000-45S Iris DeMent

[RTR]

I am new here, forgive me if this has been discussed recently.

I am curious about the lovely Martin played by Iris DeMent, featured in a lot of her photos and on youTube. Iris told me it is a 000-45S, and I think fairly recent vintage. I can find no reference, on Martin information. It is not like the Stephen Stills model, but has a non-slotted head. It looks exactly like a D-45, but in a 000 shape. How rare is this guitar? Is it a one off custom order?

[jwsamuel]

The only 000-45S I can find any reference to is the Stephen Stills model that is no longer an active model.

Stephen Stills 000-45S

There were seven made in 2004 and 84 made in 2005.


I just did some more looking and found that there was a 12-fret 000-45S made in 1974-1976. There were a total of 11 made. However, that was also a slothead.

1974 Martin 000-45S

According to Martin's naming system, the "S" designation means it is a 12-fret to the body guitar. I have found some photos of her playing a Martin 000 45-style guitar and the one in the photos is a paddle head and appears to be a 14-fret guitar. So, that would mean it is not an 000-45S. I have also found photos of her playing a Collings, an Gibson and what appears to be a regular old Martin 000-18.

Jim

[RTR]

In his Martin history, Mike Longworth mentions that the S designation for some early D models, as all other Martins could mean any custom modification, pickguard, name on fingerboard etc., the S standing for Special.

It is definitely a 14 fret, 000 size and has the modern 45 pattern position markers. That was why I was thinking it was a special custom order. I regret not getting more details from her, but she was rushed.

Iris does use other guitars for touring, presumably because this model is too valuable for that purpose, I don't blame her.

[jackiebrown]

I would take this question to the Martin forum were I you. I'd be stunned if you didn't have an answer within the hour. www.umgf.com.

[jwsamuel]

Originally Posted by RTR

In his Martin history, Mike Longworth mentions that the S designation for some early D models, as all other Martins could mean any custom modification, pickguard, name on fingerboard etc., the S standing for Special.

That may have been true with the earliest dreadnought models, but since Martin established the current naming conventions, the S means 12 frets to the body.

Martin Naming

Jim

[RTR]

I found the topic well covered a year ago on the Martin forum. The consensus, which I go along with, is that it is a OM-45. These were reintroduced in 1977 and early ones were called SOM-45. The overall size and shape is essentially the same as a 000. Picures compare closely to Iris's guitar, and the timeing is about right.
I no doubt misunderstood what she said, as I was pretty mesmerized to actually meet her. She seems to be a very reclusive entertainer, but was happy to talk about the guitar.
Anyway a great looking and sounding instrument.