C. F. Martin N-20 Classical Guitar (1991)
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C. F. Martin N-20 Model Classical Guitar (1991), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 506669, natural finish, Indian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, molded blue plastic hard shell case.
As far as many players and music fans are concerned the "N" in this model's name stands for "Nelson" as the N-20 is the model America's troubadour Willie Nelson chose in 1969 as his lifetime companion, in his case electrified with a Baldwin pickup. This is something of a fork in the road conceptually, as the N-20 was designed to appeal to primarily classical players, with a more traditional concert guitar look than previous nylon-string Martins. The guitar is based on the traditional European Torres pattern whereas earlier "classical" Martins had been more, well, "Martin-like". After its introduction in 1969 the N-20 sold fairly well at first then in decreasing numbers until finally being dropped from the line after 1992. A limited number of special edition "Willie Nelson Signature" models have appeared since.
This one was built in 1991, one of 24 made that next-to-last production year. Due to deterioration issues that sometimes plague Martin's finishes of that period the guitar was thoroughly reworked at the factory just recently. It was refinished and given a new bridge (the original is in the case) and so restored to essentially as-new condition. It is a very fine player with a deep warm sound; we would say in this case the factory refinish definitely improved the instrument as in the early 1990s Martin was using heavier less "vintage styled" finishes than they have more lately adopted. The factory re-work makes this N-10 a fairly unique piece, a combination of 30+ years of the wood ageing combined with the thinner, more organic finishes now in vogue.
Overall length is 39 in. (99.1 cm.), 14 in. (35.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 26 1/4 in. (667 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/4 in. (57 mm.).
This guitar's restoration was just completed at the Martin factory in May, and it presents as a 30+ year old "as new" instrument. The full work order is included, and the guitar shows virtually no subsequent wear. Playability is excellent and this is a pleasantly warm sounding guitar. An older molded Martin case is included, in solid shape but missing the nameplate from the lid. This n-20 is ready to go "On the Road Again", Baldwin Prismatone pickup and amp not included! Restored to Excellent Condition.
As far as many players and music fans are concerned the "N" in this model's name stands for "Nelson" as the N-20 is the model America's troubadour Willie Nelson chose in 1969 as his lifetime companion, in his case electrified with a Baldwin pickup. This is something of a fork in the road conceptually, as the N-20 was designed to appeal to primarily classical players, with a more traditional concert guitar look than previous nylon-string Martins. The guitar is based on the traditional European Torres pattern whereas earlier "classical" Martins had been more, well, "Martin-like". After its introduction in 1969 the N-20 sold fairly well at first then in decreasing numbers until finally being dropped from the line after 1992. A limited number of special edition "Willie Nelson Signature" models have appeared since.
This one was built in 1991, one of 24 made that next-to-last production year. Due to deterioration issues that sometimes plague Martin's finishes of that period the guitar was thoroughly reworked at the factory just recently. It was refinished and given a new bridge (the original is in the case) and so restored to essentially as-new condition. It is a very fine player with a deep warm sound; we would say in this case the factory refinish definitely improved the instrument as in the early 1990s Martin was using heavier less "vintage styled" finishes than they have more lately adopted. The factory re-work makes this N-10 a fairly unique piece, a combination of 30+ years of the wood ageing combined with the thinner, more organic finishes now in vogue.
Overall length is 39 in. (99.1 cm.), 14 in. (35.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 26 1/4 in. (667 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/4 in. (57 mm.).
This guitar's restoration was just completed at the Martin factory in May, and it presents as a 30+ year old "as new" instrument. The full work order is included, and the guitar shows virtually no subsequent wear. Playability is excellent and this is a pleasantly warm sounding guitar. An older molded Martin case is included, in solid shape but missing the nameplate from the lid. This n-20 is ready to go "On the Road Again", Baldwin Prismatone pickup and amp not included! Restored to Excellent Condition.