C. F. Martin D-12-20 12 String Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1967)
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C. F. Martin D-12-20 Model 12 String Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1967), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 219283, natural lacquer finish, mahogany back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, black hard shell case.
This is an original 1960s example of Martin's first production 12-string, the D-12-20. The model was launched in 1964, when Martin could no longer ignore the popular demand for 12-strings, something they had previously been reluctant to build. The D-12-20 was the result, basically a 12-fret D-18S with 12 strings braced rather more heavily for the extra tension as would be expected. It has features typically associated with Martin's Style 18; a spruce top, mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The model sports a slightly fancier backstrip presumably meriting the "Style 20" designation. 1076 of these were sold in 1967, a decent total for Martin at the time.
This early 1967 example is from "the last great year" for the model. This is a much lighter and more responsive guitar than the common 1970s 12-strings, which are more heavily built with the heavier rosewood bridge plate that arrived in 1968. It is also fitted with lighter openback Waverly strip tuners instead of the heavy cast "box" Grover Slimline pegs Martin later used, with better handling and balance as a result. This Martin 12-string has a smooth ringing sound, with more depth than some 12-strings but plenty of clarity on top. This 1967 D-12-20 has some wear but plays and sounds great and is overall nicely preserved for its nearly 60 years on the planet.
Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 cm.), 15 5/8 in. (39.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/8 in. (48 mm.).
For being well over half a century old this D-12-20 has been kept in very solid shape, with some light typical play wear and a few common maintenance repairs. The original lacquer finish shows checking mostly on the top, with small dings and dents and one larger area of pick wear through the finish in the usual spot behind and below the pickguard. The back and sides are relatively clean showing some small dings, scratches and nicks here and there.
The neck has been very cleanly reset, the original frets are intact showing very little wear, though the fingerboard has light divots in the first position. The nut appears to be a very nicely done replacement. A strap button that was previously installed on the heel has been removed and the hole plugged.
The guitar remains crack-free. Internally all of the braces and the original maple bridge plate are intact; first three back braces have been recently reglued. The original rosewood bridge was reglued and looks like it was lowered a bit long ago. The action is very supple for a Martin 12 string, and this is as good a playing and sounding one of these as we have had. It resides in a later light-gauge hardshell case with a somewhat funky but functional handle repair. Overall Excellent - Condition.
This is an original 1960s example of Martin's first production 12-string, the D-12-20. The model was launched in 1964, when Martin could no longer ignore the popular demand for 12-strings, something they had previously been reluctant to build. The D-12-20 was the result, basically a 12-fret D-18S with 12 strings braced rather more heavily for the extra tension as would be expected. It has features typically associated with Martin's Style 18; a spruce top, mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The model sports a slightly fancier backstrip presumably meriting the "Style 20" designation. 1076 of these were sold in 1967, a decent total for Martin at the time.
This early 1967 example is from "the last great year" for the model. This is a much lighter and more responsive guitar than the common 1970s 12-strings, which are more heavily built with the heavier rosewood bridge plate that arrived in 1968. It is also fitted with lighter openback Waverly strip tuners instead of the heavy cast "box" Grover Slimline pegs Martin later used, with better handling and balance as a result. This Martin 12-string has a smooth ringing sound, with more depth than some 12-strings but plenty of clarity on top. This 1967 D-12-20 has some wear but plays and sounds great and is overall nicely preserved for its nearly 60 years on the planet.
Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 cm.), 15 5/8 in. (39.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/8 in. (48 mm.).
For being well over half a century old this D-12-20 has been kept in very solid shape, with some light typical play wear and a few common maintenance repairs. The original lacquer finish shows checking mostly on the top, with small dings and dents and one larger area of pick wear through the finish in the usual spot behind and below the pickguard. The back and sides are relatively clean showing some small dings, scratches and nicks here and there.
The neck has been very cleanly reset, the original frets are intact showing very little wear, though the fingerboard has light divots in the first position. The nut appears to be a very nicely done replacement. A strap button that was previously installed on the heel has been removed and the hole plugged.
The guitar remains crack-free. Internally all of the braces and the original maple bridge plate are intact; first three back braces have been recently reglued. The original rosewood bridge was reglued and looks like it was lowered a bit long ago. The action is very supple for a Martin 12 string, and this is as good a playing and sounding one of these as we have had. It resides in a later light-gauge hardshell case with a somewhat funky but functional handle repair. Overall Excellent - Condition.