VTS) top, a dovetail neck joint, and natural protein glue construction, giving it the rich, fully aged Martin tone that has inspired generations. The look is unlike anything in our production line with European flamed maple binding (on the body, fingerboard, and headplate), stylish gold frets, gold open-gear tuners, and an ornate torch logo inlaid in pearl on the headstock. Some ultra-modern features include Liquidmetal® bridge pins with abalone dots and a composite carbon fiber bridgeplate that boosts volume, and a new neck shape that is slightly asymmetrical for maximum hand comfort up and down the fretboard. This guitar is anything but standard.
GUITAR SPECS:
Back & Side Wood: Indian Rosewood
Body Size: Dreadnought
Top Wood: Torrefied Sitka Spruce
Nut Width: 1 3/4"
Neck Shape: Vintage Deluxe
Bracing Pattern: Forward Shifted "X" Scalloped
Scale Length: 25.4"
String Spacing at Saddle: 2 5/32"
Pickup: Optional
Tuners: Gold Open-Geared w/ Butterbean Knobs
Case: Martin Hardshell
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[@JeffandLeslie]

In this comparison I liked the standard better. It sounded less brittle than the modern. However, by the time KZbin compression hits and played through my inexpensive ear buds it is hard to say which one really sounded better. There is always such a subtle nuance difference between different guitars, even different examples of the same series, it is something that has to be heard from in front of and behind the guitar in person.

[@swillis3987]

Impressive Martin guitars. Thanks Quinton and Paul! A real possibility with the next lottery win? However what impressed me most was that you took the time to respond to the viewer comments in the last review. Your response was both validating and appreciated. Next trip to Bozeman I look forward to Music Villa patronage and your future reviews!

[@khoahoanh930]

the D45 standard sounds balance to Me

[@martinkleinman2522]

It's like "what do you like better, a '68 Camaro or Firebird?" Both are powerhouse dreds. Maybe I'd go with the "standard" -- the one with the block inlays.

[@beverlymichael5830]

Give me the Standard. more of the Martin sound. The modern deluxe sounds to metal best I can describe.

[@johnwashburn3793]

The Standard simply made me think of Neil Young.

[@jt3483]

The standard is way way brighter sounding. I definitely prefer the modern deluxe. Has a thicker richer sound, but still retains highs. It sounds more like a Martin rosewood dread to me.

[@happy_days3820]

I compared both D45 MD and Taylor 914ce. I found the bass of D45 is way better than 914ce but the highs are similar to 914ce. I can also feel the quality control from Martin is a little bit drop down. I miss the old D45 with Brazilian rosewood and amazing handcraft from Martin.

[@localguy8]

I’ll take the standard but I don’t think my playing justifies the price of this beautiful instrument although I’ve always lust for one 🖖❤️☮️🎸😍

[@joshuahendrickson4854]

I preferred the guitar that was less bright. I'm totally blind, so couldn't tell which guitar was which because as the comparison was going on, neither Quintin or Paul didn't say, which guitar was the standard d45 and which the deluxe. However, I recently played a standard hd28 and a deluxe hd28. There was a big difference in those guitars. The deluxe hd28 sounded brighter because of the liquid metal bridge pins. The standard hd28 had a little more bass. I might change the bridge pins on my d18 from plastic to ebony.

[@paulssounds7129]

How will an already aged to sound 80 years old VTS top look/sound in 40/50 years?

[@philkinzer6486]

Could I ask what kind of thumb pick Quinton is using? Thanks!

[@stephensmith799]

The 45MD has slightly more bottom end thump… in a good way

[@marcreno893]

Very cool. I’ll never be able to afford either

[@sbolfing]

Beautiful guitars (either one) for when I win the Lottery!

