C. F. Martin N-20 Classical Guitar (1969)
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C. F. Martin N-20 Model Classical Guitar (1969), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 245734, natural lacquer finish, Indian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black 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 pairing was 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 1960s nylon-string Martins conceived more with folk players in mind. This 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 in ever-decreasing numbers until finally being dropped from the line after 1994. A limited number of special edition "Willie Nelson Signature" models have appeared since.
This extremely rare example is an original N-20 built in 1969, one of only 262 made that first full production year, added to the first 12 issued in 1968. This is of course the same year and specs as Willie Nelson's iconic road worn instrument used for a lifetime, which he affectionately named "Trigger" after Roy Rogers' horse. These pre-1970 exact-spec "Trigger" models are rare because the N-20 underwent a redesign in 1970 with several major changes. The spruce top is over beautifully figured Brazilian rosewood back and sides, a short lived appointment that ended during 1969. The 25.4" scale length and short slotted "Martin-style" headstock were changed as well.
This original 1969 N-20 a highly desirable piece for anyone looking for a "Trigger" of their own; the serial number places it slightly later in the year (probably by a month or two) than Nelson's guitar but the features are identical. Add your own Baldwin Prismatone pickup or play as it is; this is a lovely sweet-sounding guitar as it stands and a much sought-after piece in its own small niche of Martin world.
Overall length is 38 in. (96.5 cm.), 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 3/8 in. (645 mm.). Width of nut is 1 15/16 in. (49 mm.).
This guitar shows signs of light use over the past 55 years, with some light checking and small scuffs, dings and dents but no major wear. There are no cracks or notable repairs except the second back brace on the treble side has been reglued. There is a small shrinkage gap in the back binding just under the heel. The only alteration is a metal Gibson-style strap button added at the endpin spot. Playability is excellent and this is a pleasantly warm sounding guitar. The original Martin case is included in externally worn but structurally solid shape. This N-20 is the nicest Brazilian rosewood example we have seen, a splendid survivor ready to go "On the Road Again", Baldwin Prismatone pickup and amp not included! Overall 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 pairing was 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 1960s nylon-string Martins conceived more with folk players in mind. This 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 in ever-decreasing numbers until finally being dropped from the line after 1994. A limited number of special edition "Willie Nelson Signature" models have appeared since.
This extremely rare example is an original N-20 built in 1969, one of only 262 made that first full production year, added to the first 12 issued in 1968. This is of course the same year and specs as Willie Nelson's iconic road worn instrument used for a lifetime, which he affectionately named "Trigger" after Roy Rogers' horse. These pre-1970 exact-spec "Trigger" models are rare because the N-20 underwent a redesign in 1970 with several major changes. The spruce top is over beautifully figured Brazilian rosewood back and sides, a short lived appointment that ended during 1969. The 25.4" scale length and short slotted "Martin-style" headstock were changed as well.
This original 1969 N-20 a highly desirable piece for anyone looking for a "Trigger" of their own; the serial number places it slightly later in the year (probably by a month or two) than Nelson's guitar but the features are identical. Add your own Baldwin Prismatone pickup or play as it is; this is a lovely sweet-sounding guitar as it stands and a much sought-after piece in its own small niche of Martin world.
Overall length is 38 in. (96.5 cm.), 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 3/8 in. (645 mm.). Width of nut is 1 15/16 in. (49 mm.).
This guitar shows signs of light use over the past 55 years, with some light checking and small scuffs, dings and dents but no major wear. There are no cracks or notable repairs except the second back brace on the treble side has been reglued. There is a small shrinkage gap in the back binding just under the heel. The only alteration is a metal Gibson-style strap button added at the endpin spot. Playability is excellent and this is a pleasantly warm sounding guitar. The original Martin case is included in externally worn but structurally solid shape. This N-20 is the nicest Brazilian rosewood example we have seen, a splendid survivor ready to go "On the Road Again", Baldwin Prismatone pickup and amp not included! Overall Excellent - Condition.