1976 martin 00-21- spruce & east indian rosewood

C.F. Martin & Co. has been building guitars in Nazareth, Pennsylvania since 1839, and the 00-21 — introduced in 1898 — represents one of the most enduring and distinctive instruments in its long catalogue. While most of Martin's line transitioned to 14-fret necks and solid headstocks in the early 1930s, the 00-21 maintained its 12-fret neck joint and slotted headstock through most of its production history, a quiet act of conservatism that turned out to be acoustic wisdom. The 12-fret geometry places the body join further up the neck, positioning the bridge closer to the acoustic center of the top and producing the bloom, warmth, and sustain that players associate with pre-war Martins. The shorter 24.9" scale reduces string tension and softens the feel. The wider nut — here the original 1 7/8" — gives the fretting hand room and string spacing that fingerstyle players in particular find indispensable.

The Style 21 designation is understated but correct: five-ply top binding, rosewood fingerboard and belly bridge with pearl dot inlays, rosewood headstock overlay, and three-on-a-plate open-gear chrome tuners. No abalone, no flashy inlays — just traditional appointments that let the tonewoods and construction speak. By 1976, Brazilian rosewood had been replaced by East Indian rosewood across Martin's line following the Brazilian export restrictions that began in 1969. The finest East Indian rosewood of this era is genuinely beautiful material — dense, resonant, and well-figured — and this example's back and sides are particularly attractive.

This guitar, Serial #388417, has already received a neck reset — one of the most common and most important maintenance procedures a vintage Martin will eventually require, and a job that, properly done, transforms the playability of the instrument. The work is complete: bass-side action at the 12th fret is approximately 2.4mm, with approximately 2mm of exposed saddle remaining — comfortable, well-set geometry with saddle height still to spare. There is no deferred maintenance here. The guitar is ready to play.

Highly original throughout: original tuners, fingerboard, nut, and saddle all intact. Includes the original Martin molded hardshell case.

Cosmetically, this is an honest vintage instrument that has been played and enjoyed. The spruce top shows scratches, small marks, and wear consistent with 50 years of use. The East Indian rosewood back and sides remain particularly attractive. Please see photographs for condition.

At half a century old, this 00-21 has fully opened up and found its voice — the kind of warm, balanced, articulate sound that makes vintage 12-fret Martins among the most requested guitars for fingerstyle playing and studio recording.