[@Albatros3490]

I feel that the Modern Deluxe has a deeper sound and the standard a little brighter, but both are beautiful, greetings

[@texhaines9957]

Either one, but I do like the neck profile on the Modern Deluxe better. Now how do they sound compared to a D-28 Modern Deluxe? Thanks Quinton and

[@CaptainOfMyBurden82]

I’d love to see this comparison. My vote is for the MD

[@uvp5000]

The Modern Deluxe, with its Sitka VTS top, bridge pins, and plate changes, has a broader dynamic range, stronger bass, articulate mids, and highs, sounds better to me (clearly my preference).

[@sooparticular]

and the worst neck martin has ever made...so thin and plinky

[@uvp5000]

@@sooparticular I have not played a Modern Deluxe. I have a preference for a modified V neck. Perhaps one day, I'll see what everyone is talking about for myself, but I do believe what you stated.

[@sooparticular]

@@uvp5000 i have owned and played dozens of High end martins...I HATE THE MODERN DELUX...thin bright "taylor sound" and the necks are for 12 year old girls.

[@uvp5000]

@@sooparticular This just piqued my curiosity all the more. If I get to play one, your words will be forefront in my mind. This also illustrates why it is prudent to play an instrument before making the final decision to purchase the subject instrument. Thank you for your thoughts; I found the description of your experiences very informative.

[@sooparticular]

@@uvp5000 trust me...im a professional...if you like the classic Martin sound and feel...THIS AINT IT!!!!

[@thomasnettleton289]

I keep getting distracted by the Guild F-512 on the wall behind Paul. 😊

[@jamesfyffe2610]

Standard

[@Bri5150]

Today I ordered a D45 Modern Deluxe. I was told it will take a few days to get an ETA. I hope by Xmas, but I think it's going to be more like late spring. Who knows.

[@n8watkinz]

More boom in the Deluxe

[@norcalandrew]

The D-45 Modern Deluxe sounds the best. Wow.

[@shahidsarkar3620]

Both are beautiful.

[@shahidsarkar3620]

Both are great guitars

[@TMoody]

Doing this from Bozeman, MT seems almost sacrilege since the Gibson acoustic factory is right across the street.

[@sc12100]

Lol - “Sacrilege”? This channel has plenty of Gibson videos bud.

[@adamstewart247]

Standard is best...and I can tell you that because I own that one. The synthetic materials used on the Modern Deluxe series affect the tone negatively in my opinion. Carbon fiber/liquid metal etc. I felt the same about the OM28 Modern Deluxe. If you want artificial materials in your guitar buy a Taylor instead for that approach. Nothing sounds better than wood, bone/ivory and natural materials. Also the hexagon inlays just look way cooler

[@daverenick5830]

I have a modern deluxe and after trying a lot of guitars side by side I prefer the MD. The neck too has an easier profile and shoulders than the standard. But it's totally subjective to the player when it's in your hands. If my next guitar is a Martin and I can't afford a vintage, I'll get another MD.

[@maxwellfan55]

To me not a LOT of difference, more discernible when strummed where the DeLuxe has the edge on mids and bass. But boy, don't these two guitars look AND sound awesome? Only downside is having a strong enough voice when singing over the full, rich sound of these premium dreads. Thanks once again guys, just love these comparison videos.

[@jimmy5634]

And that could be the difference between any two you pick up. Do they sound $8-10 K awesome? Not to me they don’t.

[@maxwellfan55]

@@jimmy5634 Know what you mean. Yet $8-10K still a good price when compared to a very average car purchase, that's the way I see it. You also get that $10K thrill each time you open a case to admire and play these amazing instruments IMO. The buzz is very real especially when you know they'll always hold their value.

[@johnwashburn3793]

As far as "a strong enough voice, " Neil Young played a D45 forever. Just something to consider.

[@maxwellfan55]

@@johnwashburn3793 Agreed. Neil's got a fantastic vocal range. I was talking more about the more common open, un-amplified sessions where dreads like these can often overpower.

[@johnwashburn3793]

@@maxwellfan55 I totally understand. I have a D18GE that is very sweet and very powerful. I usually take something else to gig,but it is special.

