1970 Martin D-12-20 Natural

If you’ve ever wanted to add the power of a 12-string to your gig list or repertoire, here may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. The Martin D-12-20 was made from 1964 to 1991 (when its last MSRP was $2,480—thirty-two years ago!). This guitar’s serial number (259749) indicates it was made in 1970, after Martin had changed the original tortoise pick guard to the classic black Martin teardrop design seen here.

When you read the almost reverent reviews of D-12-20s on Harmony Central or the many other websites (just Google “Martin D-12-20”), you’ll see why this model has attained almost legendary status. As one reviewer said, “It’s like holding an orchestra in my hands!” This guitar is an excellent example of the classic Martin D-18 dreadnought design, but with rounded shoulders, a slotted headstock, and only 12 frets to the body. It has tremendous versatility, as you can play it hard for its booming bass, or you can play it softly for the delicacy of a harpsichord.

There is abundant evidence of Martin’s high quality in this 12-string’s solid spruce top and beautiful solid mahogany sides, neck, and back. The D-12-20 has a multi-stripe rosette, a fully bound body, and a 12/19-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay. The mahogany slotted headstock is accented by the vintage-style open tuners, while the rosewood bridge and white black-dot bridge pins reflecting the tortoise teardrop pick guard and black binding outer layer are all Martin trademarks. While the D-12-20 does not feature a lot of fancy inlays and such, check out the pictures: this is one impressive-looking guitar!

It is also in excellent playing condition, considering its fifty years of playing music. There is a single 4” finish or grain crack in the back lower bout which my luthier has certified as solid, some finish crazing in the top (“to let the sound out” as my luthier says), and a few incidental dings and bruises, but on the whole it looks and plays like a well-cared-for 10-year-old guitar. There are two modifications: the bass six-on-a-strip vintage tuners work fine but are somehow reversed so they turn opposite the usual direction; and there is a hole neatly added to the treble lower bout side where apparently a jack was installed but removed.

Unlike most vintage Martin 12-strings, the action is quite comfortable at 4/32” at the 12th fret low E—good for any 12-string. Further, the bridge is solid, the top is flat, and the tuners work fine. And of course, the sound is excellent! Fifty years of seasoning does great things for tonewoods—especially when you start with the quality woods Martin used to create this guitar!

The non-original hard shell case is structurally perfect: the hardware all works, the plush interior is clean and fits this guitar like the proverbial glove; the handle is home-made but solid. While there are a few dings and some tears around the bottom edges, it certainly provides outstanding protection for this valuable instrument. This will be a good thing: everybody will want to play this 12-string, and you will not want anybody to touch this guitar without asking!

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashier’s checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have made every effort to describe and illustrate this vintage guitar and its case with scrupulous accuracy. Its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before offering to purchase it.

Thank you for your interest in this classic Martin guitar.