[@thomasnettleton289]

The D-45 Standard has that classic 'Martin' sound. The Modern Deluxe was different - not bad, but different.

[@fdthevoice]

How much d 45? I like the sound, soothing n brighter

[@musicvilladotcom]

musicvilla.com/collections/martin

[@scame76]

Modern deluxe for me....

[@ericbitzer5247]

Both sound great, but the standard has the edge over the modern deluxe.

[@michaelenosmusic]

The MD sounds a little deeper.

[@mariodriessen9740]

Thank you.

[@tipp55]

I prefer the Standard. Even on my laptop, I think I hear a little more brightness and sparkle over the Deluxe. Still, both are stellar-sounding, just a slight difference. I'd be delighted with either of them.

[@dixie2141]

The Modern Deluxe is brighter, I think due to the carbon fiber bridge plate and deluxe bridge pins. They are both GREAT guitars. I have a 1999 D-45 and would love either 1 of these with the forward shifted bracing

[@Rossdink]

They sound identical for the most part

[@sooparticular]

im gonna send u my ear doctors number....

[@whimpypatrol5503]

All my total of 1 guitars have identical features.

[@robertshamansky1912]

The Standard for me

[@richurro20]

Sound the same to me. Might be a slight hair difference but nothing extreme.

[@dave7010]

Almost as good as Tracy Chapman. Revolution 👍

[@quintonking9960]

"Don't you know . . ." Exactly what popped into my head during the initial strumming part!

[@kenpark7427]

modern deluxe sounds a little msg(monosodium glutamate.) it means sounds loud and booming, more spectrum, but other hands, it sounds a little artificial not natural.

[@mikelevitt7365]

Standard. Modern Deluxe sounds compressed and lacks high mids and sparkle compared to the standard.

[@cripmeister9104]

I like the cheap one better

[@xsamitt]

The MD version has more airy ness ness!

[@MrMissingReel]

The prices are unreal....

[@ericcross7863]

Standard by a mile.

[@sooparticular]

yes easily!

[@sooparticular]

standard all the wayyyyyyyyyyy

[@daveross8879]

yeah na.. gimme the standard. Actually I'll take both

[@Lightening29576]

Too much money for the sound. I have the D-28 Modern Deluxe and think it's way better than the standard D-28 and I I think it compares nicely to the D-45. D-45 is nicer but the money is not fair trade. My MD D-28 is a long story involving the Covid shutdown but I bought the MD D-28 for less than the going cost of the Standard D-28. So yea I'm happy

[@rickschaffer25]

I think that the standard sounds better. Having said that...I wouldn't spend $9.5k on the standard (let alone $10.5k for the MD). There are better sounding and built boutique guitars out there for the same (or less) money. (Lowden, Bourgeois, etc.)

[@JayJay-nm9vm]

Did anyone else NOT hear a difference?

[@jimmy5634]

They went back to the steel truss rod because titanium was too expensive and it chewed into their profits. These guitars are so overpriced it’s ridiculous. $10 k for a Modern Deluxe…sure thing.

[@BobK5]

Carbon fibre truss rod or titanium they weren’t sure, but expensive oh yes, I agree that they’re ridiculously expensive for what they are 😫

[@wilhelmrogue1]

Give me a $3000.00 martin, sorry 10 grand is over the top

[@sooparticular]

i owned 4 3000dollar martins I agree U do not need to spend more..it becomes cosmetics after that

[@howardmakely2169]

The D-45 Modern Deluxe is NOT a D-45, period. Give it a different designation. The standard is a "D-45", sounds better to boot. shame on Martin.

[@likeza]

Martin 😂 giving you less and less and charging way too much.

[@mariodriessen9740]

Imagine these guitars sounding like crap.

[@sonnet9100]

Less talking!

[@sonnet9100]

20 seconds of comparison 10 minutes of jabber?

[@JonathanPierceBand]

You guys talk way too much

[@hillbillyslots1636]

Standard